Category: Mini Trucks

You can fix the AC failure at by yourself, but if you are not able to, knowing the possible causes of why AC could fail, it could be harder fixing it.

Common Reasons Why AC Could Fail in Your Truck

The air conditioning system in a truck provides the best temperature for those in the truck’s cabin. When turned on, it warms the vehicle in cold weather, and when turned on in hot weather, it provides cool air. It creates a conducive environment for those in the cabin of the truck. The failure of the AC system is a common problem, especially AC on old trucks. You can fix the AC failure at by yourself, but if you are not able to, knowing the possible causes of why AC could fail, is very important.

Common Reasons Why AC Could Fail in Your Truck

When the AC system breaks, you will hear funny sounds and bad smells from your mini truck. Let us analyse some of the reasons for AC failure.

Weak Airflow

When you turn on your AC and realize a weak airflow, you should repair your AC system as soon as possible. The inadequate airflow can be due to blockages on the refrigerant hose, a broken condenser, blower motor, or broken fuses or switches. Weak airflow may require minor or major repairs.

Dead AC

Sometimes you will switch on your AC and realize that nothing is happening to the temperature in your cabin. It can be a result of the compressor clutch failing to move. The compressor clutch coordinates the pulley to engage or disengage the engine power to make the compressor turn what it should turn. But when the clutch is not in good condition, the compressor will likely not receive power from the engine.

When the AC Produces a Burning Smell

If you turn on your AC and it produces a sound like something is burning, there is a problem with the wiring, and they might be burnt. The burnt wire will make your truck’s AC not effectively function. You will have to do new wiring to rectify this.

The AC Starts Blowing Cool Air, then Suddenly Blows Warm Air.

When the refrigerant is blocked due to a clogged expansion valve, the AC will feed cold air, but with time it will start bringing warm air. Sometimes you might switch on your AC, which will begin by serving you cold air but changes and starts to get warm air. A broken compressor clutch might cause this; another possible cause is a blown a fuse. 

The water inside Your Truck

After driving for a long distance with the AC on, you will see water under your mini truck, which shows a healthy air conditioning system. The hose blockages prevent condensed water from flowing outside your mini truck. If you see water inside your truck, it results from water condensing and not flowing out instead of getting logged inside the vehicle. Water in the cabin of your truck signals a severe problem with the air-conditioning system, which you should address as soon as possible. 

Conclusion

Your AC system might malfunction due to some of the reasons mentioned above. It is necessary to ensure that your AC runs perfectly because you never know when and when you might need its services.

How Dependable is a 4WD Mini Truck?

How Dependable is a 4WD Mini Truck?

Mini trucks are standard Japanese small trucks that serve most middle class citizens. The Kei trucks perform several duties as much as they have a smaller engine capacity. The first Kei trucks to hit the markets were mainly two-wheel drive mini trucks. Later, the two wheels drive mini trucks were realized not to be that efficient. The manufacturers started considering producing two- and four-wheel drive versions to choose from. How dependable is a 4WD mini truck? The 4-wheel drive mini trucks are more dependable than the 2-wheel drive mini truck.

How Dependable is a 4WD Mini Truck?

The difference between the two is their performance and market price. However, if you have limited resources, you can buy a two-wheel drive and convert it to a four-wheel drive with time. This article thus concentrates on some of the benefits of a four-wheel drive mini truck.

Benefits of a Four-Wheel Drive Mini Truck

Before looking at the benefits of the 4-wheel drive mini trucks, it is necessary to ask, what is a 4-wheel drive vehicle? These are vehicles with the ability to transmit engine power to all the wheels. Initially, only the military vehicles produced four-wheel drive vehicles. After the second World War, these vehicles started to come to the market for civilians. 

More Traction Control

4-wheel drive vehicle has more traction as you drive on slippery surfaces and ice. The traction control enables the driver to control the mini truck despite the nature of the driving surface, making both the driver and the passenger safe. Reasonable traction control is enhanced by the tires your mini truck is running on. With the four-wheel drive mini truck, you do not have to worry about weather changes when on bad drive terrains. 

You Can Travel Anywhere

4-wheel mini trucks will take you anywhere and bring you home safely. You can drive a four-wheel mini truck in the snow, rocky paths, and muddy forests, but it will not get stuck. The winter weather will not limit such kind of truck; instead, it will serve you as usual. 

Two Main Settings to Choose from

The 4-wheel drive mini truck has both high and low gears to choose from. Depending on your driving condition, you can switch on the four-high or the 4-low gear. The four-high gears come in handy if you are driving on a highway covered with snow and wet. Such gears are also necessary when driving on rocky terrains and muddy surfaces. The four-low comes in handy when you are driving on steeply inclined surfaces as well as through water. Such places require slow driving, and the four-low produces high torque.

Better Towing

The 4-wheel drive mini trucks will tow better than the 2-wheel drive mini trucks. The power from the engine is equally transmitted to all the wheels making the four-wheel drive mini trucks have more power to tow heavy loads. 

Conclusion

It is possible to convert a two-wheel into a 4-wheel drive mini truck. You can depend on the 4-wheel mini truck for any use in any terrain. Besides, the 4-wheel mini trucks are more fun and safe than the two-wheel drive versions. This guide has highlighted why you can depend on a four-wheel mini truck.

When there is an issue of manual transmission being hard to shift gears, it can be related to either a problem with the clutch or the transmission system.

Causes of a Truck Manual Transmission Being Hard to Shift

Manual transmission is standard in trucks, and this type of transmission requires the driver to change gears. How do they do this? Such kind of vehicle has a gear lever and a clutch. Whenever these vehicles demand a gear change, the driver will feel the change in the engine’s sound. They have to step on the clutch pedal, which disconnects the drive and the driven shaft then it is given the required gear. Driving a manual transmission is enjoyable and quite engaging. When there is an issue of manual transmission being hard to shift gears, it can be related to either a problem with the clutch or the transmission system. The manual transmission might sometimes develop problems that make it difficult to shift. Sometimes the gears of your truck might become hard to shift when it is cold. The common cause of this is low temperatures which thicken the oil. To sort this, you can change the oil brand and use a less dense one. 

Causes of Manual Transmission Being Hard to Shift

The transmission of your truck might suddenly or gradually become hard to shift. It might result from any of the below causes.

Problem with the Clutch System

The clutch system connects and disconnects the drive and the driven shaft to make it easy for you to change gears. When the master cylinder is damaged, there will be no coordination when you step on the clutch pedal, and the power still will be transmitted from the engine to the driven shaft, and the gears will be hard to shift. 

Damaged Synchronizer Ring

The synchronizer ring plays the role of facilitating the process of engaging gears. This ring has teeth that aid it in effectively performing its functions. When the synchronizer ring gets damaged, it becomes hard to shift transmission.

Worn Out Gear Teeth

The gear has both small and big teeth. The combination of the two makes the system function effectively. The tiny teeth do the role of acknowledging the engagement between the hub sleeve and the synchronizer ring. Worn-out small teeth make it hard to shift the transmission. 

The big teeth engage the spinning counter gear, which sends the transmission to the output shaft. The transmission will make noise when the big teeth are faulty, resulting in hard shifting.

Inadequate Gear Oil

The gear oil lubricates the gears in the manual transmission gearbox. When its quantity reduces, you will hear noises coming from your gearbox. The gearbox generates a lot of heat; therefore, the gear oil should be very thick to function effectively under such extreme temperatures. Leakages might reduce the quantity of the gear oil, and when the amount of gear oil reduces, it won’t be easy to shift the gears. 

Conclusion

Sometimes the manual transmission of a truck might become hard to shift due to the above reasons. The causes of a hard gear revolve around the clutch system and the gearbox because these are two integral parts of your truck. If shifting your gears becomes difficult, seek a mechanical check-up as soon as possible.

Mini Truck Air Conditioner Issues

Troubleshooting Mini Truck Air Conditioner Issues

Imagine driving your mini truck for long on a hot day, you have just turned on the AC, but it isn’t working. It is the most frustrating moment behind the wheels. This article shall focus on troubleshooting mini truck air conditioner issues and how to fix them. It is effortless to realize that your AC is not functional, and your mini truck will give you the following signs.

  1. When you turn it on to blow cool air, it blows hot air.
  2. The pressure at which the air comes in will be low.
  3. You will feel a bad smell in your mini truck.
  4. You can also hear weird sounds.

Troubleshooting Mini Truck Air Conditioner Issues

Here are some of the mini truck problems that you are likely to face with air conditioning and how to go about fixing them.

Causes of AC Failure

Before your AC fails, it will send warnings to you. Previously we have seen some signs that your AC has started to malfunction. The above symptoms result from the three common causes discussed below.

Leakages on the Refrigerant

The refrigerant cools hot air in the ac system by absorbing heat from the hot air to leave only cool air in the system. There are tubes that this air moves through as they undergo heat change. Such pipes might develop problems and leak. The leakage might result from corrosion as well as improper installation. Leaking refrigerant will not effectively cool the air, and the AC will give you hot air instead of cold. 

Overstrained Compressor

Water, dirt, or oil particles are impurities that can contaminate the AC system. The compressor plays the role of processing gases only. If such contaminants are in the system, it is likely to overstrain and malfunction. A damaged compressor will not circulate the cool air from the refrigerant; as a result, you will receive hot air when you put on your AC.

Blockage on the Condenser

The condenser performs the role of converting gases into a liquid to facilitate the process of air cooling. The condenser has coils in which impurities might build up with time. Accumulated impurities make the condenser block. Therefore, it will not perform the function of converting hot air into liquid.

How to Fix Your AC

If your air conditioner fails because of any of the above issues, here is how to solve them.

Inspect the Causes of Leakages. The presence of liquid under your mini truck indicates a leaking refrigerant. Always inspect your hoses and make necessary adjustments if you note they are loose.

Regularly Charge your AC. You can do this by locating where the low-pressure valve is and opening it. Do not overcharge the AC; it is necessary to do it with the help of a mechanic.

Inspect whether there is Debris. Do a regular check and remove any debris building up on the AC system.

Conclusion

Always keep your mini truck’s air conditioning system is in good condition by conducting a regular check and maintenance. Doing this will increase the productivity of your mini truck, and it will save you from the shame of a malfunctioned AC system when driving over a long distance in hot weather.

Mini Truck Gearbox Problems

How to Troubleshoot Mini Truck Gearbox Problems

The demand and use of mini trucks are growing throughout the entire world. The use of these small trucks started in Japan, but now you will find them on various roads worldwide. The market demand for mini trucks is because they are reliable and robust. It is common to experience gearbox issues with a mini truck. What is a gearbox? It is a box that houses various gears responsible for transferring energy from the engine to the wheels. It regulates the speed and torque of your mini truck. Mini trucks, like other vehicles, develop issues, especially after loyally serving the owner for a certain period. This guide focuses on the common mini truck gearbox problems and how to fix them. 

Common Mini Truck Gearbox Problems and How they are Fixed

The definition has enlightened us on what a gearbox is and its role. Let us now look at some of the problems associated with the gearbox and how you can solve them. 

Filter Congestion

The filter plays the role of removing impurities from the oil that lubricates the gearbox. As the filter prevents the contaminants in the oil from reaching delicate parts of the gearbox, the contaminants congest and clog the filter, becoming less effective with time. You can solve this by buying and fixing a new filter.

Burning Smell

When your gearbox has a problem, your mini truck will produce a burning smell when moving due to overheating transmission fluid. The transmission fluid becomes hot as it conducts heat from the friction in the gearbox. When the temperature of oil increases, you will feel a burning smell in your mini truck. To solve this, you must buy an appropriate transmission for your mini truck and refill it to lubricate the entire gearbox.

Slipping Gears

If you realize that your mini truck cannot hold gears and goes to neutral whenever you engage gear is an indication that the gearbox is having a problem. Slipping gears can result from broken shift lock, worn-out bearing retainers, and a faulty gearbox. To solve this, take your mini truck for a mechanical check-up and repair all the defective parts.

  1. Hard Gear Shifting
  2. Hard gear shifting results from any of the following.
  3. Faulty gear teeth
  4. Faulty main shaft splines

To solve this, take your mini truck to the nearest mechanic to repair and replace the damaged gearbox parts.

Noise when Shifting Gears

When shifting your gears, your mini truck might produce funny noise from the gearbox or shake. When the levels of oil in the gearbox reduce as a result of leakages might result in noise when shifting gears. You will likely experience this problem when you press the clutch pedal. It requires immediate replacement of faulty gearbox parts.

Conclusion

The gearbox is a complex system in your mini truck. The gearbox plays a significant role in controlling the torque and power transmitted to the wheels. Fixing problems, such as hard shifting requires a professional mechanic. Whenever your gearbox shows any of the above behaviors, consider taking it for a mechanical check-up and fixing it before things get out of control.

Rear-End Gear Ratio

Rear-End Gear Ratio and How To Calculate It

The rear-end gear ratio is obtained by determining the relationship between two gears: the driven gear (ring) and the drive gear (pinion). To calculate the rear-end gear ratio, you need to divide the driven gear tooth count by the drive gear tooth count. To do this math accurately, you must know the number of teeth the driven and the drive gear. For example, if ring gear has 41 teeth and the pinion gear has 10, then the rear end gear ratio is 4.10:1. This means that whenever the ring gear makes a single rotation, the pinion will make 4.10 rotations.

The rear-end gears can be equated to mechanical levers that offer mechanical leverage for multiplying the torque. Therefore, this facilitates the movement of the power from the engine to the wheels of your truck. Higher the gear ratio provides more leverage to facilitate the acceleration of your mini truck. Such gear ratios are known as the “lower” or “deeper” gears. When the gears ratio drops, the gear set will offer lesser mechanical leverage because it becomes taller. 

This illustration explains how the rear gear end works in a truck. The relationship between these gears is similar to fixing a tire using a socket wrench versus using a long beaker bar. You will use more force when using the small socket wrench (tall gears). Consequently, you also use minimum force when using long beaker bar (deep gears).

Calculating the Rear End Gear Ratio

The drive gear is the first gear attached to the motor shaft, and the driven gear is attached to the load shaft gear. Have the following to calculate a correct gear ratio for your mini truck.

  1. Get the ring and pinion and count the number of teeth each has. You will realize that the two have a different number of teeth. The experts will refer to the one with many teeth as gear while the one with fewer teeth as the pinion.
  2. After obtaining the number of teeth, each has, divide the number of teeth the driven gear has by the number of teeth the drive gear has, for example, 28/21 or 4:3

Low gear ratio is a term used to refer to a high numerical gear ratio. While a lower numerical ratio is referred to as higher gear. The low gears are suitable for small engines because they facilitate faster acceleration. On the other hand, the higher gears are suitable for powerful engines because they cause higher top speed and provide better cruising.

 The above ratio shows that when the driven gear rotates once, the drive gear will rotate 1.3 times.

If you are thinking of changing your gear ratio, think of the factors that impact the gear ratio below.

  1. The torque converter stalls speed.
  2. The type of transmission narrows down each gear ratio.
  3. Your truck’s tire diameter. 

Conclusion

Knowing how to calculate the appropriate gear ratio will help you understand relationship between the driving and the driven gear. This is in terms of the number of teeth each has and rotations they make to generate power for rotations.

Pros and Cons of Diesel Engine Truck

Pros and Cons of Diesel Engine Truck

The automotive world is moving from internal combustion engines to electric vehicles. The electric migration might kill the internal combustion vehicles. In the current electric inversion, anybody buying a diesel-powered truck seems to be headed south as everyone goes north. Many large, medium, and small trucks have been running on diesel-powered engines to give them more power to tow heavy loads. Do you consider buying a diesel-powered truck? Let’s examine some pros and cons of diesel engine truck.

Pros and Cons of Diesel Engine Truck

PRO: Increased Mileage

The diesel-powered engines offer more mileage compared to gasoline-powered engines. The diesel engine will cover a long distance on a single full fuel tank, making it more economical than gasoline-hybrid trucks.

CON: Increasing Diesel Cost

The price of diesel is on the rise. Initially, diesel used to be cheap compared to gasoline, but now their prices are almost the same. The gradual increase in the price of diesel is due to the higher demand and increase in the number of diesel vehicles worldwide.

PRO: Diesel fuel is Economical

The diesel-powered trucks are fuel efficient as compared to those using gasoline. Diesel fuel is more energetic and dense. Diesel trucks use direct fuel injection because of the high density of diesel; this makes them use less fuel than gasoline-powered trucks with a direct injection system.

Yet another reason diesel fuel is economical on trucks is that the heat that comes out when it is burning is not sent to the tailpipe; instead, it is converted into energy.

CON: Diesel-powered Trucks are Slower

The conversion of heat from the combustion chamber into energy makes diesel-powered trucks perform slowly in terms of speed. However, in gasoline engines, the heat from the combustion chamber is directly sent to the tailpipe, making gasoline engines very fast in speed. In contrast, diesel-powered engines are powerful and slow, making them the best option for tedious hard work.

PRO: Diesel-powered engines do not have spark plugs

Spark plugs produce sparks in the cylinder to burn the mixture of air and gasoline. Diesel engines do not have spark plugs since the compression stroke generates high temperature while compressing air. But this high temperature is what ignites diesel fuel. Using a diesel truck, you will forget about replacing worn-out spark plugs.

CON: Diesel-powered trucks require regular servicing and maintenance

Once you own a diesel-powered truck, you will have to keep changing oil, air, and fuel filters; this will help keep your engine power for a more extended period. However, modern diesel trucks have water separators that you must empty manually, unlike when you have excess bleed water from the system.

Conclusion

Diesel technology is dynamic and undergoing many improvements because the government advocates less emission diesel engines for trucks, buses, and other farm machines like tractors. However, diesel trucks have more torque and durable engines than petrol engine trucks. Government demands have led to the production of low sulphur diesel fuel and the invention of special catalytic converters with more advanced filters to reduce the release of toxic emissions into the environment.

Choosing the Right Axle Ratio for Your Mini Truck

Choosing the Right Axle Ratio for Your Mini Truck

The power from the engine of your mini truck is transmitted to the wheels through the drive and the driven shafts. The two shafts are responsible for ensuring that the power from the engine facilitates the rotation of the wheels. The two shafts rotate at different speeds; one rotates faster, and the other rotates slowly. What is the axle ratio? The axel ratio refers to the number of revolutions the driveshaft makes for the rear axle to make a single turn. It is easy to define the axel ratio because we have a brief knowledge of the shafts, which facilitates the rotation of the wheels. Choosing the right axle ratio for your mini truck is very important. The transmission and the differentials of your mini truck have gears that perform a similar task of different sizes. The differential gears receive the rotational force of the driveshaft and transfer it to the rear wheels through the axles. 

Choosing the Right Axle Ratio for Your Mini Truck

Here are considerations and things to keep in mind when choosing the right axle ratio for your Japanes emini truck.

The Right Axle Ratio 

The right axle ratio for your mini truck depends on the nature of work your mini truck performs. The axle ratio comes in handy when using your mini truck for towing in terms of general fuel economy and performance.

Fuel Economy

When shopping for a mini truck with the best fuel economy, think of the axle ratio as the quantity of fuel the mini truck will burn while moving on the highways at high speed. For example, a mini truck with an axle ratio of 3.31 will consume less fuel than one with an axle ratio of 3.55. The 3.31 ratio keeps the engine’s rpm low compared to the 3.55 ratio. The 3.55 ratio will have the best mpg at highway speeds compared to the 3.31 ratio.

Performance

A mini truck with a higher axle ratio moves faster compared to the one with less axle ratio. When the mini truck accelerates faster, it will make more revolutions per second. For example, a mini truck with an axle ratio of 3.55:1 is faster than one with a 3.31 axle ratio. Similar to this, a mini truck with a 3.73 axle ratio moves faster than that with a 3.55 axle ratio. The acceleration rate remains constant whether the mini truck is loaded or empty. 

Good Towing Ratio

Towing needs good power which comes from acceleration and a good axle ratio for towing for mini trucks made after the year 2010 ranges between 3.55 and 3.73. The axle ratio here makes the mini truck accelerate better and increases its ability to tow. A higher ratio will give your mini truck more revolutions per minute.

A Better MPG Ratio

When you need a mini truck with a good fuel economy, consider one with a lower MPG ratio, such as 3.08, 3.23, and 3.31. Such ratios will provide fuel economy for both city and highway driving. 

Conclusion

The right axle ratio will affect the rate at which your mini truck consumes fuel, generate power for towing, and the general performance of your mini truck. When choosing the right axle ratio, consider the daily activities your mini truck performs.

You can cut your insurance bills by half if you know the right way. Let us look at some tips you can use to cut down insurance cost for your truck.

3 Tips To Cut Down Insurance Cost For Your Truck

Inflation is causing the cost of living to go high daily. People are forced to look for alternative means of cutting their expenses. It is difficult to avoid using your truck as much as their expenses are rising daily, but reducing such expenses is possible. There are some expenses you can reduce for your truck, and this is insurance. You can cut your insurance bills by half if you know the right way. Let us look at some tips you can use to cut down insurance cost for your truck.

3 Tips To Cut Down Insurance Cost For Your Truck

Here are the 3 things that could help you cut down on those high insurance costs.

In Case You do Not Know Defensive Driving, Consider Training Yourself

Defensive driving is the practice in which drivers reduce the risks associated with driving. Such techniques reduce vehicle collision and the general cost of maintaining your truck. Insurance companies offer discounted policies if an individual has evidence that they have taken a defensive course and completed it. When you take the course, such companies will give you an upper hand if you recently completed your defensive driving course. 

When taking the defensive driving course, ensure it does not exceed all the discounts you receive from your insurance policy. If the course will consume your savings policy for only one year, then it is worthwhile going for it. You will be able to receive the benefits attached to the course afterward.

Compare the Auto Insurance Rates

People will buy an insurance policy and stick to that company for several years. Insurance companies know that such clients are too lazy to shop around; therefore, they gradually raise their premiums. It is necessary to audit your payments every twelve months and compare them to what other insurance companies offer.

Comparing is vital because most insurance companies review their rates to attract new customers. Such discounts may be very enticing and attractive compared to what your current company is offering. The car insurance industry is competitive, but only a few clients understand. It is essential to conduct investigations regularly to be at par with the competitive and dynamic industry.

Understand the Factors Affecting Insurance Rates

Several factors affect the rates which you will pay for your truck insurance. Before choosing to buy an expensive truck insurance policy, you should be able to know some of the factors that will influence the rates which you will pay. Some of those factors include:

  1. Driver’s record, If you have ever violated traffic laws in the past, you will pay more premiums for your truck. You will likely pay fewer premiums for your truck if you have no bad driving records.
  2. Age, young drivers are considered less experienced and likely to pay more premiums than old and experienced drivers. 
  3. Insurance policy selected, various insurance companies have various policies which differ in price. Consider choosing that policy that is cost-effective for you.

Conclusion

A truck insurance policy can be soo expensive, especially if you have little knowledge about it. You might end up realizing after a decade that the premiums you have been paying have doubled. You should know some of the tricks of cutting the cost of your policy. 

How do I know what oil filter to get for my truck? Trucks have a delicate engine that should not come in contact with any impurity.

How do I Know What Oil Filter to Get for my Truck?

How do I know what oil filter to get for my truck? Trucks have a delicate engine that should not come in contact with any impurity. Oil, in some cases, might contaminate the engine, especially if it has some impurities. How do we protect our engine from getting into contact with impurities from oil? The oil filter does the work of preventing any impurity from reaching the delicate parts of your engine. 

Clean oil will improve your truck’s performance and prevent the engine from wearing out due to friction. The function of cleaning oil is tedious and exposes the oil filter to wear and tear. During regular servicing and check-ups, most trucks demand a change of oil filter. Sometimes you might be in a dilemma when choosing the best oil filter for your mini truck. When buying an oil filter, consider the following:

How do I Know What Oil Filter to Get for my Truck?

Dirt – Holding Capacity of the Filter

The oil filter gets clogged as it prevents impurities from passing through. The filter has a bypass that gets triggered to allow oil to pass. The bypass prevents the engine from starving. If blocked, little or no oil will pass, and the engine will starve. 

The dirt holding capacity dictates how long a filter can hold oil before triggering the bypass. Dirt holding capacity comes in handy when driving your truck on rough-dusty roads.

Several oil filters in the market will never indicate the dirt holding capacity; therefore, you should change your oil filter after covering a specific mileage. 

Pressure Flow Profile

The 10-micron oil filters have better dirt control than the 40-micron filter, but many truck owners are worried about shifting from 40 to 10 microns because it may lead to a restricted oil supply into the engine. 

Do not worry because the oil filter has a bypass that gets cracked when the oil filter reaches a specific pressure, and the cracking restores the oil supply to the engine. As the tension rises, your oil gauge will indicate until the pressure cracks the bypass.

Capture Efficiency and Size

Capture efficiency is the ability of the oil pump to retain small particles in the oil. A standard oil filter has 40 microns which will capture 95% of dirt from your oil. Where do the 5% go? They pass through the microns and might accumulate with time to cause harm to your engine.

The efficiency of a premium oil filter is 95% and has 10 microns; this filter is relatively costly compared to a standard one. When driving on a dusty road, more than 80% of dirt is smaller than 25 microns; therefore, investing in a premium oil filter is a deal. 

Design and fabrication Integrity

Looking at the design and basic information about the oil filter you are yet to buy is necessary. The best oil filter will be solid, resistant to burst, and has flexible anti-drain back and firm filter elements. You will never test the functionality of the oil filter before purchasing. 

Conclusion

The oil filter is one of the soldiers which holds back any impurity and prevents them from reaching your engine. When buying a filter, it is better to equip yourself with the basic knowledge provided in this guide.

Choosing Suzuki Mini Truck Parts

Considerations When Choosing Suzuki Mini Truck Parts

Most mini truck parts are exposed to wearing and tearing as you use the vehicle. If they start to wear out, the engine power and the Suzuki mini truck’s performance will decrease. You will be compelled to replace the worn-out parts. Buying parts for a Suzuki mini truck is challenging because of the existence of fake parts as well as shrewd car parts dealers. This article illustrates and explains the considerations when choosing Suzuki mini truck parts easily.

Considerations When Choosing Suzuki Mini Truck Parts

Do a Little Bit of Market Research

You have to do a lot of homework and research when you want to buy spare parts for your vehicle; it is not like walking into a shopping mall and buying that shirt or pants which fit you. Doing research will help you to know the market price and avoid being overcharged by shrewd dealers, and it will also help you to buy a particular spare part. Choosing the exact size of the part you want isn’t easy. Some spare parts are very similar but have slight differences which you might not notice, especially if you are a first-time buyer. Before buying any spare part, you must know the part number because it determines its size. 

As your Suzuki mini truck is serving you, make some effort to know some of its parts and functions. The basic knowledge of the spare parts will help you when shopping and save you from lies that dealers will use to convince you. 

Some online sellers like E-bay might sell spare parts cheaply. Consider buying from them if you have a good online shopping experience, so you do not get confused. 

Shop from a Genuine Part Dealer

Counterfeit or fake products have flooded the motor vehicle industry. When buying spare parts, be cautious about this. Counterfeits might be cheap but expensive in the long run, and they might cause major problems to other parts of your mini truck.

When buying spare parts from any local dealer, ensure they are genuine. How do you do this? Consider the dealer’s reputation and how long they have been in the business. Various brands authorize some dealers to sell their spare parts. Consider buying from such dealers.

Consider Importing Spare Parts Yourself

Most people make the importation sound cumbersome and costly, but importing the spare parts on your own is more economical. Local dealers import the spare parts. They are on business, so they aim to make a profit. When you buy spare parts from local dealers, you will pay the actual price, shipping, and tax fees and give them their profit. Importing spare parts on your own is cheaper than relying on a dealer to import for you.

Conclusion

Maintaining Suzuki mini truck will prolong the lifespan of most of its parts. It reaches a time when they are worn out, and servicing might become expensive since you will do it more regularly. If they become old, replacement is the best option.

Honda Acty Engine Performance

Honda Acty Engine Performance – How Reliable Is the Kei Truck?

The popularity of the Japanese Kei truck is growing day in and day out, not only within Japan but in other continents and countries. The reason behind this is the high level of resilience they have. In this class, there are several vehicles; Honda Acty is one of them. Many people love this Kei truck because it can serve the consumers’ varied needs. The most integral part of Honda Acty is its engine. It has a small and powerful engine which gives it a reliability score.

Honda Acty Engine Performance – How Reliable Is the Kei Truck?

Reliability of Honda Acty Engine

It is initially mentioned that the most integral part of Honda Acty is the engine. The engine is what generates the energy for moving the vehicle. For it to function effectively, it has to be resilient to give some dependency. Honda Acty has been in good books in terms of reliability. 

This guide will focus on the advantages of Honda Acty concerning its engine performance. Honda Acty has an engine capacity of 660cc, which is relatively small compared to what other mini trucks have under the hood. Why is it scoring high regarding reliability with such a kind of engine? After reading this guide, you will get answers to the above question. 

The Engine is Multi-purpose

Previously we said that Honda Acty has an engine capacity of 660cc, which makes it very economical. Besides having a small and fuel-efficient engine, this Kei truck has a four-wheel drive option that can conquer any terrain. The four-wheel drive capability classifies the Honda Acty as a multipurpose engine. Most owners use the Kei truck for off-road, especially in the United States, where this mini truck is used to transport farm equipment because federal laws declared it unfit for highway driving.

Low Fuel and Oil Consumption

The engine capacity of 660cc consumes less fuel yet produces a lot of power, making the Honda Acty perform unimaginable tasks. Once the fuel tank is full, Honda Acty will serve you for long without getting thirsty. The cost of regular servicing of this engine is minimal. In case you need a mini truck that will run on very little fuel and cost you a few coins to service, consider the Honda City.

Economical Engine

The Honda Acty engine is crafted and designed by highly experienced Japanese engineers. They came up with tiny engines but were very powerful. It is designed to produce impressive horsepower and torque despite its small size. This small but powerful engine is not expensive to run. You can rely on Honda Acty to run personal errands and commercial activities. 

Conclusion

The Honda Acty has dominated the Japanese Kei truck market, and it will give precisely the result you want from it. Four-wheel drive can take you anywhere. You can comfortably drive it during winter, on mad and rocky surfaces. Besides the engine power, Honda Acty can serve you for decades without giving you any serious mechanical issues. 

This article has focused on the reliability of the engine of the mini truck despite its small size. 

Mini Truck Clutch System

Overview of Suzuki Mini Truck Clutch System

People rely on trucks to perform various duties; there are several sizes of trucks in the market, large, medium and small. The major classification of trucks is based on the physical and engine size. The mini trucks are the smallest in this category. These light trucks have smaller engine capacity but can perform the duties of a pickup truck.

Suzuki carry is a mini truck with a good reputation worldwide. In our guide, we will focus on the clutch system of the Suzuki mini truck. What is a clutch? Many drivers conversant with the manual transmission understand what a clutch is and its role. However, the clutch does the role of cutting the power from the engine on the shafts to facilitate the process of changing gears. The main parts of the clutch system fit three main categories.

  1. The driven member
  2. The driving member
  3. Operating member

How A Mini Truck Clutch System Works

A clutch is one of the mechanical components in the transmission system of a Suzuki mini truck. It disconnects the transmission system from the engine; therefore, it is located between the engine and the transmission. 

When the clutch is engaged, the power moves freely from the engine to the transmission system. It is this power which will rotate the wheels and initiate motion.

If it is disengaged, the power will not be transmitted from the engine to the transmission, and the vehicle will stop moving, but the engine will be running.

You will disengage the clutch when you need to stop your vehicle, when you want to start the engine, when shifting gears and when idling the engine. If you press the clutch pedal, your Suzuki mini truck will disengage the clutch. 

When your vehicle starts to move or is moving, the clutch will be engaged. The engagement enables it to take up the load continuously. Therefore, the driver should properly operate the clutch to avoid overstraining the entire transmission system and jerking your mini truck.

Friction is the working principle of the clutch system. But if two surfaces on friction come into contact or are pressed against each other and one of them is revolving, the other stationery will have to revolve too. 

Requirement of a Suzuki Mini Truck Clutch System

  1. It should transmit maximum torque from the engine to the wheels.
  2. It should be engaged gradually to avoid jerking and damaging the transmission system.
  3. It should be able to withstand a lot of heat generated when it is functioning.
  4. It should have a mechanism for eliminating noise and vibration when transmitted power.
  5. It should be small in size for it to occupy minimal space.
  6. It should have a free pedal play, minimizing the wearing of the carbon thrust by reducing the clamping load.
  7. Operating it should be very easy and effortless.
  8. The driven member should be made of light materials. But if it is light, it will immediately stop motion when the clutch is disengaged.

Conclusion

Understanding the clutch system of the Suzuki mini truck is necessary. Knowledge is power, and investing in it is worthwhile.

Mini Truck Noises

5 Mini Truck Noises You Should Not Ignore

The only familiar sound that should come from your mini truck is that of the engine and maybe of the air opposing your movement. Sometimes you are likely to hear unnecessary mini truck noises. Such noise signals that something worth paying attention to is happening to your mini truck. When driving, you should occasionally roll down your windows and listen to any weird sound that might come from outside as you drive. Doing this will help you recognize any problem at an early stage. 

Common Mini Truck Noises You Should Not Ignore

Rattling Sound

You might feel a rattling or a sound like a coin moving on a cloth line when in motion. The sound usually comes from the wheels, signals a loose lug nut, and signals that your wheel is not properly tightened. If you hear this noise, call your mechanic as soon as possible.

Squealing Sound

Squealing is common when you apply emergency brakes. But if it becomes a norm when you apply brakes, then something might be wrong with your brake pads. In case the squealing becomes grinding, your brake pads are completely worn out, and the metallic parts are rubbing against each other. If you ignore the grinding, the damage might be severe to the brake rotors and other essential components. 

Hissing Sound

Hissing sound signals that something is leaking under your mini truck. When attending to this, avoid touching any liquid because it might be hot. If this happens, seek an appointment with your mechanic. 

Knocking Engine

The engine might knock if you use lower-octane gasoline, which your manufacturer does not recommend. Sometimes you might use the recommended engine oil, but your engine knocks. In case of this, visit your mechanic. 

Clicking Sound

 If you start your mini truck and hear this sound, your battery is no longer powerful to start the engine, and it is straining. A good car battery should last for around three or five years; this is pretty long, and you might not realize it if the battery starts to be less powerful, you might not realize. The clicking noise signals a dead battery. 

Singing or Howling Sound

If you hear this sound, check your bearings. Bearings are small metallic balls that facilitate a smooth rotation. When the howling becomes too much, the rear bearings are worn out. The sound might get louder as you accelerate. In case of this, check the differentials and any leaking fluid. 

Squeaking Noise Whenever You Accelerate

If your mini truck is either rear or four-wheel-drive and you hear this sound, you must check the universal joint. The U-Joint are usually in pairs and are components of the driveshaft. The Universal joint wears out the point where it connects to the driveshaft. Ignoring this sound will damage your driveshaft, and it is costly to replace a driveshaft as compared to replacing a U-Joint. 

Conclusion

Listening to your mini truck whenever it communicates is the best way of keeping in touch with it. If you ignore interpreting the messages from such sound, you will spend more time and money repairing it. 

Which one is better? Should I get an SUV or truck for winter? Here is a comprehensive guide into more on that.

Do I Get an SUV or Truck for Winter?

Winter is challenging weather, with freezing temperatures, snow, and icy roads, but we must continue our daily activities as usual. We must make various adjustments as winter approaches to survive the coming harsh conditions. You will have to prepare your vehicle to combat the forthcoming extreme conditions. You might purchase a new unit, upgrade, or downgrade the ones you have. During winter, many people prefer to use either an SUV or a truck. SUVs and trucks can quickly move on snow and ice covering the roads. Such vehicles are either all-wheel drive or four-wheel drive, plus they have tires that offer them the best grip on slippery roads. Which one is better? Should I get an SUV or truck for winter?

Should You Get an SUV or Truck for Winter?

Here are some of the advanatages of gettign trucks over SUV for Winter and snowy areas.

Trucks will Carry Heavier Loads as Compared to SUVs

Trucks have more torque and the capability of towing heavier loads in winter. If the work you do has a lot of pulling, winter weather should not stop you from working, and you should choose a vehicle with the ability to tow heavy loads on roads full of snow and ice.  

A truck will always submit, take the additional weight and tow it with a lot of ease, but an SUV might find it challenging to pull an extra weight on a road full of snow and ice. 

Visibility of Trucks is Top Notch

Driving in snow is hectic, and it requires proper road visibility. Visibility is a combination of the driving height and the glass in the cabin. Trucks have massive glass windows behind them. The glass window behind the trucks makes it easier to see traffic from behind in winter weather; this boosts the safety of truck drivers on the road during winter because they can see what is happening behind and in front. For SUVs, the behind window is not that extreme. Being three steps away from any nearby vehicle when driving in snow is advisable. You will have adequate space for action and reaction. 

Trucks have Better Ground Clearance

Ground clearance is the space between your truck and the ground. In trucks, this space is ample as compared to SUVs. The ground clearance will determine whether you will quickly drive through the snow or get stuck. Why? Vehicles usually sink in the snow, so if you have a raised truck, it will drop, but its belly will not get stuck in the snow, compared to relatively low SUVs.

Trucks are Heavier than SUVs

Weight comes in handy during winter, snow is slippery, and vehicles are likely to slide when in motion. Trucks are heavy, and thus more force pushes them to the ground, minimizing the rate at which they slide on ice because the weight offers them the best grip. 

Conclusion

Driving during winter might be a headache, and it is better to use a truck when winter comes. Trucks have a better performance as compared to SUVs. Better performance boosts your safety and the safety of other road users.

how does an attorney help in a truck accident

How Does An Attorney Help in a Truck Accident

Accidents on the roads are rampant, and trucks are the common victims. Many have lost their lives or are physically disabled because of truck crashes. If you have been involved in a truck crash and sustained injury or death, you need an attorney to help you pursue legal matters. This is even if you have insurance. You seek the services of a lawyer with experience in dealing with accident victims, and such lawyers will fight for your compensation. So, how does an attorney help in a truck accident? We will go through all that in this guide.

How Does An Attorney Help in a Truck Accident

In case a commercial truck crash occurs, several liable parties get involved. Therefore, you need an attorney to manage all the aspects of your claim and ensure that your interest is served. Let us look at the roles of an attorney in a truck crash.

Finding the Liable Parties

Telling the parties responsible for the victim’s injuries in a truck crash can be hectic. The parties responsible for your injuries might be the driver, truck manufacturer, trucking company, and government entities. An attorney will determine the liable party and ensure they pay for the compensation in time.

They Offer Legal Procedure Guidance

In all countries, legal matters and procedures are complex and complicated, and you might not manage it alone plus your injury. In such a situation, you will need a personal injury attorney to handle the legal matters on your behalf professionally. An attorney will ensure you get justice and necessary compensation for the losses you incurred. They will offer you guidance regarding your case and how to settle it.

An Attorney Oversees a Proper Application of Comparative Fault Laws

All states have comparative fault laws, and such laws spell the amount of compensation one should receive in case of a personal injury. You will get compensation if the fault is not more than 50 percent. Applying this law may be biased if nobody is strong enough to represent you. An attorney will develop a very strong case that applies this law properly.

Comes Up with a Solid Legal Strategy

A victim needs to find a strong lawyer to devise a solid legal strategy in preparations for the trial. The lawyer will analyze the case and come up with the relevant evidence and witnesses to help you win the case. A crash victim might find it difficult to organize and develop a solid legal strategy because crashes not only cause physical damages but can also interfere with the cognitive part of the victim.

An Attorney Takes Care of Complex Negotiations

Sometimes you might realize that more parties are liable for your crash. You will need to fight all these parties at the same time so that you get justice. You need to seek the services of an experienced lawyer to help you handle the multiple complaints.

Conclusion

Some crash victims never get justice because they fail to seek the services of an experienced attorney, or they completely fail to hire one. Remember, you are suing someone who will do everything possible to defend themselves. Hiring someone who will come up with a solid case is necessary to help you win and get compensation.

Choosing The Best Truck Insurance

Tips For Choosing The Best Truck Insurance

Purchasing insurance for your truck is the best way to prepare for any eventuality that may make you incur financial losses. Such eventualities may include accidents, fire, and damages resulting from vandalism. The insurance company will cater to such losses if your truck has insurance. If you have no insurance cover and your truck is involved in an accident, you will have to dig deep into your pockets to repair your car and compensate for any damages caused by your truck. When you buy an insurance cover, you hope the cover is never used. An insurance policy is suitable for both owner-operated and commercial trucks. It is essential to choose the perfect insurance for your truck. How will you choose the best insurance? Before settling on an appropriate insurance cover, equip yourself with knowledge. Let us look at some tips for choosing the best truck insurance.

Tips For Choosing The Best Truck Insurance

Here are some of the things to know when yu are choosign the bets insurance for your truck.

The Type of Truck You Own

Before buying any insurance cover for your truck, you should know the type of truck you own. We have three truck categories: light-duty, Medium-duty, and Heavy-duty. After knowing the category in which your truck belongs, you can choose the right insurance policy for your truck. You will also be able to know or choose specialized coverage for your truck if the need arises.

Consider the Cost

Rates are vital when choosing the right insurance for your truck. Various insurance companies offer varied rates for their policies. Some of the factors that affect the rates of premiums paid include:

The type of cargo your truck carries, if you use it to transport fragile goods, then consider paying higher premiums.

You have to pay more for insurance if your truck covers a broader area.

The type of truck you own, if you own a semi-truck, you will pay more for insurance cover.

Select the Best Insurance Company

Before buying an insurance cover from any company, ensure they offer the right services you need. Never go for any random insurance company despite how sweet their offers are. Choosing an insurance company that will never take you rounds in case you need compensation is necessary.

Take your time and go through the reviews of every company. This industry has rogue operators who may swindle your money and run away. You will get reviews of various insurance companies online and on their websites. Doing this will help you to understand their mode of operation and consider if they suit you.

Select the Right Policy 

At this point, you have already settled on a company to buy insurance. Check the company’s policies and consider the possible modes of paying premiums, whether you can pay smaller premiums or not. After choosing the right policy, always review it after every twelve months to check whether it is still serving your needs or not. 

Conclusion

Choosing the right insurance for your truck can be a nightmare. Several insurance companies offer various policies and have highly experienced markers which will lure you and fail to give you deeper details on how their companies operate. It would help if you equipped yourself with basic knowledge before buying any policy from an insurance company.

adding air conditioning to old mini truck

Adding Air Conditioning to Old Mini Truck

Vehicles getting old is inevitable to mini trucks and human beings as well. Many basic parts will stop functioning normally when your mini truck starts getting old. For example, the engine might fail to perform as it used to, and the AC might fail. Sometimes, you might buy a mini truck without an AC system; this is the greatest mistake. AC comes in handy during summer. Driving in hot weather is cumbersome and disguises, especially when your AC is dead, or your car has no AC. If your AC is dead or your cars do not have it, don’t worry because there are many aftermarket AC kits you can purchase and install in your mini truck. The advantage of aftermarket AC kits is that they are easily available from authorized dealers, affordable, and you will get a warranty certificate. 

You can get an aftermarket AC kit from authorized dealers or other vendors. But doing this has advantages and disadvantages. It is better to buy and install this kit from an authorized dealer because you need not worry about the quality. If you buy and install it from other vendors, you are likely to spend more because they have no price control, and you might fall into the trap of counterfeit AC kits. 

Adding Air Conditioning to Old Mini Truck

Always be cautious not to buy substandard, used or refurbished AC kits. When buying the kit, ensure its components are new and sealed by the manufacturer. This guide has listed some of the things to keep in mind when you are adding air conditioning to old mini truck vehicles.

Pipes

The air-conditioning system has several pipes which are held by jubilee clips. Pipes are made of materials like metal and rubber. The pipes play the role of moving the hot and cold liquid throughout the entire air-conditioning system. 

Evaporator

Evaporators resemble radiators, but they are smaller and thicker. Evaporators are located deep below the instrumental panel. At the evaporator, the liquid refrigerant turns into a gas blown by a fan into your mini truck.

Dryers

Also known as the receiver, it resembles a metal can but has an inlet and outlet. The inlet lets the liquid refrigerant into the dryers. Here any moisture in the refrigerant is removed. 

Expansion Valve

The expansion valve monitors the temperature, so the exact quantity of refrigerant gets inside the evaporator. The role played by the expansion valve makes it be located next to the evaporator.

Compressor

The compressor is connected to a crankshaft pulley with a belt. It is this pulley which supplies it with the power from the engine. It is here where the refrigerant gas is converted to liquid.

Condensers

They resemble radiators, but they are thin and small. They are located behind the radiator and are made of aluminum. Their location enables them to receive maximum air as the air conditioning system operates.

Conclusion

You can fit an AC kit for your mini truck, but before doing this, it is vital to understand the various basic components of the AC kit. Knowledge of AC components comes in handy when purchasing the entire kit.

Aftermarket Steering Wheel

Installing Aftermarket Steering Wheel In a Mini Truck

The steering wheel is an important component of a mini truck which contributes to safety while in motion. It is the steering wheel that gives you total control of the direction of your mini truck. The steering wheel has to be convenient to perform effectively. If you feel a little bit uncomfortable with your steering wheel, never worry because there are various aftermarket steering you can buy and install for your mini truck. The aftermarket wheels will improve your driving experience because a number of them are small in size hence better handling. There are two main ways to change your steering wheel, taking your mini truck to a trusted workshop or doing it alone. When doing it alone, prior experience is necessary. Here are some steps to consider when installing aftermarket steering wheel in a mini truck. 

Choose & Installing Aftermarket Steering Wheel In a Mini Truck

There are a lot of aftermarket steering wheels that you can buy. The difference in this steering wheel is the column construction and the main bolt holding the steering wheel. 

When planning to buy an aftermarket wheel, it is necessary to do thorough research so that you do not settle for a steering wheel which will not make you happy. The diameter of many aftermarket steering wheels ranges from 33 to 35 mm, and they are smaller than the regular steering wheels, giving you a sporty experience as you drive. 

Remove the Plastics on the Steering

The first step to removing your steering wheel is removing all the plastics covering it. Doing this will expose your wheel, and you will easily spot the screw holes. Do this cautiously because you will need to fix the same plastic parts when installing the new wheel. 

Disconnect the Wires

You will see several wires from the dashboard to the steering wheel because the modern steering wheel has many functions. To effectively do this, make sure the battery is disconnected. Disconnect all the wires connected to your steering wheel. Doing this is an easy task. Never cut or tear any wire while disassembling them.

Locate the Centre Lug Nut

Disconnecting all the wires will allow you to see the centre lug nut. It is this nut that holds the steering wheel firmly in its position. To remove it, use common tools. 

Some complex ones will require you to have special tools, especially when the patterns of the centre nut are unique. Despite this, removing it should not give you a headache. Up to this point, you have already removed the steering wheel and jogging to fix the new one.

Lubricate the Centre Part

When removing your steering, you notice that the surroundings of the central lug are greasy. Lubrication aids in the smooth movement of the steering wheel. Lubricate the central part after fixing the new wheel. Doing this will make it function smoothly.

Conclusion

You can install an aftermarket steering wheel for your mini truck. Doing it is not difficult; this guide has simplified it for you. If you are not confident performing the procedure, consult a professional mechanic. 

CV Axle

What does CV Axle Do in Your Truck?

The motion in a truck originates from the engine. In the engine, the combustion chamber produces the energy which rotates the wheels. Have you ever asked how power is transmitted from the engine to the wheels? First, it is the combustion chamber that drives all the moving parts of a machine. Some shafts transmit the motion to the wheels. The CV axle between the shafts and the wheels transfers the motion torque to the wheels.

Initially, front-wheel vehicles used axles similar to four-wheel drive vehicles. Such axles had a cross-shaped metal pivot fitted between two forked carriers. They varied the speed transmitted to the wheels but were not CV joints. They were very strong, and making them was easy. Automakers still use them for flexibility in some prop shafts with minimal movements.

What does the CV Axle do in Your Truck?

When a car is in motion, the wheels on the left and right sides will move up and down, and this motion will depend on the nature of the surface you are driving on, making independent suspension necessary. But if your truck has independent suspension, a CV axle will be required. The CV axle has joints that effectively transfer the torque to the wheels in constant up and down motion. 

The CV axle has inner and outer joints. The inner CV joint has three rollers on a spider that slides to enable the CV axle to contract and extend freely. The outer CV joint transfers the rotational motion at larger angles. Both inner and outer CV joints are greased and housed in CV boots.

CV joints allow the drive shaft to transmit power through dynamic angles, keeping the speed and friction constant. It also ensures that the energy from the engine is transferred to the wheels regardless of the wheel’s position while in motion. 

CV Joint Boots Repairs

The CV joint boots usually get damaged. If it happens in your truck, you must replace the boot and apply fresh grease on the CV axle. Doing this is more economical than replacing the entire CV joint, but replacing it is a little cumbersome. 

Sometimes the entire CV joint might be worn out. In such a case, you have to replace the whole of it. Occasionally, you might not buy the CV joint alone but the entire drive shaft. In such a scenario, replace the whole drive shaft of your truck. 

You can replace the CV joint boot alone or seek help from a professional mechanic. If you are doing it alone, you need a strong breaker bar and sizable socket to loosen the lock nut in the CV joint and this nut is also called the hub nut or axle nut. 

Conclusion

The CV axle is one of the vital components that facilitate the rotation of the wheels as the wheels move up and down depending on the nature of the terrain which one drives. However, the engineering work behind it enables it not to be affected by the vibrations from the wheels as you navigate through various terrains.

Does a 4X4 Cost More to Insure

Does a 4X4 cost more to Insure? – Insurance Tips & Tricks

Does a 4X4 cost more to insure? Auto companies initially made two-wheel drive vehicles; the engine’s power transmits to either front or rear wheels. The first 4X4 were for the military during the world wars, but after the world wars, they became popular due to the exemplary services they offered to soldiers. Car companies started to produce four-wheel drive vehicles for consumers. Recently everybody prefers a four-wheel drive car to either rear or front wheel. Standard vehicles with 4-wheel drive are trucks and SUVs, but even sedans and vans have the four-wheel drive option.

The rising popularity of four-wheel drive vehicles raises the question about the cost of insuring them. Is insuring them higher than the standard two-wheel drive cars? This guide will offer an appropriate answer to this question.

Does a 4X4 Cost More to Insure?

The cost of insuring a four-wheel vehicle is high compared to a standard car. The 4X4 have larger engines, they are bigger and heavier, and in case of collision, they can withstand and cause a lot of damage to the victim—all these sums up to a higher cost of insuring such vehicles. Despite the high insurance costs, there are tips you can use to get lower premiums. Let us look at them.

Experience

The rates of premiums that you will pay are affected by your age and the experience you have on the roads. If you do not have any history of a recorded claim, you will pay lower premiums. Having advanced driver qualifications will also reduce the rates of premiums.

Mileage

If you rarely use your 4X4, consider taking a restricted mileage policy. You will pay less for restricted mileage if your 4X4 is used occasionally for recreation.

Security

Ensure your truck is safe by keeping it in a locked garage, and the alarms and the tracking system should be functional. The safety of your 4X4 will help you cut the premium cost.

Specialized Schemes

There are various 4×4 vehicles on the market. When you decide to buy one, make sure you go through the manufacturer’s guide. Doing this will help you to know the type of insurance that the manufacturer prefers for your 4X4.

Multi-Car Policies

You can use a single policy to cover more than one car. In this case, each car’s cover level will differ. Taking multiple car insurance will be the best option if you have other vehicles besides the 4X4.

Membership

Most 4X4 owners are car enthusiasts and have formed clubs known by insurance companies. Insurance companies offer discounts to members of various 4X4 owners clubs because they believe members of such clubs are committed to maintaining their vehicles. It is important to be affiliated with any enthusiasts club so that you receive a discount when you buy an insurance policy.

Conclusion

The cost of insuring a 4X4 is relatively high because of their capabilities, these are heavy machines, and in case of a collision, they are likely to destroy the other vehicle. If you choose a third-party insurance policy, the insurance will spend more on repairing the involved vehicle. 

Disc Brakes vs Drum Brakes - Which is Better on a Mini Truck?

Disc Brakes vs Drum Brakes – Which is Better on a Mini Truck?

Mini trucks use two types of brakes: the disc and the drum. The working principles of the two differ, but when combined for a mini truck, they deliver the best performance. This guide focuses on the two braking systems your mini truck uses.

Disc Brakes vs Drum Brakes – Which is Better on a Mini Truck?

Disc Brake

Modern vehicles use this kind of brakes. The disc brakes are either mounted on a car’s front or rear axle and have a caliper with brake pads that grabs the disc if engaged. Some vehicles, especially the high-performance ones, have disc brakes on the four wheels, while most cars only have disc brakes on the front wheels. 

Why this? The weight of most vehicles is in the front because of the engine, and when they are empty, a more significant percentage of the weight goes to the front part. Whenever brakes are applied, the weight of the vehicle shifts to the front, and more braking power is required in front, making the disc brakes preferred. 

Advantages of Disc Brakes

  1. They have a high braking power regardless of the disc’s size, which makes them effectively stop the mini truck at high speed.
  2. They are open and can emit heat to the surrounding.
  3. Their openness makes them resistant to retaining unwanted materials such as rust.
  4. They never lock up when applied at high speed because they use ABS. 

Disadvantages of Disc Brake

  1. They are expensive to produce and install. 
  2. They can make the mini truck skid and even lock tires if the ABS is faulty.
  3. It requires regular checks and replacement.
  4. They can fail if air gets into the master cylinder.

Drum Brakes

Drum brakes have been an ancient braking system in the motoring industry for decades. Heavy and light-duty trucks, vans, and regular small cars use a drum braking system, especially on the rear wheels. The drum brakes do not use brake pads; instead, it has a wheel cylinder having pistons that push the brake shoes against the moving brake drum. The contact between the brake shoes and the drum slows down the wheels. 

Advantages of Drum Brakes

  1. They are cheap to produce and install.
  2. They require little force to stop the vehicle.
  3. They can comfortably lodge the parking brakes.
  4. It is easy to service the wheel cylinders.

Disadvantages of Drum Brakes

  1. It overheats, and the metallic parts are prone to expansion.
  2. It is prone to rust because it is closed and collects unwanted materials.
  3. They wear out fast because of the high amounts of heat they produce while in action.
  4. It has many complex parts which might quickly fail. 

Conclusion: Disc Brakes vs Drum Brakes?

The mini truck uses disc brakes in front and drums brakes on the rear axle. Disc brakes remain superior, but we can’t downplay the drum brakes. The drum brakes are cheap to install and maintain, so they can be a better choice in the long run. Disc brakes, on the other hand, have the best performance.

Can I import a Kei truck from Japan? This article answers this question

Can I Import a Kei Truck from Japan?

Importing a mini truck to the United States can be a tiresome and sometimes a tedious experience for first-timers. Knowing whether you can import a mini truck from Japan is necessary because the internet is full of stories of how the US customs department seizes imported vehicles. Can I import a Kei truck from Japan? This article answers this question. You can purchase a Kei truck from a US dealer. If you do this, you will support US businesses and receive after-sales services. Importing a Kei truck on your own from Japan also has some advantages. When importing a single Kei truck for personal use,  then the clearance process with the customs department is easy and less tedious.

When you import directly, you are likely to spend less and receive a mini truck that is well maintained. Japanese usually perform a thorough vehicle inspection. They do this after every twelve months for older mini trucks. If you source a Kei truck directly from Japan, you will be assured of receiving a unit that is in good mechanical condition.

The Process of Importing a Kei Truck to the US

You must file a formal entry when importing any vehicle to the United States. Filing this document will notify the government where, when, which, and the mode of entry of the vehicle into US commerce. To sign a formal entry, you must register and receive a customs importer number, a unique identification number for every importer. Us customs require a formal entry to be signed no later than ten days after the Kei truck arrives at the port. You have to buy a custom bond too.

If your shipment is less than $2,500, you will not file a formal entry but an informal one. To file an informal entry, you will not need to acquire an importer number or customs bond. All you need is to visit the customs office and ask them to assist you in signing an informal entry.

If you are not traveling to the port to receive your mini truck, you can hire a customs bonded warehouse to file entry on your behalf. Another option, apart from relying on the bonded warehouse services, you can hire someone to fill the entry at the seaport. After doing this, the mini truck will reach your doorstep.

Before importing a Kei truck to the United States, ensure it meets the standards of EPA and DOT. For example, importing a mini truck that is 25 years old and above is legal. When importing a younger Kei truck, it has to be modified for off-road use. That is, you have to install a speed limiter on it.

Conclusion

It is possible to import a Kei truck from Japan. You can import on your own or use brokers. The united states have strict laws which regulate the entry of mini trucks. As you plan to import one, it is necessary to understand and comply with these laws. Failure to do so will lead to seizing your mini truck.

Kei truck sold directly by the owner might have price fluctuations, while the mini trucks on Auction might be cheap depending on the reason for the Auction

Used Japanese Mini Truck on Auction

There are various ways of buying a Mini truck. You can walk straight into the showroom and purchase a brand new one with zero mileage, you can buy it from someone who is looking forward to disposing of their mini truck, and you can as well walk to the auctioneers and purchase a used mini truck. The difference between these three buying avenues is a price difference. Brand new mini trucks in the showroom are relatively expensive. Kei truck sold directly by the owner might have price fluctuations, while the mini trucks on auction might be cheap depending on the reason for the auction.

The popularity of buying mini trucks at the auction is increasing because it is a way of obtaining mini trucks at amazing prices. If an institution disposes of their mini trucks, they will auction them cheaply. If one acquires a mini truck on credit but cannot conform to the creditor’s terms and conditions, it might be repossessed. There are very high-quality mini trucks at the auto auction around you.

Most mini trucks on auction are in good condition, except you might find one or two that require a little work on the body or the engine. Before purchasing a mini truck at the auto auction, consider knowing some of the advantages and disadvantages of doing this.

Pros of Mini Trucks on Auction

Auto auctioneers have a wider range of mini trucks, like Suzuki Carry, Honda Acty, Subaru Sambar, Daihatsu Hijet, and many more. You might only fail to get the preferred color, generation, and mileage of your interest. 

Mini trucks on auction are cheaper as compared to many used Kei trucks. You will spend 30% less if you buy a mini truck at the Auction. Besides, most mini trucks on Auction are in good condition, especially the ones disposed of by the government parastatals.

Auto auctions offer fast sales in mini trucks. All you need to do is to attend any auction and bid. You will automatically go home with the mini truck if your bid wins.

Cons of Buying a Mini truck from Auction

Many auctioneers do not allow test drives, they will provide you with a lot of information about the vehicle, and you will get an opportunity to do a visual inspection of the mini truck. A test drive is necessary when buying a vehicle that has been once used. 

An auctioned vehicle has no warranty, but some sellers might offer some grace period in which you take the car for inspection in case it develops an issue.

Most mini trucks on auction have a sketchy background which may not be pleasing. Some of them are repossessed because of a financial crisis. However, most auctioneers will provide all the details about the mini truck so you can know what you are buying.

Conclusion

Used Japanese mini trucks exist at various auto auctions. Buying a mini truck at auction has several advantages compared to buying from the owner. As much as it is better to buy a mini truck from an auto auction, it has some shortcomings which you should know as stated in this guide.

how often do pick -up truck engines need oil change

How Often Do Pick-Up Truck Engines Need Oil Change?

Pick-up trucks are popular vehicles worldwide, and Such trucks have robust engine that produces good horsepower and torque. Pick-up trucks’ reliability is top-notch and performs well in any weather and terrain. Such vehicles have varying engine sizes, but this does not prevent them from delivering when assigned any duty. For their engines to perform effectively, it has to be regularly lubricated. Oil lubricates the engine’s moving parts and cools the parts that rub against each other as the engine is functioning. So, how often do pick -up truck engines need oil change? This is what we cover in this comprehensive guide.

How Often Do Pick-Up Truck Engines Need Oil Change?

Let us focus on the frequency of changing the engine oil of your pick-up truck. As the engine oil does its role, it strains, and with time it gets exhausted and wears out. How will you know that your oil is wearing out and needs a replacement? You will note the color change of the oil. New and healthy oil is amber in color, but it turns darkish and eventually black as it wears out.

Pick-up trucks have two types of engines; gas and diesel-powered engines. The gas-powered trucks will require an oil change every 3,000 miles, but diesel-powered trucks might cover more mileage. Reaching the above-stated mileage varies depending on how you use your pick-up truck. For example, if you use it for running a daily business, such as transporting materials or moving from point A to B, expect to change your oil more often. If you use your truck occasionally, maybe driving to work from home or when going for holidays, the engine oil is likely to last longer. 

It is necessary to change your engine oil as per the manufacturer’s specifications, failure to do this might cause severe damage to your pick-up, and if it has a warranty, the manufacturer might reject your warranty.

Engine Signals For Oil Change

Your Pick-up truck will give you signals when the engine is in dire need of new engine oil. If you treasure your pick-up truck, never ignore these signs.

Dark Oil

If you note that the color of your engine oil has turned from amber to black, it is high time you drain it out and put a new healthy one. Various factors contribute to the oil’s color change, such as adverse temperatures and the existence of contaminants.

Engine Oil Check Light

When your engine requires oil, your pick-up truck might show an oil check light on the dashboard. If this happens, check the level of your oil by pulling out the dipstick, which will let you know the color as well as the level of oil.

Noisy Engine

Sometimes you might feel your engine is producing a louder noise. If this happens, it might be a warning that the level of oil in your engine is low. The noise results from friction as the engine parts are in motion.

Conclusion

Knowing when to change the oil for your pick-up truck is necessary. The manufacturer’s manual indicates how much mileage you will need to change the oil. If you use your pick-up truck more frequently, you will change its oil often because reaching the required mileage will be faster. 

How do truck engines work?

How Do Truck Engines Work?

How do truck engines work? Trucks use the internal combustion engine, either a compression or Spark ignition. Diesel engines are also called the compression engine, and this is because they use the compression mechanism to burn the mixture of diesel and oxygen in the cylinder. On the other hand, the Petrol engine is also known as the spark ignition because they rely on spark plugs to cause fire to burn the mixture of air and petrol in the cylinder.

How Do Truck Engines Work?

Internal combustion describes the engine in which the explosion occurs in the engine cylinders or the combustion chamber. An internal combustion engine converts the thermal energy from the cylinders into mechanical energy. Some refer to this engine as four-stroke because the Piston requires four strokes to complete the combustion process.

Phases of A 4 Stroke Engine

The movement of the pistons from the top to the bottom of a cylinder is known as a stroke. A 4 stroke engine must undergo four main phases to complete combustion. Let us focus on what happens in each stroke.

Phase One: The Intake

The intake valves open to allow oxygen into the cylinder. Before oxygen comes in, the pistons are at the upper part of the cylinder. As oxygen gets it, the pistons move to the bottom part of the cylinder, and the intake valve closes. The engine uses energy during the intake stroke, and the crankshaft rotates due to the force of inertia. The oxygen in the cylinder then mixes with the fuel, and the next stroke starts.

Phase Two: Compression

The Piston is at the bottom part of the cylinder, and the compression stroke begins. During compression, the intake and exhaust valves are closed, and the Piston starts moving to the cylinder’s upper part. When the Piston reaches the cylinder’s upper part, adequate pressure builds up.

During compression, as the Piston approaches the upper part of the cylinder, the petrol engine will generate a spark, and the diesel engine will inject fuel. The engine consumes more energy.

Phase Three: Power

In power stroke, the Piston is at the upper part of the cylinder, and fuel and air are burning. The combustion increases the pressure in the cylinder, which forces the Piston to move down. It is at the power stroke phase where the energy production takes place.

Phase Four: Exhaust

The Piston is at the bottom part of the cylinder as the exhaust stroke starts. The exhaust phase is the last stroke, and the exhaust gases come out at this point. The exhaust gases are the end product of the combustion in the cylinder. Initially, we talked of two valves in the cylinder, and the first functioned during intake. The second valve, known as the exhaust valve, now opens. Upon opening, the Piston moves up to force the exhaust gases through the exhaust valve.

Conclusion

The internal combustion engine of a truck is known as the 4-stroke engine because the Piston moves four times in the cylinder. This guide has made you understand how it works.

Which Insurance is the Best for Trucks in the US?

Which Insurance is the Best for Trucks in the US?

Trucks are standard vehicles in the US. Many love driving them on and off-road. In 2015 the federal data reported that more than 400,000 crashes were recorded on the roads. Most of these crashes involved trucks. Truck insurance is necessary for various reasons; it is a requirement by the law and acts as a protection for the driver, the occupant, other road users, and the truck owner. In case of a crash, insurance will incur all the costs, and the truck’s owner will be saved from repairing the truck and compensating damages caused by the truck. So, which insurance is the best for trucks in the US? This guide will focus on the best truck insurance companies in the US.

The Best Insurance Truck Companies in the US

We will compare the top truck insurance companies to choose which company suits you best.

Cover Wallet

Cover wallet insurance company uses advanced technology to offer top-notch services to their clients. The client can manage their insurance online. They have flexible plans starting from as low as $39 per month. The company offers regular support to the clients with tips on how they can minimize risks while using their trucks.

Low premiums from $39 and the best customer support services make cover wallet insurance one of the best options for truckers.

Progressive Insurance

Progressive insurance has been in the industry for more than 40 years and covers all sorts of trucks, including customized ones. They offer general liability, non-trucking liability, rental reimbursement, trailer interchange, and cargo insurance.

Progressive insurance is the best in the industry since it has various policies to choose from, and they process claims instantly after conducting an extensive assessment.

State Farm

State farm is known for offering home, consumer, and life policies, but they broadened their services to cover trucks. It offers bodily injury and liability policies, but they never cover cargo in transit.

Commercially, their coverage offers similar policies you would get from a consumer auto policy.

The downside of state farm insurance is the lack of customer service. The company has over 3000 reviews with only a three-star rating because of the features it does not have.

EIB Direct

It is also called Evolution Insurance Brokers, a silent company that is not widely known in the industry but has the best policies for short and long-haul trucks, fleets, and motor truck cargo.

EIB Direct has policies for liability, physical damages, and hired and non-hired trucks. The coverage offered by EIB Direct is more than the federal limits, which is $750,000; this is possible because the company has partnered which prominent companies like Lloyd’s.

The EIB Company has an open heart and offers policies to those individuals that other firms cannot insure due to legal issues. The ability to offer policies to those with legal issues makes EIB an expensive insurance firm because of its high-risk level.

Conclusion

Owning a truck for the first time comes with a lot of challenges. Several insurance companies will entice you to buy their insurance policies. The guide provides an insight into some of the best insurance companies to pick from for your truck. 

Pick Up Truck Maintenance Tips

Pick Up Truck Maintenance Tips

The pick-up trucks are a darling to people because they can fit any work perfectly. You can use them to commute to work; they look very official when parked next to SUVs. After work, you can use them to transport hay to your cows; the bed behind can carry several kilograms of hay. In this guide, we will be delving into some pick up truck maintenance tips that are worth looking into.

Pick Up Truck Maintenance Tips

Pick-up trucks can also humble a rugged and rough terrain. Check on these maintenance tips for your truck to achieve its potential and serve you better.

Buy the Right Tires

When shopping for tires, buy the correct one. Good tires will protect your shock absorbers and bearing from wearing out regularly. Good tires reduce road accidents, hence offering you the necessary protection.

Buy the tire that can survive your daily driving terrain. Before buying a tire, you should know the nature of the surface you regularly drive on. For example, pick-up truck tires for offroad are different from the ones designed for highways. If possible, buy tires for all terrains and consider changing depending on where you are going.

Give Your Diesel-Powered Engine a Special Attention

The diesel-powered pick-up trucks require regular fuel filter replacement compared to the petrol-powered ones. Their fuel filter gets clogged faster, and a clogged fuel filter can lead to engine starvation. To prevent your engine from starving, replace the fuel filters every 15,000 miles.

Consider using an engine oil with anti-wear additives on your diesel engine because it absorbs more carbon than petrol engines.

Do A Regular Brake Check-up

Brakes are life savers, especially if you use your pick-up truck for towing or carrying heavy loads. Do a regular check-up on your brakes and replace them if you notice they have started to wear out. Uneven wear on your brakes indicates that your braking system is not balanced. Balance them to increase the performance of your brakes.

Perform a regular Gearbox and Clutch Check-up

Pick-up trucks have high-torque engines that mostly carry heavy loads, meaning more stress and pressure goes to the clutch and the gearbox whenever you are driving. Regularly inspect your gearbox and clutch to ensure they are in good working condition.

Inspect the Levels of the Fluids

Your pick-up truck has engine oil, coolant, transmission, power steering, and brake fluids. Always check the levels of such fluids. If you realize their levels have gone down, consider topping them up. Reduced levels of fluids signal a leakage somewhere. Try to find out the leaking part and fix it.

Check Your Lighting System

Turn on your lights and walk around your pick-up truck to confirm if all the bulbs are operating perfectly. If you realize that some are burnt, consider replacing them. When doing this, never forget that the brake, signal, and hazard lights are functioning properly.

Conclusion

Maintaining a pick-up is the best way of giving it a long lifespan. Never wait for your truck to signal you that something is not right with it. Take the initiative of doing a regular check-up on your pick-up and do minor fixings. Minor fixings escalate to major problems if you ignore them.

Truck is Consuming more Fuel than Usual

Is Your Truck Consuming more Fuel than Usual?

Your gas tank has to be full for your truck to serve you. A full tank will save you from the stress of worrying if the remaining fuel can sustain you up to the next filling station. Fuel consumption on trucks varies depending on the size of the engine and the number of cylinders. Sometimes, you will realize that the consumption of your truck is getting higher than usual. You will understand some of the reasons that can make your truck consume more fuel than before. High fuel consumption can result from several factors that range from driving habits to mechanical issues.

Reasons For Your Truck Consuming more Fuel than Usual

Here are some of the reasosn why your mini truck could consume more fiuel than usual.

Load On The Truck

The amount of fuel your truck will consume on the road will depend on the load it carries. When you overload your truck, it will consume more fuel than a truck with no load. Load is directly proportional to the amount of fuel your vehicle will consume. For example, your car will consume less fuel when you are alone, but the consumption will go up if the entire family is on board. The increased consumption results in the engine working hard to produce extra energy to carry the load, leading to the demand for more fuel in the combustion chamber. 

Speed and Aerodynamics

What is aerodynamics? It is the way objects move through the air. Aerodynamics explains why airplanes can fly. The speed and aerodynamics affect the rate at which your truck consumes fuel. When you increase the speed of your truck, the force at which it will try to break the air will increase. The opposition of air and high speed will lead to high fuel consumption.

Tyre Inflation and Wheel Alignment

If the tire is not well inflated, the rate at which your truck consumes fuel will increase. If one of your truck’s tires is not well aligned, there will be an increase in the rate at which your truck will drag. Increased drag leads to more tire scrub on the road, leading to increased fuel consumption. 

Driving Habits

How you drive will either increase or reduce the rate at which your truck consumes fuel. Habits like accelerating fast, fast driving, and sudden braking can lead to high fuel consumption, reduce fuel consumption, drive at the speed of the traffic, and accelerate slowly when necessary. Always ensure adequate space between you and the vehicle ahead to help you gradually stop in an emergency. A gradual deceleration will increase fuel economy. 

Oiling

Always change your oil regularly when your truck hits the required mileage. When oil gets exhausted, your truck will consume more fuel, and the engine might completely die if you fail to change the oil. 

Conclusion

Several factors lead to high fuel usage in trucks. The current global inflation is compelling us to economize and take advantage of ways of minimizing expenses. If you realize that the rate at which your truck is consuming fuel has gone up, find out the possible cause and rectify it as soon as possible.

Here are some of the tips to keep in check before repairing truck engine.

Tips to keep in Check Before Repairing Truck Engine

People buy trucks for different motives. Some use them for holiday off-roading, business, and daily drive to work. Trucks will always give you the best services despite what you do with them. To be more reliable, you must ensure that their engine is always in good condition. Performing engine repairs helps your truck maintain the engine power and gives your engine a longer lifespan. Whenever your engine starts to develop mechanical issues, you will realize it sooner. It is advisable to take necessary actions before such problems develop into more significant issues that might be costly to repair. Here are some of the tips to keep in check before repairing truck engine.

Tips to Keep in Check Before Repairing Truck Engine

A truck engine has various parts, and these parts wear out independently. You will be repairing the worn-out parts, and sometimes, you might need to fix the whole engine. Before performing engine repair, consider the below tips.

The State of Your Truck

If your truck breaks down or shows you any sign that there might be a problem with the engine, check the engine’s condition first. Doing this will help you to determine whether you can drive it to the mechanic, tow it or call the mechanic to fix it where it is. It will also help you assess the level of damage and estimate the cost of repairing the damaged part.

When checking the state of your truck, never forget to check the type of insurance policy. Sometimes the repair might be costly, and your insurance cover might cover significant maintenance. At this point, the insurance will incur the cost of maintaining your truck. 

Choose a Trusted Mechanic

Choosing a trusted mechanic is hectic for first-time truck owners. Mechanics specialize in various areas. You might have one who has been serving you well in maintaining the body of your truck. If your engine develops a problem and you take your truck to them, they might have little knowledge about engine maintenance. 

The engine is susceptible and requires a professional to check up and repair. You must research well and take your truck to a mechanic with a good reputation and experience in handling truck engines. 

Reduce Inner Temperature

The coolant plays the role of making sure that the temperatures of your engine do not go higher. Higher temperatures can lead to engine failure or break it down. To protect your engine from corrosion, regularly check the condition of your coolant.

Practice safety measures when preparing to repair your engine. If the engine or the coolant is hot, it might burn and cause injuries to you. It is necessary to ensure that the engine and coolant are at a suitable temperature for you to handle.

You can reduce the temperature of your engine and the coolant by turning off your engine hours before you start to work on it.

Conclusion

To succeed while repairing your truck’s engine, you must prepare adequately. It would be best to consider some preparations like assessing the truck, choosing the right mechanic, and cooling down the engine.