What are some of the crucial preventive maintenance checklist for diesel engine trucks? Diesel trucks are big, reliable, and fuel-efficient as compared to petrol-powered vehicles. They offer greater torque with minimal fuel burn. Consider a diesel engine when buying a truck for commercial or heavy duty. As much as diesel engines are efficient, they need proper care and maintenance, they are susceptible, and a little ignorance can lead to a costly repair. They need regular preventive maintenance. Performing regular maintenance helps in reducing the overall cost of running your truck.
Before starting any trip, it is healthy to perform basic preventive maintenance. Basic preventive maintenance includes checking the condition of your tires, lights, and levels of various liquids. Pay attention to your truck’s basic warning signs, and funny noises would be best.
What Makes up Routine Preventive Maintenance For a Diesel Truck?
The only way you can reduce the daily running cost of your truck is by performing regular maintenance. Abrupt mechanical breakdowns are always expensive to repair, but you can avoid them.
Performing preventive truck maintenance varies depending on the age of your truck. It is essential to refer to the truck’s manual for recommendations about performing preventive maintenance. When doing it, pay attention to these areas.
Tires
Make a regular inspection on your tires. Before beginning any trip, ensure your tires have the right pressure and minimum tire tread per DOT requirements. Apart from tire pressure, perform a general inspection on your tires. If you note any physical damage, consider repairing it. If it is beyond repair, consider buying a new tire.
When the temperature changes, your tire pressure will also change, increasing the rate at which your truck consumes fuel, and your tires can fail when speeding. Underinflated tires can lead to alignment, steering, and braking issues.
Brakes
Brakes are life savers, and they are essential for stopping and controlling the speed of your truck. Consider checking the condition of your brakes. Check if you have the correct brake fluid levels and well-working brake pads. To ensure your brakes are in good condition, never forget the last time you changed your brake pads and shoes, as these are the main areas that wear out more often.
The steering System
Inspect for steering wheel play, which is the major indication of steering system problems. Check for leakages, as the power steering fluid is prone to leakages.
Battery
Consider inspecting your battery at the begging of winter and summer. Check if your battery is well secured and if the plugs are tight on the terminals. Batteries have a life span of 72 months. Consider replacing yours after serving you for this period.
Mirrors and Lights
Mirrors are essential when planning to overtake, give way, or check how close the traffic behind you is. Check if the mirrors are well positioned and if you see cracks, consider replacing them.
Lights, however, are necessary to signal other road users. Ensure your brake lights, hazard indicators, and headlights are working.
Conclusion
It is easy to perform preventive maintenance for your truck. Doing this does not require prior mechanical knowledge, as you must use your eyes or touch them. Preventive maintenance reduces cases of unnecessary breakdown. The above are some areas to focus on when performing preventive maintenance for your truck.