Tips For Choosing the Right Gear Ratio for Your Pickup Truck

The entire powertrain of your pickup truck works as a system. For this selecting the best gear ratio is hectic. Each engine has that sweet spot at peak power and torque. We always desire for the transmission and axle gear to remain at this point as our truck is hauling or doing any strenuous activity.

The axle ratio is not an entire but only a portion of the overall gearing, and various automakers spend more time and effort in powertrain matching. Powertrain matching is a system approach since the engine, transmission, axles, and tires work as a unit. Here are the tips for choosing the right gear ratios for your pickup truck.

Understand the Axle Ratios

Pickup trucks have a range of optional axle ratios. The axle ratio is the gears in the differential. The differential is a mechanical device that links the drive shaft to the rear axle for effective power flow from the engine. The axle ratio is usually expressed as 3.55:1, meaning when the driveshaft turns 3.55 times for a single wheel to make a turn. 

As truck enthusiasts, it is essential to understand that increasing these numerical ratios increases the towing capacity. An increase in towing capacity increases fuel consumption. Higher gear ratios send more engine torque to the wheels. A truck with 4.73 gears can tow a heavier trailer compared to that with a ratio of 3.55 or 3.21. 

Standard Axle Ratios

A balanced axle ratio balances any pickup truck’s performance, capability, and fuel economy. If you do more towing, the highest axle ratio will be what you seek. A high axle ratio will only reduce a gallon on your fuel consumption. Pickup trucks are generally fuel efficient. Therefore, knocking out a gallon from your consumption brings a significant change.

When selecting the right axle ratio, the drive cycle, which is where and how fast you drive, matters a lot.  When driving slowly in rural areas, a higher gear will give you the best driving experience without damaging the final mpg of your truck. When driving at high speed on highways, a truck with a lower gear will offer the best option as this decreases the engine rpm and improves fuel economy. 

Axle Issues You Can’t Ignore

When choosing the axle ratio, the EPA fuel economy information on the window sticker only applies to the standard axle. Thus, in case you see any axle ratio listed, know it will reduce the fuel economy figures printed on the EPA sticker. 

You cannot easily compare the axle ratio and their effects on towing in every pickup truck. This is because every truck manufacturer uses different tire sizes, and the tire is the final gear in all pickup trucks.

When buying a truck, you will hear of tall and short gear. Trucks with tall gears move far on a single turn compared to those with short gears. 

Conclusion

When buying a pickup truck, it is essential to understand the gear ratios, as this will help you choose the right truck. The gear ratios are what bring the variation in the performance of every truck. Consider why you need the pickup truck, as this will help you choose the right gear ratio. 

How To Properly Store Your Pickup for the Winter

During winter, the temperatures go down to the negative mark. Snow and ice are inevitable. Such weather is not friendly to living things, but also our precious possessions such as pickup trucks.  For your truck to be in shape during spring, there are some steps you have to take. Some of these steps are hassle-free but are worth taking. This guide highlights how you can store your truck properly during winter

Add Fuel Stabilizer

Once you add fuel to your tank, it will only last for 30 days before going bad. If you wish to store your truck with some fuel in the tank, consider adding a fuel stabilizer to preserve it longer.

Change Oil

Oil plays the role of lubricating the entire engine. The extent to which it does its role depends on age. For the best fire-up after the winter, consider draining your oil and keeping it clean and untouched for proper lubrication.

Lubricate the Chassis Parts

When you keep your truck longer, the moving parts become brittle and may crack when cold. Lubrication keeps these parts fresh until the next time you drive your pickup.

Check the Coolant Protection Level

In case your garage is not climate-controlled, it is essential to check the coolant-to-water mixture in your pickup. If this mixture is not proportional, water can freeze and expand, which can be disastrous to the cooling system and your engine.

Prepare the Battery

During winter weather, the battery can quickly get spoilt if not well-stored. You can disconnect it, install battery tenders, or leave it connected. Doing any of these will help preserve the battery’s lifespan, and starting your pickup truck after winter will be smooth.

Block the Exhaust & Intake

Rodents and other small creatures love the exhaust and other inlets, especially when your pickup is stored for a longer time. These little ones can cause serious damage to your pickup if they get in through the exhaust or other inlets. Consider sealing all these openings to keep your pickup safe in the garage.

Wash, Buff, and Wax Your Pickup

There is no mediocre idea as storing your pickup longer with all the dirt. Dirt can easily accelerate rusting that can damage it. Apart from rust, dirt can also damage the paint of your pick-up. It is, therefore, essential to thoroughly wash, buff, and wax it before storage.

Chock the Wheels

The parking brake sometimes fails after wearing out. Chocking the wheels will secure your truck if the parking brakes fail. Apart from chocking the wheels, you can jack them so that they become suspended in the air. This will prevent your pickup truck from moving even if the parking brake gives up.

Conclusion,

Winter weather is usually hostile, protecting your pickup from it is the best thing you can do for your investment. Sometimes, storing your pickup can be problematic, leaving you with a regret finding your truck in the worst condition. Practicing these tips will protect it and give you an easy time when you want to use your pickup after the winter season.

Pickup Truck Hitches – Exploring The Different Types

How much do you know about pickup truck hitches? There are several trailer types today that brings various hitching system suitable for your pickup truck. The hitching system can either be bumper-pull hitches or in-bed hitches. Bed mount hitches are the best for towing heavier loads and improve the stability of your pickup truck. If you towing smaller trailers, the bumper pull is the best option. This guide explores various types of pickup truck hitches you can install.

Bumper-Pull Hitches

When using this type of hitch, at most, 10% of the trailer weight should be the trailer tongue. This rule applies regardless of the bumper-pull hitch type you are using.

Fixed Ball Mount

This is the most common and cheapest hitch. They have various fixed heights and are connected to conventional receivers. They are available in multiple sizes, such as 2-inch, 4-inch, and 6-inch. 

Every hitch is identified by the weight it can support. Usually, they have a weight ratio of up to 20,000 pounds. Most of them have removable hitch balls, but some have three different size hitch balls and tow hooks. The common ones are steel, but you will find aluminum.

Adjustable Ball Mount

They are very versatile and the best option for those towing multiple trailers. Most have two to three different hitch ball sizes and adjustable heights. The adjustable height is perfect for pulling multi-axle trailers. 

The adjustable ball mount is made of steel or aluminum, and some have an inbuilt lock, tongue weight scales, and anti-rattle features. Like fixed ball mounts, they are available in various sizes, but the most common range ranges from 4 to 10-inch drop/rise. They also support different trailer weights up to 20,000 pounds apart from sizes.

Pintle Hook

The pintle hook truck hitches can be fixed or adjustable and are usually used for heavy-duty applications and by the military. Their trailer side connection is an eyelet, while the tow vehicle side is a hook that closes to create a second eyelet. Such structure forms a strong connection, especially if any of the loops are installed in a manner that allows it to rotate. It makes an excellent connection for off-roading pickup trucks. Such a hitch makes a lot of noise due to a loose connection.

Weight-Distribution Hitches

These conventional bumper-pull connections have more components for the distribution of tow weight to the front axle of the pickup truck. This improves handling and the overall driving of your pickup truck. 

Several such hitches also offer sway control that keeps the trailer in line with your pickup truck.  Sway control comes in handy when overtaking or during windy conditions. When your towing is mainly affected by strong winds, consider such a hitch.

Chain-Style Hitch

The common chain-style hitches have arms, while others do not. These arms have chains attached to the end of the trailer, making it easy to adjust the weight distribution. They are the cheapest and offer little sway control. 

Conclusion

Pickup truck hitches are essential for towing and can also be installed on SUVs. This guide has covered just a few hitches that meet every truck owner’s needs. Before installing a towing hitch, consider the type of trailer you tow more often.

Maintaining Your Truck Interior The Easy Way

Maintaining your truck interior and keeping it showroom clean brings a sense of satisfaction and pride. You can achieve this by washing and waxing your truck to protect the paint. But inside matters more, since it’s where you spend more time.

Your truck’s interior becomes dirty and wears out quickly if you do not pay attention. Therefore, spending some quality time every month cleaning it is essential. This guide has a breakdown of how you can clean and go about maintaining your truck interior depending on the material it is made of.

How to Clean Leather Interior

Leather has become a common interior in most trucks, and this is because it is resistant to stains and last longer. It is one of the best ways to maintaining your truck interior details. If not well cleaned, it will not retain its natural oil, become stiff and eventually wear out.

When cleaning a leather interior, use the vacuum cleaner to flush out debris. Apply pH-neutral leather cleaner to a cloth, then rub it in a circular motion on the leather surfaces.  Wipe it dry using a clean cloth.

Use a soft sponge to apply a thin layer of conditioner on the seats and leather surfaces. Before applying it, apply a small portion on a hidden leather to affirm that it will not react with your seats. Give it two hours to absorb, then buff it with a microfiber cloth.

How To Clean Cloth Interior

Older trucks have a cloth interior, but you can choose a cloth option if you are not a leather fan. All in all, a cloth interior also requires regular cleaning to last long and offer a conducive environment.

Using a vacuum cleaner, you can remove the loose debris on the cloth’s surface. Slightly spray the surface of the seat, then use a stiff brush to remove tough stains. Use a microfiber cloth to wipe all the dirt. Repeat the procedure until all the surfaces become clean.

How To Clean Alcantara Interior

Another way to ensure that you are well maintaining your truck interior is to use Alcantara. Alcantara’s interior looks flashy and is available in some trim levels. Its texture resembles suede, but maintaining it is relatively stressful. Like leather or cloth interior, the Alcantara traps dirt and gets matted down. You can regularly use a soft brush to clean it, but if it has tough stains, consider using Alcantara cleaner, which removes all sorts of dirt. 

After removing the loose dirt using a soft brush, apply the cleaner on a sponge, then use it to rub the interior surface. When satisfied that all dirt has been removed, use a damp cloth to wipe it and give it time to dry. After this procedure, brush the Alcantara to activate the fiber and protect them from getting down. 

How To Clean the Floor

The floor is another part that becomes dirty quickly because shoes trap all sorts of dirt that settle on the floor. Having your floor covered with mats that you can easily remove and clean is essential. Use a vacuum cleaner to clean the floor, and leave all the doors open for air circulation.

Conclusion

If you have time, you can spend it cleaning and maintaining your truck interior. Having a vacuum cleaner and other cleaning agents will greatly benefit you. The above tips will help you maintain your truck’s interior for a longer time. 

4 Important Safety Features To Consider In a Pickup Truck

Accidents are usually fatal and claim lives or leave permanent memories. However, automakers work round the clock to ensure that the pick-up truck they produce has the basic and advanced safety features to protect life in case of an accident. 

Safety belts are the primary safety feature in every truck. It protects life by holding you firmly on the seat in case of an accident. This guide highlights some essential safety features of a pickup truck.

Airbags

Airbags are an essential safety feature every pickup truck must have. The airbags are usually fitted on the dashboard and the steering wheel. Once the crash detectors have detected a crash, the airbags automatically launch to create a soft surface that helps protect the victims’ lives. 

Since their invention, airbags have saved thousands of lives. They can also harm or kill children or victims who have not put on seatbelts.  Children of 12 years and below should sit on the rear seat, and the child seat should not be fixed on seats facing airbags. 

Modern pickup trucks have several airbags that enhance their safety. 

Antilock Brakes (ABS)

Before the invention of the antilock brakes, wheels locked up in the event of hard baking.  The front tires would slide, making it difficult to control the steering wheel on the slippery surface. ABS prevent wheel lock from occurring in case of hard braking. It thus allows the driver t have full control of the steering wheel while braking.

It is necessary to ensure that this feature is functional in your pickup truck. 

Traction Control

It is electrically controlled to limit the spinning of the wheels during acceleration to gain maximum traction. Traction control comes in handy when driving on ice or wet surfaces. Some traction control is effective only at lower speeds, while others function when at high speeds. 

Traction control and ABS work hand in hand to brake a spinning wheel. Such action directs all the power to the opposite wheel. On the other hand, other systems throttle the engine, which upshifts the transmission to prevent the wheel from spinning.

Safety Belt

Safety belts are a standard feature in all pickup trucks and play a vital role in safeguarding life. Seatbelts have enhanced features that enable them to be effective.

The pre-tensioner retracts seatbelts during a frontal impact. Such action keeps the victim in an appropriate location such that they do not suffer injuries associated with the deployment of airbags.  

The force limiters control the tension from the seatbelt that might cause injuries to the victim. It is their role to playback and limits the force after the action of the pre-tensioner. 

Conclusion,

The above are the most critical safety features that should be functional in your pickup truck. They help in controlling accidents and reducing fatalities related to road crush. Modern pickup trucks have advanced safety features such as brake assist, forward-collision warning, automatic emergency braking, pedestrian detection, adaptive cruise control, blind-spot warning, rear cross-traffic alert, automatic high beams, and parking assist systems. These advanced features vary depending on the producer.

Benefits of Using Synthetic Oil in Your Truck

Want to learn more about synthetic oil? The engine requires proper lubrication to function effectively and prevent its parts from premature wear. Engine oil, thus, is an essential ingredient for your truck. Apart from lubrication, oil also cools down the engine. There are various types of oil for your truck’s engine, such as synthetic oil. Upon reading this guide, you will understand what synthetic oil is and its benefits. 

What is Synthetic Oil?

As the name suggests, synthetic engine oil is made from chemical compounds.  Synthetic oil is made by modifying the petroleum components, but the primary material is crude oil, which is highly distilled during the synthetic process. The additives and the synthetic process varies depending on the manufacturer, and this makes various companies produce different qualities of synthetic oil.

Benefits of Using Synthetic Oil in Your Truck

The complex process used in manufacturing synthetic lubricants enables them to achieve precise molecular qualities vital for specific applications. During this complex process, all the impurities in the crude oil are removed, and the pure oil is tailored to meet the specific demands of modern engines.  Here are the benefits of using synthetic engine oil in your truck.

Protects Turbo Charger

Modern trucks are fitted with turbochargers for more power. Turbo is usually delicate and inadequate lubrication can damage it. Synthetic oil can flow very fast to the engine’s critical parts and meet the necessary lubrication standards.  In comparison, conventional oil breaks down very fast, especially in turbo-charged engines. The synthetic oil thus ensures the turbocharger performs at its peak.

Engine Protection

Various parts of a truck engine move at high speed and are intact to one another. The contact between the engine parts subjects them to tear and wear. It is, therefore, necessary to ensure that they are properly lubricated to reduce the friction that results from the contact. 

In extreme conditions, conventional oil breaks down and fails to be effective. Only synthetic oil can withstand extreme conditions and offer maximum engine protection. It is also able to do so for a longer duration. 

Cleans the Engine

Engine oil circulates and reaches every part of your engine. Conventional oil has impurities that form deposits on various parts of the engine, which reduces the engine’s performance with time. Synthetic lubricants have fewer impurities and resist sludge and deposit formation by giving your engine a long life. 

Better Viscosity

The synthetic lubricant has better viscosity at high and low temperatures than conventional oil. The fully synthetic oil flows very fast through the engine, even during winter, and can also resist heat, making your engine function effectively under any weather and temperature. 

Conclusion

Synthetic oil is made from the synthesis process, producing high-quality engine oil with lesser impurities. This oil offers superior performance as it resists extreme environmental conditions and does not form sludge in the engine. It gives your engine a longer lifespan as well as protecting the turbo. As much as this is the best oil for your truck, it is more expensive than conventional oil.

The Pros and Cons of Lift Kits for Pickup Trucks

As a truck owner, you have thought of or already installed the lift kits for your truck. A great debate has emerged worldwide among truck enthusiasts about whether lift kits suit trucks. This guide will aid you in making up your mind.

What are Lift Kits?

A lift kit refers to specific parts you can buy and install on your truck to increase its height. These parts are called a kit because they work jointly to achieve a common goal. A lift kit’s primary role is to increase your truck’s ground clearance. 

Lift kits can either be body or suspension, but they perform a common role of increasing the height of your truck. 

The Pros of Lift Kits

Improves the Ground Clearance

Truck enthusiasts install a lift kit to increase ground clearance. Higher ground clearance is vital for off-road enthusiasts as it enables them to move freely over obstacles without destroying the bottom of their trucks. 

Improved Towing Capacity

When doing a lot of hauling, think of installing the kits to give your truck more towing capacity.

Improved Looks

Lifted trucks look more appealing and beautiful than the ones in stock height. If you like a show-off ride, consider lifting your truck.

Your Truck can Accommodate More wheel Options

A lifted truck has various options of wheel sizes that fit them. This allows you to choose wheels and tires based on your driving style. 

Cons of Lift Kits

As much as a lift kit have various benefits, they must take advantage of a few or several drawbacks. Here are some of the disadvantages of installing lift kits.

Increased weight 

A lift kit increases the overall weight of your pickup truck. More weight reduces fuel economy and accelerates the engine components and suspension system’s tear and wear. 

Reduced Fuel Economy

As previously mentioned, lift kits add more weight to your pickup truck, leading to more fuel consumption even when hauling no cargo. If you love saving money at the pump, lift kit is not a better option for you.

Increased Maintenance

If you install lift kit to your pickup truck, you will spend more to maintain it. Lift kits put an additional strain on the engine that wears out its components very fast. You will realize that the frequency of scheduled basic maintenance will increase.

Safety Issues

Lifted trucks look aggressive and can temp you to press the gas pedal to the floor. The truth is that several safety risks are related to a lift kit. When the lift kits are not correctly installed, your truck can be unstable and roll over anytime. When installing lift kits, it is essential to seek a professional’s services who will consider the stability issues related to a lift kit. 

Conclusion

A lift kit increases the height of pickup trucks. There are body and suspension lift kit that you can both use for better results. Lifted trucks look beautiful and have more off-roading capabilities. On the other hand, installing lift kits on your truck has disadvantages too. As a pickup truck enthusiast, these pros and cons will aid you in deciding whether to install lift kits or not.

Off-Roading Essentials: Must-Have Accessories for Pickup Trucks

Off-roading is one of the trucks’ capabilities, and that is why their popularity is growing. Off-roading entails driving on some of the roughest and toughest terrains to tackle.  When going off-road, be ready to face challenges such as puncture, getting stuck and mechanical brake-downs. A perfect off-roading experience is marked with adventure and thrill. It has not to be risky and unsafe. 

Having the right off-roading accessories will prepare you to deal with any unexpected situation that might come along your way. Here are some of the off-roading accessories you must have for your pickup. 

Traction Mats

Traction mats are usually overlooked but essential off-roading accessories. The mat will take your pickup truck from mud, deep sand, and snowbank. Traction mats are very durable since they are made of fiber-reinforced nylon. When stuck, put the mat under your front tires and gently press the gas pedal, and eventually, your pickup truck will come out.

First Aid Kit

Adventure lovers must have a medical kit in their truck before going off-roading. In case of any injury, the kit will save your life before rushing to the hospital. The first aid kit should have surgical gloves, pain-killer, and drugs that help stop bleeding.

Automatic Tire Deflators

Setting the correct tire pressure will give your truck more traction. You can increase off-road traction by reducing your tire pressure. To attain 250% traction, reduce tire pressure by 25-30%, and your truck will float on sand, snow, rocks, and mud.

Deflating tires can be cumbersome and time-consuming. To do it efficiently, consider having an automatic tire deflator with a pre-set 18 psi. 

Recovery Kit

A recovery kit is an essential accessory you must always have in your pickup truck, especially when off-roading. It has all the necessary tools to save in case of eventuality. Basic tools that should always be included in the kit are a winch kit, shovel, bow shackles, and recovery strap.  You can strap such tools on another pickup and pull them out of the sand, mud, or snow. 

Unijack

Unijacks are another essential tool during off-roading. They come in handy when changing or repairing tires. The unijack has a jack stand and bottle jack that can lift your pickup truck to let you work under it until you are through. 

Jump Starter

A multipurpose jump starter will let you jump-start your truck without the help of another truck. Apart from jump-starting your truck, you can also use it to charge your smartphone or camera and as a flashlight. 

Mechanics Tool Set

When driving off-road, it is necessary to have the socket set. Sometimes the desert might be tougher than your pickup truck, and mechanical issues might be inevitable. In such a situation, having a mechanics tool set will give ample time to reach home or drive to the nearest auto repair shop. 

Conclusion

Off-roading involves driving in hostile terrains that can harm you and your truck. Before off-roading, ensure your truck is well-serviced and has the above essentials. Apart from these essentials, ensure you are in good health because sometimes the jungle might be stressful.

How To Load and Secure Cargo in Your Pickup Truck

How do you secure cargo or load well in a pickup truck? A pickup truck comes in handy for hauling services. Loading a pickup truck and securing your cargo requires some skill. Upon reading this guide, you will learn how to load and secure cargo in your truck.

Loading Your Pickup Truck

Here is what to do when loading your pickup truck. 

Think of Your Pickup Accessories & Add-Ons

Depending on the cargo, you might need to add more rails or anchoring systems to offer support and protection. 

You should install bed rails and rail caps to protect your truck from dents. Doing this will preserve your pickup truck bed and maintain its resale value. 

Tie-down anchors also come in handy even though you can secure cargo on the truck rails, but tie-down anchors offer more support.

Using bed slides will let you remove cargo with much ease without having to climb inside.

Bed liners and mats help in protecting your pickup truck bed from dents and damages that might result from the cargo you are hauling.

Other accessories that come in handy are bed extenders, cargo nets& covers, toolbox & bed organizers, tarp & plastic wrap, cardboard boxes, packing tape, and moving blankets.

Weight Restrictions

Checking the payload of your truck is another vital factor worth putting into consideration. You can ignore this when hauling lighter cargo, but payload comes into consideration when the cargo is of significant weight.

The payload limit is usually a factory label on the inside door on the driver’s side or in the glove box. Consider checking the owner’s manual if you are still looking for it in these two places.

Hauling the cargo under your payload limit prevents risks of damaging the suspension system and even accidents. 

Pack Heavier Items Near the Cab

When hauling heavy items, move them near the cab for balance. If the rear axle is subjected to too much weight, the front axle might not have adequate contact with the road. 

Place Large Items on Their Side

When moving items such as furniture, and tables, turn them on their side and wrap them securely. The aim of this is to make them stable and secure. Consider loading larger items near the bed rails away from the center. 

For glass and other fragile items, protect them using packing paper, tape, and bubble wrap to secure them. You can use a telescope box, but if you don’t have it, you can create a makeshift box using cardboard.

Securing Your Cargo

Use high-quality ratchet straps to tie your cargo if you have a cargo net or cover.  Ensure to secure cargo on both sides, forming an X-shape. Always store your ratchet away from sunlight, rain, or dirt, and your cargo net should be of high quality to offer protection against rain and stormy weather and improve aerodynamics.

Conclusion

Knowing how to load and secure cargo in your pickup truck is essential. Doing this offers safety and security for your cargo. In several instances, cargo disappears or becomes damaged while in transit. The above tips will enable you to prevent such eventualities. 

Common Pickup Truck Problems and How To Troubleshoot Them

What are pickup truck problems to know? Pickup trucks serve various purposes in our daily life, and you will need them to move to work, transport farm in/outputs, and also for delivery purposes. Despite your truck’s role, it is prone to tear and wear. Sticking to a preventive maintenance schedule will give it a longer life and avoid some pickup truck problems.

As a pickup truck owner, having the best tools to help you solve various problems is essential. The basic knowledge about truck repairs will be an added advantage, saving you from visiting auto repair shops more often. Here are some common pickup truck problems and how to fix them.

Overheating Engine

An overheating engine can cause severe damage, such as blown gaskets, cracked cylinder heads, or something related to the fuel system. When left for long, it can lead to a complete engine failure. It is essential to work with a professional who can identify the overheating engine’s signs and address them as early as possible. 

When you realize that your engine is overheating, do the following.

  • If your AC is on, turn it off to reduce the stress on the engine and pull away the heat from the engine by turning the dial to maximum heat. 
  • Find a safe place, stop, and shut off your pickup.
  • Check the level of coolant and top it up.
  • Restart the engine and drive to the nearest auto repair shop.

Starter Failure

Starter issues are yet another of the pickup truck problems to know. You should regularly check your starter more often during the cold weather. The starter failure is usually common during winter. You can quickly note when your starter becomes faulty, and the ignition becomes problematic as it gets colder.

Overloads are the common cause of electrical problems in starters. The ground and winding circuits in the field and armature will let you realize this. When you realize your starter is faulty, consider taking your pickup to an auto shop specializing in the truck’s electrical parts to determine and fix the problem. 

U-Joint Failure

U-joint is common in rear and 4wd trucks when the transmission and the axle are at differing heights. It is the responsibility of the U-joint to transmit power to the driveshaft. It has to be properly lubricated to prevent it from wear and tear. You will notice clicking sounds when the U-joint is becoming faulty as well s vibrations when your pickup is at higher speeds.

It is difficult to troubleshoot U-joint since other components display similar symptoms when faulty. You can put your truck on the dynamo and observe the undercarriage as the wheels are rotating will let you determine the condition of the U-joint. If your U-joint is faulty, consider checking other parts, such as axles, the motor, and other parts that can cause the problem.

Brake Problems

The braking system failure is another common truck problem. Checking the brake fluid level is essential. Always bleed the entire system after checking the brake pads. 

Conclusion

The pickup truck has various components that are prone to failure. The signs and symptoms that these parts display when faulty are similar. It is, therefore, essential to take your truck to a professional to check and determine the defective part as well as other pickup truck problems. Adhering to the basic maintenance schedule will save you from unnecessary brake-downs.  

Rust: Tips To Keep Your Truck Clean and Rust-Free

Rust is an enemy to vehicles, and the appearance of a smaller percentage of rust can cause significant damage to your truck. Rust usually spreads very fast if you do not notice it in time. Regular cleaning and parking in a safe spot are ways of preventing rust from your truck. 

When you see a small portion of rust on your truck, consider removing it before it spreads to sensitive parts that can be costly to repair. 

Causes of Rust in Pickup Trucks

Rust forms when iron and oxygen come into contact. The bad news is that almost all metals in your truck are iron. Rust develops gradually, and most pickup truck owners may only note it once they see holes. 

Cleaning Your Pickup Truck & Preventing Rust

To ensure your pickup truck is rust-free, consider practicing these precautions to save time and money.

Protect Your Truck From Elements

Regular exposure to sun, snow, and rain harms your pickup truck. Ensure your truck is protected from such elements by parking inside the garage. You can opt for a portable garage if you live in a rented house.

Leaves, dirt, and other debris can clog your truck and attract moisture which is composed of oxygen. The oxygen in moisture reacts with iron to form rust. Parking inside a garage protects your truck from such elements. 

Wax Your Truck

Waxing your truck at least twice a year will prevent it from rusting and keep it in good condition. Wax adds a layer of resistance between your paint and the moisture that causes rusting. Consider waxing your truck more often if you never keep it in the garage. 

Waxing is a simple procedure you can do yourself, but if you do not have time, seek the services of a professional. Apart from preventing rust, waxing also makes the surface of your truck slippery, letting it remain clean for a longer duration. 

Wash Your Truck

Washing sounds simple, but it plays a greater role in protecting rust. During winter, salt being used to clear roads facilitates rusting. It is essential to clean your truck daily before parking it inside the garage. 

Washing also removes debris, such as leaves that attract moisture. Moisture on the surface of the truck is harmful. Consider using a high-pressure cleaner that removes dirt from hard-to-reach areas for thorough and clean washing. 

Clean the Drain Plugs

Drain plugs are usually forgotten when cleaning most trucks. Paying attention to them prevents rust. These plugs usually become clogged with debris that can let water accumulate. Always check the condition of your drain plugs and clean them when necessary after washing your pickup truck. They are usually found under the doors, around the trunk, and on the edge of the hood. 

Conclusion

A pickup truck is a reliable workhorse for every household. It is a source of income and also assists in running personal errands. It can serve you, your children, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren if well cared for. A greater percentage of every truck is made of iron sensitive to rust. Practicing the above will keep your truck clean and rust-free. 

Must Have Pick-up Truck Accessories To Enhance Your Ride

Options are endless when considering styling and making your truck look better, ranging from LED light bars to custom grilles. Truck custom accessories have made it easier and simple to modify your truck. Here are the must-have pick-up truck accessories to enhance your ride.

Pick Up Truck Accessories To Have

Here are some of the most crucial truck accessories that you need to have in place.

Performance Enhancers

Pick-up trucks park much power. For drivers interested in power, there are lots of options to choose from. Such additions also increase fuel efficiency, but this depends on individual needs.

Cold air intake, exhaust systems, engine chips, and programmers are some enhancers you can consider for more power. If you choose the right combination and installation, you will enjoy how your truck will perform.

Emergency Items

Accidents not only result from careless driving, you might be a victim no matter how careful you are on the road. For safety, you must be prepared with truck accessories such as a first-aid kit, flares, jumper cables, a flashlight, and a spare wheel. 

With such items, you will be able to face any situation you find yourself in easily. For example, a jumper cable will help when your battery cannot start the engine, and in low visibility conditions, a flashlight comes in handy. In case of an accident, a first aid kit will help save a life before rushing to the hospital.

The LED Light Bars

LED light bars not only offer adequate lighting at night, but they also enhance the looks of the lighting system of your truck. They have varied brightness levels to suit your personal needs. These lights last longer, are waterproof, and are resistant to extreme temperatures. Consider installing LED light bars on your truck for convenience and enhanced looks.

Coatings and Liners

Truck owners use them to perform various roles, such as hauling manufactured products, farm products, or even for personal use. No matter what your truck does for you, coatings and liners are essential accessories your truck must have. Coatings and liners prevent scratches, dents, and interior finishing from damage.

There are various truck bed liners made of various materials. Consider a liner designed for your truck’s make and year if you want maximum protection. The liners should be easy to clean, durable, and offer maximum protection to the bed of your truck. There are several coating options available in the market. Choose an exterior coating that meets all your protective and financial needs. 

Truck Bed Covers

Pick-up trucks are loved not because of their performance but because of their large cargo bed. The cargo bed varies depending on the size of your pick-up truck. The bed needs to be protected for cargo safety with truck bed covers. They protect your cargo from moisture, dust, and theft, adding beauty to your truck. 

Truck bed covers improve fuel economy due to improved aerodynamics and reduced drag. There are various truck bed covers to choose from, depending on your needs.

Conclusion,

Several truck accessories can increase the performance and look of your truck. Knowing different accessories is the first step to choosing the one that fits your truck. Truck accessories vary in price and the roles they perform. A good investment will greatly change your truck’s performance and looks. 

Understanding Different Types of Truck Bed Liners

Want to know about the different types of bed liners? The truck bed performs various roles and hauls goods ranging from chemicals to metals that can cause dent and discoloration. It is, therefore, essential to protect it from further damages that might be costly to repair. The truck liner protects the bed from dent, rust, tear, and wear damage. Truck bed liners differ in material composition, and knowing the protection they can offer your truck bed will help you choose the right one.  Here are a few examples worth knowing. 

Drop-In Bed Liners

Drop-in bed liners are made of plastic and cannot be welded. They have special bolts that hold them firmly on your truck bed. Being held by bolts makes it easy to remove anytime and offers excellent protection to your truck bed. 

Drop-in bed liners have different colors to choose from based on your test. Installing it is hassle-free as it requires no specialized tools. 

Spray-In Bed Liners

Spray-in liners are sprayed on the bed of your truck to form a layer of protection that is chemical resistant. Sometimes the procedure can be messy and requires a second party. The materials used to produce this bed liner are expensive, making its market price a bit higher. It is resistant to various chemicals that can damage your truck bed. 

Carpet Bed Liners

As the name suggests, the carpet liners are made of carpet material spread on the truck bed and held firmly with glue. Never assume that it is only made of carpet since this material has the capacity to withstand all sorts of chemicals and damage. When dirty, you only need to scrub it clean. 

Rubber Bed Liners

It is made from flexible rubber, and you can mold and shape it in the desired design. This rubber resists any damage that can be dangerous to the bed of your truck, such as gasoline, ultra-violet light, and road salts. When this rubber is dry, it will not be easy to note any cuts or scratches. You only need to clean it using a brush and soap, which might be hectic sometimes. 

Wooden Bed Liners

Wooden liners are famous since they are not costly and easy to install. You can also use any color of your choice to paint the wood. The only limitation of wooden liners is that they cannot resist all sorts of things that can damage your truck bed.  It can absorb water, and chemicals can also corrode it quickly.

Fibreglass Liners

Fiberglass liner is relatively light compared to rubber liners since it is made of fiberglass sprayed on a mold. It is practical and resistant to chemicals and weather damage. It is difficult to clean and expensive as compared to other liners.

Conclusion

Knowing the composition of every bed liner will help you choose the right one. The right bed liner will prevent chemicals, scratches, and dents from damaging the bed of your truck. It will also save you from regularly repairing the truck bed and help retain its original look and shape. 

Quickly Learn 5 Symptoms of Bad Brake Booster In Your Truck

The braking mechanism of a truck begins right when you press the brake pedal. A brake booster is a component of the braking system that uses the engine vacuum to aid in stopping your truck. Usually, the brake booster is on the engine compartment in front of the driver. Having a bad brake booster is less common than other braking system parts. If it fails, your truck will not be safe to drive. Being under the hood, buying and fixing is the least expensive. 

Signs of a Bad Brake Booster

A failing or failed brake booster affects how the entire braking system functions. In such a scenario, your truck becomes risky to drive. But how can you know your brake booster is failing? Here are the common signs.

The Brake Pedal Becomes Hard

When any part of the brakes becomes faulty, you will feel it as soon as you press the brake pedal. The brake booster operates in a vacuum, and the extent to which the brake pedals become hard to press varies. Usually, pressing the brake pedals on the first time can feel normal, but it can become harder with subsequent applications. 

Your Truck Takes Time To Stop 

When the brake booster functions appropriately, your truck should stop when you press the brake pedal. Although the braking does not solely depend on the booster, your braking distance can greatly increase. 

Stalling Engine

Engine stalling is another sign that your brake booster is faulty. It is a sign of a massive vacuum leak worth not ignoring. When there is a vacuum leak in the booster, it can draw more boost than usual whenever you press the brake pedal. In such a scenario, the booster will draw a vacuum from other components that make your engine stumble. In such a scenario, the RPM drops, and eventually, your truck will stall.

The Appearance of the Engine Check Light

Modern trucks have an engine control unit, a computer that monitors the entire truck’s functions. The ECU has various sensors attached to every part of your truck. The brake booster has a vacuum sensor. When it is faulty, the sensor sends signals to the ECU that notify you by turning on the engine check light on your dashboard.

A faulty brake booster will cause the engine check light on your dashboard to appear. When such happens, take your truck to a professional to check and fix it. 

Hissing Sound

Hissing sound when braking raises the attention of other road users apart from giving an uncomfortable feeling when driving. The hissing sound indicates that the brake booster is faulty, usually a vacuum leak at the booster. When this happens, you will hear a whistling or hissing sound that worsens when you press the brake pedal. At this time you will know you have a bad brake booster that needs to be checked.

Conclusion

A bad brake booster on your truck can be due to mechanical issues, but just like other parts within the hood, it can become faulty and eventually stop functioning if you ignore the signs it’s giving. When your truck exhibits any of the above signs, consider checking the condition of your brake booster. 

The Different Types of Truck Brakes Worth Knowing

What are the different types of truck brakes you know? Brakes play an essential role in the performance of your truck, and it is, therefore, essential to ensure that your brakes are in perfect working condition. You can do this by regularly checking the brake fluid levels and the braking system’s entire condition whenever you take your truck for routine servicing and maintenance. Doing this will help you catch up with the parts that are wearing out and replace them in time.

There are different types of truck brakes, some work independently, while others work jointly. In this guide, you shall learn about the various brakes used by trucks. 

The Main Types of Truck Brakes

There are four common types of brakes, which vary depending on the structure and how they operate. They only vary in structural design, but they all play a similar role in safeguarding and stopping your truck. Here are the common types of brakes you should be aware of. 

Disc Brakes

Disc brakes are mainly popular in modern vehicles. Such brakes have brake pads, calipers, rotors, and hydraulic fluid that work hand in hand to stop your truck. When you press the brake pedals, the pressure pushes the hydraulic fluid in the system to the calipers, which presses the brake pads against the rotor to stop your truck. 

The disc brake has a simple design, performs better in wet conditions, and has better heat dissipation when braking, giving you full stopping power. 

Drum Brakes

They have a small round drum, which is where the name drum brakes came from. The drum has a set of brake shoes and other components. When you press the brake pedal, the shoes press on the side walls of the drum, and this action stops your truck. Drum brakes are relatively cheap to maintain.

Drum brakes are the least popular because the drum can hold water inside, making it ineffective when braking. Water can also cause rust in the inner components of the drum brakes. They cannot handle heat like disc brakes, significantly interfering with your truck’s stopping power. 

Anti-Lock Brakes

Technically, anti-lock brakes are not a type of brake but a technology incorporated into the braking system that prevents brakes from locking. When you press the brake pedal instantly, chances are high that the wheels will lock and your truck will skid. The ABS sense the speed at which every wheel rotates, and if it senses that a wheel is locked, it sends brake pulses to the wheel, reducing your truck’s speed. Such action aids your truck in gaining traction and prevents it from skidding.

Emergency Brakes

The emergency brakes are also known as the parking brakes. This is one of the most crucial of the different types of truck brakes when the vehicle is parked. It is directly connected to the main brakes of your truck through a cable. Depending on your truck, you can engage it using a hand lever, foot pedal, or even a button. Emergency brake aids in keeping your truck in a single spot. It also comes in handy whenever the main brakes fail.

Conclusion

Your truck has all of the 4 different types of truck brakes. Although some trucks have disc brakes all-round, most have disc and drum brakes. The anti-lock brakes are safety features that prevent your truck from skidding when you abruptly press the brakes. 

Low Brake Fluid – What Happens When Your Truck Has Low Brake Fluid?

The braking system has various components that work jointly to stop your truck. Like other fluids, brake fluid is vital for your brakes to function effectively. It is one of the fluids you should consider checking its level more often before driving your truck. When the brake fluid level drops, your truck will show signs prompting you to act. As you read this guide, you will be able to understand what happens when the level of brake fluid in your truck is low. 

Signs of Low Brake Fluid

When your truck starts to experience any mechanical issue, it will ask for help, and low brake fluid levels are no exception. Here are some signs your truck will exhibit when the brake fluid level is low.

  • The appearance of a brake check light on the dashboard. The dashboard check light turns on for a purpose. The appearance of the brake check light can also warn you of other braking problems.
  • Soft or hard brake pedal. The brake pedal should not go down with ease or resist going down when you press it. If such happens is an indication that there is air in the braking system and the brake fluid is low or contaminated.
  • Presence of fluid around your wheels. When you experience the presence of fluids around your wheels indicates that the brake fluid is leaking. 

Apart from leakages, there are other causes of low brake fluid levels.

  • Internal leakage into the brake booster. In such a scenario, you might not note any visible sign of leakage, but it can damage the brake booster of your truck.
  • Old brake pads can store more fluids in the calipers, leading to less brake fluid in the master cylinder.

What Happens When You Drive a Truck Without Brake Fluid

Brake fluid is vital in the braking system, but most drivers usually ignore it. As you drive, chances are high that, at some point, you will run out of brake fluid, but what will happen? Your brakes might completely fail and put you at risk of your truck losing control. But it is possible to stop when your brakes fail. 

When driving and you realize that your brakes have become unresponsive, consider pumping the brake pedal to activate brake lights or turn on your hazard lights. Doing this will warn other road users that your truck has a problem, and they can keep a safe distance or give you the way. 

You can gradually engage the parking brake to downshift to lower gears. Once your truck reaches a speed limit of 20 miles or below, you can slowly pull off the road into the grass, weeds, or small rocks on the side of the road. Such surfaces offer more friction that will completely stop your truck.

If your parking brake fails to engage, downshift to lower gears and carefully steer your truck until it stops.

Conclusion

The role of brake fluid in your truck cannot be taken for granted. If its levels drop, your brakes are more likely to become less responsive or faulty. The above are signs warning you of low brake fluid and what to do when your brake becomes unresponsive while driving. 

Why You Shouldn’t Drive Your Truck With Worn Brakes

It isn’t pleasing when you press the brake pedal to stop at the stoplight then your brakes squeal. Driving on worn-out brake pads can be annoying and damage other parts of the braking system apart from raising everyone’s attention. When you drive your truck with worn-out brakes, here are the things that are likely to happen. 

Your Tires Will Wear Down

Driving a truck with worn-out brakes can wear out your tires very fast. When the brake rotors, pads, or calipers are worn out, you will slam the brake pedal more often for your truck to slow down or stop.

Regular slamming of the brake pedal and faulty brakes facilitate the rate at which the tires wear out. Apart from the increase in the rate of tire wear out, you will also experience uneven tire wear due to unbalanced tires. Taking care of your brakes should be a priority if you want to give your tires a long lifespan. 

Your Truck Will Vibrate When Braking

Your truck will slow down smoothly when your braking system works perfectly. But if the brake pads are worn out, or the rotor is damaged, you will feel vibrations when you press the brake pedal. If your truck shakes or the steering wheel vibrates when you press the brake pedal and stops when you release the brake pedal, is an indication that you should service your braking system. 

Brake Calipers and Rotors Can Be Damaged

The braking system is connected and comprises moving parts, and if a component is faulty or damaged, the damage can easily be transmitted to other parts. For instance, if your brake pads are completely worn out, chances are high of damaging the brake rotors the more you ignore them.  

Brake pads have a metallic layer that, if it is worn out, this metal will rub against the rotors leading to the production of a grinding sound whenever you press the brakes. The metal-to-metal contact leads to the generation of heat that can warp and crack the rotor. Even though the brake rotors last longer than the brake pads, failure to replace your brake pads in time can lead to damage to the rotors. 

To give your brake a long lifespan, consider changing your brake pads before they wear out, check the entire braking, and repair any damages.

Your Brakes will Have a Slow Response Time

As your brakes wear out, their efficiency reduces, making it difficult to stop your truck effectively. Pay attention to response time to determine how much your brakes are worn out. When driving with worn brakes, you must push the brake pedal harder for your truck to stop.

Driving on worn-out brakes can lead to the truck side slipping, pulling towards one side. Side slipping can result from the brake pads not engaging and disengaging the rotor as they should.

Conclusion

You can drive with the worn-out brake pads, but you shouldn’t, especially when they are excessively worn out. Changing the brake pads at the right time and checking the entire braking system keeps the system in perfect working condition, gives you the best driving experience, and improves road safety.

Causes Of Hissing Brake Sound In Your Truck

Hissing is mainly associated with snakes and cats sometimes, but your truck’s brakes can produce this sound. When you start experiencing a hissing brake sound is an indication of a mechanical problem worth not ignoring. Even though you should not ignore it, it is an issue that is easy to fix. A professional mechanic should check the cause of the hissing sound from your brakes, but you can also do it if you are good at DIY mechanics.

Causes of the Hissing Brake Sound

There are significant and minor causes of the hissing brake sound. Faulty brake booster and master cylinder are the common causes, while the missing silencer, damaged vacuum booster, or leaking vacuum hose are the minor causes. Here are the causes of hissing brake sound worth knowing.

Faulty Brake Booster

When your pedal produces, a hissing sound indicates that the brake booster is faulty. The primary role of the brake booster is to multiply the pressure you apply when pressing the brake pedal. When it does its role effectively, the slight pressure you apply multiplies to a significant force to slow down your truck. The brake booster relies on hydraulic fluid to perform this role. 

You will experience these signs when your brake booster is faulty.

  • Stiff brake pedal.
  • The pedal does not return to its original position whenever you press it.
  • Decrease in RPM when you idle or brake.

When your booster is faulty, it indicates several things are wrong which if ignored, you will experience brake failure. 

Faulty Master Cylinder

The master cylinder transmits pressure generated when you press the brake pedal to the braking mechanism on the wheels. It has a reservoir with brake fluid that sends adequate pressure to the brakes and no air within the system. When faulty, you will note these signs.

  • The brake pedal will be spongy and take time to spring back after the release.
  • Leakages beneath your truck.
  • Uneven brake pad wear. 

Leaking Vacuum Hose

For a brake booster to function effectively, it requires pressure. The vacuum hose transfers pressure from the engine to the booster. In case of leakage, you will hear the hissing sound when braking, and replacing it is the solution.

Faulty Vacuum Booster

If your truck has power brakes, the vacuum booster augments the pressure from the brake pedal to the master cylinder. The vacuum booster contains a diaphragm and a canister that maintains a partial vacuum to enhance braking. When faulty, you cannot determine the pressure necessary for braking, which can lead to an accident. 

Damaged Foam Silencer

It is the least dangerous cause of a hissing sound from your brakes. The brake booster has a foam silencer that acts as a soundproof. If it is faulty or missing, you will hear all the activities within the brake booster. 

Conclusion,

The hissing brake sound generally results from a broken brake booster or faulty master cylinder, but when the foam is missing, you do not need to worry because your truck will not be at risk. Other causes besides the missing foam silencer can be dangerous, and you should repair them as soon as possible.

6 Symptoms of Bad Brake Pads In Your Truck

Brake pads are very important in every vehicle. It is responsible for the braking; without them, things might not go as planned. What exactly happens when you have bad brake pads? As a truck owner, brakes are lifesavers, enabling you to control your truck and stop when necessary. Consider taking care of them to be practical and functional when driving. 

Symptoms of Bad Brake Pads

The brake pad is part of the braking system that feels the most stress, wears out, and needs a replacement more often. When you have bad brake pads, your truck will show some signs such as those discussed below. 

Squealing Sounds

When your brake pads are worn-out and their useful life is ending, you will hear a squealing sound whenever you press the brake pedal. The sound usually results from an utterly worn-out brake pad. Upon witnessing this sound, consider replacing your brake pads immediately.

Vibration When Braking

When you feel vibrations on the steering wheel or your truck, whenever you press the brake pedals is an indication that your rotors are no longer smooth but groovy. The brake rotor becomes damaged when it touches the metallic part of the worn-out brake pads. In such a scenario, consider checking the condition of your brake pads.

Your Truck Does Not Stop Instantly

When your brake fails to perform effectively is an indication that your brake pads are worn-out. If you press the brake pedal, but your truck is not responding appropriately, consider checking the condition of your brake pads. Ignoring this can lead to avoidable accidents and excessive damage to other brake parts.

Thin Brake Pads

Depending on the type of rims, you can easily spot the brake pads without removing your wheels. The part of the brake pad that comes into contact with the rotor is made of a special material that gradually wears out. As you apply brakes, this part rubs against the rotor and eventually becomes small. When you note that your brake pads are becoming small, consider replacing them.

The appearance of the Brake Check Light

Modern trucks have several sensors that detect how every part of your truck functions. If any malfunctions, the sensors will detect and inform you by turning on the check light on the dashboard. 

When your brake pads become faulty, the brake sensor will detect and send the signal to the ECU that will alert you by turning on the brake check light. If you see this light, the first part of the brake you should check is the brake pads. If they are worn out, replace them.

Grinding Sound

When you press the brake pedal and feel a grinding sound from your truck is a sign that your brake pads need a replacement as soon as possible. Some brake pads have metal wear indicators that are loud to alert you that they are worn out and that you should replace them. 

Never take the grinding sound for granted, as it can lead to further damage that can be costly.

Conclusion,

The brake pad is part of the braking system that experiences much pressure from inside and outside. From outside, the calipers press it, and from inside, it presses the rotor. Check and replace your brake pads if you note any of these signs. 

Symptoms Of a Bad Master Cylinder In Your Truck

The master cylinder in your truck is an essential component for safe driving since all the operations of your brakes solely rely on the master cylinder. Like other parts of your truck, it can also fail, and understanding the signs it shows when it becomes faulty can help you rescue it before it stops working completely. In this guide, we will go through some of the symptoms of a bad master cylinder to help you know when to replace it.

What is a Truck Master Cylinder? 

The master cylinder is a hydraulic device of the braking system that pushes the brake fluid through the brake lines whenever you engage and disengage the brakes. It has two chambers, each with a piston connected to the brake pedal. 

When you press the brake pedal, the pistons push the fluid from the reservoir to the brake calipers or wheel cylinders through the brake lines. It is this action that creates the friction which stops your truck. But things might not go as planned when you have a bad master cylinder.

Signs of A Bad Master Cylinder

The brake cylinder coordinates all the braking operations within your truck. Safe driving solely depends on its condition. If you have a bad master cylinder, you will experience a number of signs you should watch out for. Here are the common signs.

Low Brake Fluid Levels

The master cylinder supplies the hydraulic pressure to the parts of the brakes at the wheels. If the fluid leaks, air will get into the system, and the pressure will reduce. Low pressure implies that the entire braking system will not work effectively from the brake pedal to the pads or shoes. If such happens, you will note that the brake fluid level is low or empty, topping up is not a solution. Instead, check the condition of the master cylinder.

The Brake Pedal Feels Super Soft or Spongy

A leak in the braking system can result in a spongy brake pedal and lead to brake failure. Whenever your brake pedal sinks freely is an indication that the brake fluid is being pushed out of the system and the presence of air in the brake line. Either way, the way the performance of your brakes will be interfered with. 

Dirty brake Fluid

Brake fluid impurities could point to a bad master cylinder. When your brake fluid is dirty is an indication of a problem with the master cylinder. The fluid should either be clear or golden, but when it is colored, it indicates the presence of impurities. The impurity that makes the brake fluid dirty comes from the master cylinder, which allows moisture into the system or metal particles from the cylinder is falling into the system.

Grinding Noise

When you press the brake pedals and hear a grinding noise is an indication that the master cylinder is becoming faulty. The noise usually results from the warn-out brake components but not the master cylinder. It indicates that too much pressure is exerted on the front or rear brakes, resulting in premature wear and grinding noise. 

Conclusion,

The master cylinder of your truck is part of the braking system that facilitates how the brakes’ internal and external parts work. Just like other parts of your truck, it wears out with time. Before it fails, you should be able to know when you have a bad master cylinder by following this guide.

7 Common Symptoms of a Bad Brake Rotor In Your Truck

A brake rotor is a part of the disc brake which the pads press against to stop your truck. The rotor is made of heavy materials, making it more durable than brake pads. However, the rotors also get damaged, usually when driving with worn-out brake pads. Here are the 7 symptoms of a bad brake rotor worth knowing. 

Signs Of a Bad Brake Rotor

Here are some of the things that one can use to determine if they have a bad brake rotor in their truck.

Steering Wheel Vibrations

Whenever you press the brake pedal, the brake pads will press against the rotor, which has a smooth and flat surface, slowing down your truck smoothly. Heat is generated when braking that can warp or bend the brake rotor. If you have a bad brake rotor, your steering wheel will vibrate whenever you press the brake pedal.

Increased Stopping Distance

A longer stopping distance is another vivid sign that your truck has a faulty brake rotor. Truck drivers with experience will feel this by how the braking system performs as they drive. For instance, the truck cannot stop within an acceptable distance.

Wobbling

Wobbling is a sign of spoilt bearing and wheel runout. It usually occurs when driving at a certain speed and can lead to uneven brake pad wear or a bad brake rotor in the truck. Wheel runout should be treated seriously, as it can interfere with your brakes’ performance and the brake rotor’s general functioning. 

Bad Smell

The feeling of a nasty chemical smell results from overheating brakes or the calipers not functioning correctly, leading to brake failure. When the calipers are faulty, they stress the brake rotor, which can warp. When this happens, you will witness smoke from the affected wheel and a foul smell.

Corrosion

During winter, it is normal for rust to form on the surface of the brake rotors due to the accumulation of moisture, especially if your truck spends most of the time outside. But when rust appears on the rotors of a truck that is well-maintained and spends the warm nights in the garage. When rust starts to form on the outer surface of your rotors, consider replacing them as soon as possible.

Blue Marks

When the blue marks appear on the surface of your brake rotors is an indication of the presence of cracks on the surface of the rotor, faulty caliper, and uneven wear on the brake pads. The blue color results from the heat generated and pressure when you apply brakes. Consider inspecting your brake rotors as soon as you note the blue color on their surface.

Deep Grooves/ Score Marks

The presence of deep groves and marks on the brake rotors is a clear indication that your rotor is faulty. A healthy rotor has a smooth surface on the touch and to the eyes. The smooth rotor surface ensures uniform contact with the brake pads, which ensures the pads wear out uniformly. Grooves on the rotor are a sign that you need a new rotor. 

Conclusion

You can easily spot a bad brake rotor depending on the type of rims on your truck. You can inspect your rotors without removing the wheel if it is alloy. If you note any of the above signs, consider inspecting your rotors and replace if necessary.

Best Truck Tires For Towing

When towing, the kind of tires you choose for your truck ensures a safe and comfortable ride. You might experience an unstable ride if your truck has tires unsuitable for towing. It is thus essential to ensure that your truck has the right tires for towing heavy trailers. Upon reading this guide, you will understand some features of the best truck tires for towing.

Why Choosing The Right Truck Tires For Towing Matter

The performance of your truck will improve if your tires offer the necessary traction for towing, no matter how much torque your truck is producing. The trailer’s weight can affect your truck’s brakes, stability, and handling. Thus, it is essential to choose the right tires designed to handle excess weight. 

What To Look For In Truck Tires For Towing

You have to consider several factors when looking for the best tires for towing. Here are some factors worth keeping in mind.

Durability

Towing stresses the tires, leading to premature wear or tire bursts. It is, therefore, essential to choose tires that are built for durability and offer the needed traction on any road condition you are towing. Choose a tire that will not quickly wear out but give you the most extended service life.

Driving Conditions and Terrain

You usually drive your truck in conditions such as wet roads, muddy or icy roads, and various hilly, plain, or steep terrains. When choosing the right tires for towing, it is essential to first think of the condition and the nature of the terrain you will encounter. Choose tires that handle such driving terrain as steep inclines and rough roads. 

Weather Condition

Rainy, hot, dry, and cold seasons are some of the weather conditions that trucks get exposed to. Best towing tires offer exemplary performance in rain, snow, and ice. All-season tires or tires with unique features to handle various seasons will be essential. 

Tread Design

Treads are markings on the tires that enhance traction when driving on any surface. The nature of the treads helps in determining when to change tires. Tire treads are essential for your truck to offer the best performance as it offers a good tire grip and handling. For the best towing experience, consider specialty truck tires for towing which usually come with an aggressive tread pattern to enhance traction on wet roads or snow.

Load Capacity

Load capacity is an essential factor worth paying attention to when shopping for the best tires for towing. The tires you choose should be able to handle your truck’s weight, plus the trailer’s additional weight and contents inside it. Choose a tire that is rated to handle what you are towing. 

Conclusion

Towing trucks generally produce much torque, most of which are diesel-powered. It is the torque that produces the power necessary for towing. For effective towing, torque is unnecessary, but the tires where the torque goes directly. Choosing the best truck tires for towing is essential as it will ensure that the torque from the engine is all concentrated on towing the trailer. Putting the above factors into practice will let you choose the right truck tires for towing. 

Should I Get Winter Tires For My Pick-Up Truck?

Pick-up trucks are robust, and you will need them to complete various jobs throughout the year. Your truck will be handy when you need to haul, tow, and perform extreme off-roading. Even when the season is still warm, preparing your truck for winter is essential, especially if you live in areas that experience heavy snowfall. Even if your truck is 2 or 4WD, you must prepare it for winter for a better driving experience. For efficiency, you need winter tires, and here are the reasons. 

Snow Tires Maintains Proper Traction

Spinning out of control is the last thing every truck owner wishes during winter, and using winter tires will help you prevent this from happening. The aggressive design of winter tire treads offers better traction. Poor traction makes it difficult to control your truck, especially on slippery winter roads. 

Winter Vehicle Tires Are Specially Designed For Harsh Winter Temperatures

During winter, temperatures drop below -1°F, which is extremely cold and can affect the performance of your tires. The rubber on winter truck tires makes them perform better in the winter season. 

Various tire manufacturers have unique compounds that they use to produce winter truck tires. Such makes the winter tires maintain optimal consistency as you drive over the snow and ice. The presence of microbubbles on some winter tires helps absorb water on the ice. 

Winter Vehicle Tires Will Save You From Chaining Your Tires

Chaining your tires is cheap and will give you a good driving experience during the winter season. But it would be best to prepare adequately before you drive in winter. On the other hand, installing winter tires give additional confidence when driving through snow and ice. Although you will be driving at lower speeds most of the time, you will be sure of managing and controlling your truck. 

Do Your Truck Need Winter Truck Tires?

Winter vehicle tires will benefit your truck if you consistently drive in temperatures below 45° F. Most trucks become challenging to control during winter, especially if they do not install winter tires, which might lead to avoidable accidents. 

If snow and ice are not a threat where you live, installing winter tires for your truck is still a good idea. Cold temperature hardens the rubber on non-winter truck tires. On the other hand, the winter truck tires remain soft during extreme temperatures, offering the best traction for your truck. 

Winter tires are essential safety measures for any truck driver during the winter season. Such tires can withstand harsh winter conditions. Tire companies have designed winter truck tires for your truck to enhance safety. Even if your truck is a 4WD, winter tires will enhance the way it handles. For this reason, those who deal with severe winter seasons prefer winter tires. 

Conclusion

It is essential to prepare for the winter season adequately. Installing winter tires will enable you to use your truck during winter effectively. The compounds used in winter tire production enable it to survive and offer optimum performance during the winter season. Besides performance, winter tires improve safety when driving through slippery ice and snow.

What Are Directional Tires & Should You Use It For Your Truck?

Truck tires differ in various ways, and the tread patterns are one of the notable differences. Tires have various designs suitable for various terrains and purposes based on their treads’ shape, size, depth, and pattern. In this guide, you will learn the directional tires and why you should use them for your truck. 

What Are Directional Tires? 

As a truck owner, you have come across various tires and noted that they differ in their treads’ features. Based on their tread patterns, directional tires can only rotate uniformly. When closely monitoring directional tires, you will realize that the lateral voids and channels on the tread point forward or down. The channels on the sides of the treads run like two waterfalls from the opposite direction.

Directional tires are the best for traveling at high speeds as they channel water away and offer the best hydroplaning resistance giving you a sporty performance on off roads. It is not easy to rotate directional tires on a truck since you must dismount the tires from the wheels and remount them after rotating. Due to this, many truck owners only switch directional tires from back to front when performing a rotation. 

How To Tell If Your Truck Uses Directional Vehicle Tires

Directional tires have treads that look like an arrow pointing where the tire rotates, mainly the front of your truck. When you keenly look, you will realize that the tread pattern has a solid ribbed center, which moves up and away from the center of the tire, like a V or Y. 

You can also look at the mounting direction to determine if your tires are directional. During installation, directional tires can only face a specific direction. They usually have an arrow or an indicator on the side wall that indicates the side it should be mounted on.

Why You Should Use Directional Tires on Your Truck

Directional tires have a unique tread design, and some are wide. The V-shape treads with a wide surface give them a better look.   These are the reasons you should consider installing directional tires on your truck. 

Good Looks

Directional vehicle tires are popular because of their looks, and they have an eye-catching tread pattern with v-shaped grooves to resist hydroplaning when driving on wet surfaces. Wider tires need to come with an anti-hydroplaning design due to their wider contact patch on the road, but currently, the v-shaped directional pattern is now popular in wider and slimmer tires. 

Improved Performance

Installing directional auto tires on your truck will improve its handling and performance compared to traditional tread patterns. Besides expelling water, the V-shape treads offer better traction when driving on sand, gravel, and dirt. Water expulsion and improved traction enhance the way your truck handles when driving. 

Conclusion

Directional vehicle tires are becoming popular by the day. The main reason for their popularity is the ability to expel water when driving on wet surfaces and improved traction on various driving surfaces. Consider installing directional vehicle tires on your truck for a better driving experience.

Crucial Tips On Smaller Tires On Trucks

Apart from facilitating a smooth ride, the entire weight of a truck rests on the tires all the time. A truck requires suitable tires for efficiency and better performance. Although some people prefer to install larger tires for boldness, others prefer smaller tires for aesthetic reasons. Smaller tires are the best choice for a truck. Therefore, it is essential to understand if installing smaller tires for your truck is necessary. 

Pros of Smaller Tires on A Truck

Smaller-size tires experience less sidewall rolling when making a sharp turn, improving traction and handling. The smaller diameter of the wheels allows more torque to the driving surface. 

When driving at the same speed, smaller tires will spin faster than the larger ones and thus will require higher engine RPMs. Since they spin faster, smaller tires offer more towing power than larger ones, and this is because they transfer more torques to the ground. 

Installing smaller size tires will lower your truck and boost its aesthetic, but a smaller tire for aesthetic purposes may interfere with the performance of your truck. 

Con of Smaller Tires on A Truck

Switching from big to small tires may not be the best option if your manufacturer does not recommend it. 

Installing smaller tires may be relatively expensive since you need to lower parts of the suspension system, such as the arms, brackets, springs, stabilizing bars, and shocks. Performing these modifications is expensive and might also alter the computer system of your truck. 

Smaller tires can give a faulty reading on your odometer and speedometer. Anti-lock brakes might malfunction, cause transmission problems, and lead to the appearance of an engine check light. You can also encounter wheel alignment problems and problems with the advanced driver assistance safety systems. 

Smaller tires reduce ground clearance, making it relatively hectic during extensive off-road driving. Your truck can collide with road debris that can damage vital parts under it, such as the oil pan. Low ground clearance also makes it relatively hard to get into parking lots. 

The higher torque from faster rotation and engagement with the pavement makes the small tires age and wear out faster. If your rim size is smaller than the overall wheel diameter, be cautious and ensure the brake rotors and the calipers have adequate clearance that enables the wheels to rotate freely. 

Can I Put Smaller Size Tires On My Truck?

Small tires improve traction during winter seasons and general driving safety. Winter tires might be expensive, especially if the manufacturer recommends size 19 and above. Unfortunately, the prices of winter tires are not directly proportional to their sizes. For example, 16-inch tires might be more expensive than the common-size 17 tires. 

You might end up buying non-winter tires when purchasing smaller winter tires. To avoid this, buy high-quality winter tires and the size your manufacturer recommends. 

Conclusion

Smaller size tires are appealing and have various advantages and disadvantages. Depending on your test and preferences, you can opt for smaller tires. Winter tires are relatively expensive. When buying smaller winter tires, stick to the correct tire size as your manufacturer recommends. 

How To Tell If You Have Bad Alternator Or Spoilt Battery In Your Truck

Do you know how to differentiate an issue of a bad alternator or spoilt battery? The battery and the alternator are integral parts of a truck’s electrical system. They depend on each other for effective functioning. If your truck is not starting or cannot run the battery or alternator might be faulty. Keep reading to learn the signs and symptoms and to know whether you have a bad alternator or spoilt battery. 

A faulty alternator or battery can interfere with your schedule and drain your wallet, and it is thus essential to know some signs they exhibit when they start going bad. Initially, it is difficult to differentiate the signs of a bad alternator or spoilt battery. Still, as long as you know what you are looking for, troubleshooting is fine. 

Knowing Whether You Have A Bad Alternator Or Spoilt Battery

By the end of the guide below, you will be able to know whether you have a bad alternator or a spoilt battery in your vehicle. This will in turn help you make an informed decision.

Symptoms Of a Faulty Battery

A standard truck battery will only offer 3-5 years of service, after which it might stop functioning anytime. Many things can drain your truck’s battery. Being without power or charging for a long duration or experiencing extreme seasons can reduce the life span of your battery. A dead battery is stressful, and you can be stranded if you cannot start your truck. Here are the common signs you should watch out for. 

  • Clicking sound whenever you try to ignite and start your truck’s engine.
  • Slow cranking that might sound “rurr, rurr, rurr” when starting your truck.
  • The appearance of the engine check or battery check light on your dashboard.
  • Battery casing swelling or bloating.
  • A smell of a rotten egg or sulfur is a sign of a leaking battery.

If you have tested and are sure that your battery is in perfect condition, but your engine is still struggling, consider checking the wires and the terminals and cleaning them to remove any corrosion that might hinder power flow.

Symptoms Of A Faulty Alternator

Alternators usually have a longer lifespan than batteries, but exposure to excess heat, load, and water can facilitate their wear out. You will get stranded when you have a bad alternator or spoilt battery.

If your truck’s alternator stops functioning, the electrical demand will be catered for by the battery, which will drain. Once the battery is empty, your truck will shut off even on the highway. You can prevent this by noticing signs from your truck when the alternator becomes faulty. 

  • The appearance of the battery check-light on the dashboard.
  • If your truck has a vault gauge, its reading might be high or low.
  • The battery dies more often.
  • Dim or extremely bright lights.
  • Malfunctioning truck accessories like windows, radio, and seat warmers.
  • Grinding, growling, or whining noises under the hood. 
  • The smell of burning rubber. 

Conclusion,

From this guide, you can easily know if you have a bad alternator or spoilt battery. Battery and alternator are essential parts of the electric system of your truck. They do not just fail abruptly, but it is a process with various signs. If you experience any of the above signs or your battery has served you for 3-5 years, consider replacing the battery or call a technician to check and replace them. 

Can You Run Winter Tires All Year Round On Your Truck?

Truck owners living in areas that experience the winter season are usually in a dilemma if it is possible to continue using winter tires during other seasons. Unfortunately, it is not advisable to use winter tires throughout the year. Doing this will be costly and can interfere with the performance of your truck. 

Tire makers offer various types of tires suitable for every season. When buying tires for your truck, factors such as season, driving style, and performance will determine the type of tire suitable for your truck. Never use winter tires throughout the year for various reasons.

What Are Winter Tires?

Winter tires offer better traction when temperatures go below -1°C. Such tires are made of unique soft rubber, making them flexible and better conform to slippery roads. They also have deeper treads with unique designs, making them ideal for the winter season. 

Why Your Truck Should Not Run On Winter Tires Throughout the Year

The unique design of winter tires allows them to perform better during winter. When the season changes and it becomes warmer, you will no longer need soft and deeper tread tires. These are some reasons why you should remove winter tires after the winter season. 

Winter Tires Wear Out Very Fast on Dry Pavement & Warm Temperature

The soft and flexible rubber of winter tires increases traction. As temperatures increase, the soft rubber and the treads wear out quickly. All-season and summer tires are designed to withstand harsh summer temperatures and offer a long service life.

Reduced Fuel Economy

The soft and sticky compounds of winter tires offer a higher rolling resistance. Rolling resistance is the energy that gets lost when tires are rolling, and the energy loss results from tire deformation. Winter tires wear out faster, and their rolling resistance is 15% higher during warmer seasons, which increases fuel consumption. 

Stopping Might Not Be Instant

Winter tires have more tread blocks in comparison to all-season or summer tires. These tread blocks are softer and flexible. During hot seasons the flexible designs of winter tires increase the stopping distance. 

Whether all-season or winter tires, high temperatures make tire treads flexible and have a greasy feel due to the dissolution of the chemical components. If the temperature goes beyond 30°C, winter tires will start to marble which is dangerous because the rubber balls formed will spin under the wheels. 

Winter Tires Are Effective at Lower Temperature Range

Some truck owners may save much money using winter tires throughout the year. It’s because of an assumption that winter is an extreme season, and a tire that can handle it can handle any season. Winter tires have flexible treads below the freezing mark. In comparison, summer tires with smooth tread blocks to offer a maximum surface area grip, while winter tires have softer compound tread blocks that make them effective in freezing seasons. 

Conclusion,

Before swapping your truck tires, consider the thickness of the tire treads. Tire manufacturers recommend a minimum tread depth of 6/32 during winter. You should consider buying new tires if your tread depth is below the minimum. 

Choosing the Best Truck Tires For Overlanding

Off-roading is one of the best experiences every truck owner wishes to have. Overlanding makes permanent memories you will never stop thinking about. For Overlanding to be enjoyable and successful, your truck must be in good condition to tackle every terrain. Tires are integral when It comes down to driving on any terrain. Here you will learn about the best truck tires for Overlanding.

What Is Overlanding? 

Overlanding is an adventure trip to a remote destination whose primary aim is the journey. Remote destinations usually are characterized by poor roads. Therefore, Overlanding entails off-roading, outdoor activities, and camping. For Overlanding to succeed, you must prepare all the essentials, such as modified covered truck beds, pop-up trunks with mattresses, and camping stoves. 

The Best Truck Tires For Overlanding

Want to learn about the best truck tires for overlanding? During overlanding, the driving terrain becomes unpredictable with on and off-roading. For this reason, you must prepare your truck and have all the Overlanding equipment on board. Having the right tires to reach your next destination is one of the factors contributing to the reliability of your truck. When choosing the best overlanding tires, you can’t use the ‘one-size-fits-all’ approach as the best overlanding tires solely depend on where you plan to take your overlanding adventure.

People believe bigger tires are the best for Overlanding, which is partially true. Having taller tires for your truck increases ground clearance which is essential for extreme off-roading. But big tires are not the best for your truck due to the alterations made to your suspension system. 

All you need is the right balance between the extra ground clearance and the performance of your truck. It is essential to consider the manufacturer-recommended tire size for your truck. Consider the following when choosing the best truck tires for overlanding. 

Versatility

Versatile tires are the best for Overlanding since you will be driving on various terrains. All-terrain tires are suitable for unpaved roads, bumpy and up-country terrains. If most of your driving is on unpaved or wet roads and you want to keep tires the same when you reach pavements, consider installing all-terrain tires. Such tires will give you the best performance during light overlanding and under harsh conditions like loose gravel and snowy streets. 

Heavy Duty Tires

Heavy-duty tires are among the best truck tires for overlanding on rough terrains, steep elevations, and deep mud pits. Such tires have deep and aggressive tread patterns to offer grip as you drive in the wilderness. Heavy-duty tires will offer maximum traction giving you confidence during extreme overlanding. 

Maximum traction tires are more sturdy than all-terrain tires, and their side walls are steel reinforced, increasing their durability. You will not experience regular tire punctures, chips, and tears with such tires. The lugs on the upper side wall offer a better grip to get out of extreme or tight spots. 

Conclusion

During Overlanding, you will be adventuring and mostly driving. Therefore, getting the best truck tires for overlanding is crucial. However, these tires are not suitable for some uses. Since they offer maximum traction, such tires are loud and produce unpleasant sounds when driving on the pavement. 

Replacing The Clutch Plate Of Your Truck

In manual transmission trucks, replacing the clutch plate is vital in ensuring connecting the gearbox to the engine and providing the truck with power. The clutch plate is one of the parts of the transmission system that face wear and tear. But this depends on an individual driving style and the environment in which your truck is regularly driven.

If you drive more often in a city traffic jam, your clutch plate will likely wear out faster than those who mainly do highway driving. And the clutch plate of a truck driven on hilly terrains also wears out rapidly. Here is how to go about replacing the clutch plate of your truck.

Replacing The Clutch Plate Of Your Truck

You might be in a dilemma and wondering how to know if your clutch plate is worn out. Generally, a clutch plate gives prior warnings before wearing it out. Such warnings will aid you in determining when to replace your clutch plate, and here are some of the warnings you should pay attention to and know whether it is time to consider replacing the clutch plate.

Soft Clutch

When you press the clutch pedal and note that it is soft is a sign that your clutch plate is worn out. When it is very soft and spongy, it indicates that the wear and tear are intense. Consider releasing the clutch pedal as you engage gears when in such a situation. Visit the nearest auto repair shop for clutch plate replacement.

Shuddering

Shuddering is another sign worth not ignoring once you note it on your clutch pedal. When it shudders at low speed, the clutch plate might have impurities like oil, and also, the clutch plate might be worn out consider replacing it as soon as possible. Shuddering can also result from loose bell housing bolts, broken engine mounts, and spoilt clutch linkage.

Slipping

The clutch has a life span, and when it comes to an end, it will start slipping. Slipping is the inability of the clutch to engage or disengage whenever your press the press clutch pedal. The engine RPM increases even if your truck is not moving faster. Slippage is obvious when overtaking, going up the hill, or hauling heavy objects. When your clutch slips, it will overheat, which will cause additional wear and strain.

Noise 

Whenever you hear a grinding sound when you press the clutch pedal is an indication that your clutch plate is worn out. The noise results from defective bearings. Replacing bearings is easy and not costly, but if you ignore them, you can end up with expensive repairs that result in additional damages.

Faulty Cylinders

Faulty cylinders, bearings, and a fork can make your clutch plate fail. For your clutch to function well, all its components must work properly. In the case of a direct linkage clutch, when some parts become faulty, you only need to change the cable linkage.

Conclusion

If you are that person who mainly drives during rush hour and you usually spend more time on the clutch and brake pedals, then the lifespan of your clutch plate is limited. Spending more time on the clutch pedal is a threat to the engine and the general lifespan of your truck clutch plate. Your clutch can serve you for more than 70,000 km if well maintained. Shared above is all about replacing the clutch plate in your truck.

Two Types of Air Conditioning Systems In Your truck

Air conditioning systems is an essential component of every truck. It comes in handy when the cabin temperature is high and cools it down. Although it is used more often, most people do not understand how it functions and the types of air conditioning systems. After reading this guide, you can understand various air conditioning systems.

Most trucks use two main types of air conditioning systems. One uses the expansion valve system to reduce the refrigerant pressure, and the other uses the orifice tube. 

Expansion Valve System

The aftermarket AC systems use the efficient expansion valve system when it comes to regulating the refrigerant to the evaporator. It is situated at the firewall between the inlet, outlet tubes, liquid, and section lines.

Its disadvantage is that it might get clogged with debris, and its small moving parts may stick together or fail to function due to corrosion. 

Orifice Tube System

The orifice tube system is common in General Motors and Ford models. The orifice is at the inlet tube of the evaporator or sometimes the liquid line. The orifice tubes are about 3 inches long. It has small brass tubes with plastic surrounding it and a filter covering each end.

However, the orifice tube system has disadvantages, such as clogging from debris accumulation. The clogging is avoided by installing a larger pre-filter before the orifice tube. The high repair cost is another downside of the orifice tube system. 

How the Air Conditioning Systems Works

The air conditioning systems work through the transmission of AC gas between the liquid and gaseous states. The state transition is vital and aids in heat and humidity absorption, and provides cool and dry air in your cabin. Here is how each type of air conditioning system works.

There are four key stages for the expansion valve system to cool down your cabin. This is what happens in every stage.

Stage 1

The evaporator supplies the compressor with low-pressure refrigerant. Compression takes place, which results in a high-pressure refrigerant vapor that is carried to the condenser.

Stage 2

The condenser receives the hot, high-pressure refrigerant vapor. The heat exchanger has special tubes where the high-pressure refrigerant is forced down. The refrigerant vapor’s role is to absorb the heat within your cabin. The bottom of the refrigerant has a relatively lower temperature than the top. The lower temperature condenses the vapor released from the bottom of the condenser as a high-pressure liquid refrigerant.

Stage 3

A fan blows on the fins to cool the refrigerant vapor, which cools your truck even if it is not running.

Stage 4

The process occurs in the expansion valve where the high-pressure liquid refrigerant moves to the dryer as some go to the evaporator. The expansion valves moderate the temperature of the refrigerant vapor that leaves the evaporator. It also controls the quantity of liquid refrigerant moving into the evaporator. 

Conclusion

The air conditioning system plays the role of cooling the temperature within your cabin. There are two main types of AC. This guide has elaborated on how these two AC system work. Knowing the type and model of your truck will aid you in knowing the type of AC in your truck.