Let’s dig into all the fall maintenance tips that truck drivers should consider.
We’re already enjoying the lovely fall weather we’ve been getting, but as with all changes in seasons, there are some responsibilities that come with that as well. For truck drivers, that means thinking about truck maintenance. You want to make sure you take care of any truck maintenance tasks before the weather gets too cold, so now’s the perfect time.
Thankfully, we have some maintenance tips for fall, made with truck drivers like you in mind. This will keep your truck running smoothly, save you money in the long term, keep you safer, and even improve your vehicle’s trade-in value! Let’s dig into all the fall maintenance tips that truck drivers should consider.
Check Your Battery
If your truck’s battery is older than 4 years of service, you should consider checking it or even replacing it. That’s because older batteries often struggle to perform in colder weather, and since winter is coming up, you should do something about it now. You definitely don’t want to be stuck in the shivering cold without a functioning truck battery.
Check Filters/Coolants/Hoses
Make sure that any filters (including air, gas, and oil filters) are in good condition. You also want to check your coolant and thermostat to make sure that your engine is warming up properly. Your heater and defroster should be in good condition as well. If there are any leaking or even just soft hoses, you should replace them. Lastly, check to see that any belts are still tightly fit and aren’t showing noticeable signs of wear.
Check Tire Pressure
Check your tires to see that they’re properly inflated and aren’t worn out too much. Make sure you don’t over or underinflate them either—too much pressure will leave you without enough traction once the roads get icy, and too low of pressure makes tires wear out quicker and burns through your fuel faster.
Check Your Brakes
You’re going to want to ensure your brakes are in good condition before snow starts falling. That means checking the five main brake components to see if they need to be replaced, including brake pads, calipers, the master cylinder, lines, and rotors. Avoiding repairing your brakes can be incredibly dangerous, as all truck drivers are aware! Don’t put this off because in addition to it being a safety issue, you can also end up damaging your rotors which will be a costly repair in itself.
Baltimore Freightliner-Western Star for all Your Trucking Needs!
Whether you are looking to upgrade your fleet to tow trucks or are simply interested in the latest trucking technology, you can rely on Baltimore Freightliner-Western Star. We have provided top-notch service for the trucking industry for 30 years and would love to assist you in buying a new top-of-the-line truck, finding the specialty parts you need, or repairing your truck. Give us a call toll-free at 800-832-7278 or locally at 410-685-4474, or contact us online. To find out more about what we are up to, follow us on Facebook, Twitter, and Pinterest.
Tags: safety, truck maintenance, trucking basics