Truck Makes Tickling Noise When Accelerating – How To Fix

The best thing about driving a truck is hearing the roaring sound of the engine. But sometimes, the roaring sound can be accompanied by tickling noise, which should not be the case. The tickling sound whenever you press the gas pedal indicates that one of the components is faulty. This guide will cover all the potential problems, and how to fix them.

Law Oil Pressure

Law oil pressure harms the engine as the metallic parts hit and rub against each other. The tickling sound results from the dry engine parts rubbing and hitting against each other. In such a situation, you will hear the tickling sound when your truck is stationary but the engine is running. However, the sound intensifies when you press the gas pedal. 

How to Fix Tickling Noise When Accelerating

First, you need to refill the oil reservoir, but if you did this recently, check for leaks, as this can deplete oil from your truck quickly.

Always change the oil filter anytime you change your oil. Low oil pressure results from a clogged oil filter, leading to an inadequate oil supply to the engine. 

Exhaust Leaks

The exhaust system does the role of expelling the combustion by-products from the combustion chamber in an organized and controlled manner. 

Exhaust leaks can happen anywhere within the exhaust system. But the leak within the exhaust manifold will manifest as a tickling sound within the engine compartment.

How To Fix Tickling Noise Caused By Exhaust

Exhaust manifold leaks sound serious, but fixing them is a simple procedure. Your mechanic can patch the leak. If the exhaust manifold is faulty, you will replace it at a cost though not expensive.

Faulty Valvetrain

The engine has various valves. All these valves are in two categories that are intake and exhaust valves. The valvetrain does the role of controlling the intake and exhaust valves. If the valvetrain or the valves are faulty, you will hear a tickling sound when you press the gas pedal. When this happens, your engine will misfire, reducing performance. 

How To Fix

It is easy to adjust the valvetrain. If you have the necessary tools, you can work on it as a DIY project. But you can consult your mechanic to do it on your behalf, which will cost $80 to $150.

Faulty Spark Plugs

The spark plugs seal every cylinder from the top. If not well fitted or cracked, the exhaust gases will bypass the seal, resulting in the tickling noise. Sometimes, the sparkplugs can damage the cylinder head threads, and you must replace them. 

How To Fix Tickling Noise From Faulty Spark Plugs

If your spark plugs are faulty, consider replacing them, but if they are loosely fitted, consider tightening them.

If the spark plug has damaged the cylinder head, consider replacing or repairing it, which is expensive.

Conclusion

Several issues cause a tickling noise whenever you press the gas pedal. It is essential to discover the possible cause of the tickling sound as it poses a greater risk to your engine. A damaged engine right from the cylinder head is expensive to fix. The above are the possible causes of tickling sounds and how to fix each. 

How To Improve Your Truck’s AC Performance

Ever thought if there was a way that you could improve your truck’s AC performance? Truck owners living in the south can only imagine driving with an AC. During summer or hot weather, the air conditioning system offers cooling within the cabin and plays a vital role in preventing heat-related illnesses like heatstroke.

There are measures you can practice to improve the cooling effectiveness of your truck’s air conditioning system. Below are some of the tips worth putting into practice.

Always Start the AC When Driving

Most truck drivers habitually start their AC when their trucks are not moving. Doing this wastes fuel as the AC functions well when driving. If your truck is in motion, the compressors can run faster with the speed of the crankshaft. 

If you want to cool your truck faster before driving, consider opening the windows and the sunroof.

Check the Refrigerant

The system refrigerant reduces gradually when you regularly use the AC to cool your cabin. A refrigerant shortage boosts your AC performance when the temperatures are high. It is essential to check your refrigerant after 6 to 12 months.

Ensure the AC Condenser is Clean

The AC condenser is at the front of your truck and behind the grill. Its primary role is to re-cool the refrigerant as it expels the heat to the passing airflow. However, the airflow path can be clogged by dirt and debris, reducing the condenser’s efficiency. Consider checking and periodically cleaning it.

Check the AC Filter

Filters usually become dirty and worn out, leading to the breakdown of your truck’s air conditioning system. The filter traps foreign objects like dust, dirt, and pollen. With time they become clogged, and you will have to replace them.

If you do not replace your AC filter, the AC system will work harder to push the air through, leading to increased fuel consumption.

Regularly Service Your Truck

Trucks AC performance is best under good maintenance. For the AC of your truck to function effectively, take your truck to professionals for inspection and servicing. The professionals will test and determine if various parts of the AC are working perfectly. Check any damage or leaks and fix them.

Park Undershade

Try as much as possible to park your truck under shade. Most of the heat that gets into your cabin is usually in the form of radiation. If you can’t find shade to park your truck, slightly open the windows provided where you park is safe. Opening windows slightly allows air to circulate in your truck, and heat will not accumulate.

Install Window Shades

Window shades play a vital role in limiting the heat in your cabin. Before installing window shades, check the ones your local laws recommend.

The window shades prevent sunshine from getting into your cabin, and this will let your AC work less to keep the temperature cool. 

Conclusion

Despite the higher temperatures, following the above tips will help keep your truck’s cabin cool and comfortable with improved AC performance. Your fuel expenses and AC repair costs will greatly reduce in the long run. The trips you make to health facilities will also reduce since you will be free from heat-related illnesses. 

How Often Should You Service A Mini Truck?

Just like other trucks, you need to service a mini truck if you are to get good service from it. Every mini truck manufacturer will advise you to stick to the maintenance schedule if you want it to run smoothly. You may wonder when to service your mini truck, the cost, and what is involved during the procedure. Here you will get the information you need to know about mini truck service.

What & Why Is It Necessary To Service A Mini Truck?

Mini truck servicing involves inspection of the engine oil and filters and replacing them at a fee. Your mechanic will later inspect your mini truck to determine the condition of every part. Upon completion, your mechanic will recommend the parts you need to change and the cost of each part.  

How Often Should You Service A Mini Truck?

If you have just bought a new mini truck that is within the manufacturer’s warranty, consider sticking to the manufacturer’s service schedule. Doing this will keep your warranty valid. Older mini trucks also enjoy benefits from regular annual servicing. When properly maintained, the mini trucks drive smoothly for a very long time.

Proper servicing of your mini truck and keeping a detailed service history preserves its value when you sell it. You can achieve this by performing baseline maintenance, condition-based, and interval-based servicing.

Baseline Maintenance

Baseline maintenance, also known as regular servicing, starts with all the common things you will have to maintain in your mini truck, like changing the engine oil and filters. Baseline maintenance takes half a day and costs between $180 to $350, depending on the quality, type, and amount of oil your mini truck needs.

The price for baseline maintenance also varies depending on the quality, the type of oil, and the filters you opt to use. Generally, most mini trucks should undergo baseline maintenance after every 10,000km. During baseline maintenance, your mechanic will have ample time to inspect your mini truck and give you appropriate advice.

Condition Based Servicing

There are certain parts of your mini truck that you can wait for to show signs of wear and tear to replace them. For example, you will hear a squealing noise when your brake pads are worn out and need replacement. The brake rotors, engine mounting, timing belt, chain, tires, and radiator are some parts that will send you a warning when they need servicing. 

Interval Based Servicing

Consider servicing some mini truck parts pre-emptively because their failure is sudden and will not give any signs or symptoms. Failure of such components can lead to accidents or damage to your mini truck. 

The brake fluid, spark plugs, spark plug coils, battery, and transmission fluid are some parts that will never show any sign of wearing out, but the worst will happen when worn out. Consider checking and changing these parts as per the manufacturer’s instructions. 

Conclusion,

Your mini truck needs regular servicing to be reliable and give you a long service lifespan. Most mini truck manufacturers recommend that you service a mini truck after covering a specific mileage or when it starts showing some signs. During servicing, your mechanic will perform a thorough inspection to identify the parts that need servicing. 

Starting A Truck After A Long Time

Have you ever tried starting a truck after a long time and realized that it doesn’t start well? Trucks are fascinating vehicles that everyone aspires to have. Some truck owners have more than one truck or a truck, and other cars may be SUVs, sedans, or sports cars. Owning up to one vehicle can make you not regularly use your truck. You may have traveled and left your truck parked for a long time. Consider the following steps to start your truck safely when you need to use it. 

Starting A Truck After A Long Time

Here are some considerations when you are starting a truck that has been sitting idle for a long time.

Check the Level of the Engine Oil

Before you ignite your truck after sitting for a long time, look underneath for spills and leaks. After doing this, check the level of the engine oil using a dipstick and top it up when necessary. You can start the engine if your truck has the correct engine oil.

Check the Brake, Clutch, and the Transmission Fluid

The brake, clutch, and transmission fluids are essential for the smooth running of your truck. If your truck has been in the garage long before starting the engine, consider checking the level of these fluids. There is a chance of these fluids reducing if there is a leakage within the system. Ensure you have the right level of brake fluid. Call a professional to check the level of the transmission and clutch fluid. 

Check the Coolant Level

Before you start a track after a long time, consider checking the level of the coolant and ensuring it matches the minimum mark in the reservoir. Low coolant can lead to engine overheating when you start your truck.

Check the Condition of the Belts, Hoses, and the Wires

Your truck has belts connected to various pulleys and hoses that transport the engine’s coolant, air, fuel, and other fluids. The electrical system also has various wires. When your truck has been at the parking for longer, it is essential to check the condition of the belts, hoses, and wires before starting the engine. You can replace any of them if you note damage or cracks.

Never Crank Your Engine If It Does Not Start

Sometimes your engine might fail to start when you ignite it. If this happens after your truck has been parked for a long time, the battery voltage might be low. A battery with low voltage will not provide adequate power for the starter motor to rotate the crank that later fires up the engine. If this happens, the dashboard lights, horns, and wipers will function normally. 

Multiple cranks can completely drain your battery. Consider jump-starting your truck when it does not start on the first ignition attempt.

Check the Condition of the Tires

Your truck has stayed for a long without moving, so it is essential to check if the tires have the right pressure. A visual examination will determine whether your tires are over or under-inflated. If the tires are deflated, never drive, but inflate the tires first. You can keep driving your truck if it has run-flat tires. 

Conclusion

The above tips will help you to start a truck and get your truck running to normal after a long time. If you cannot perform them on your own, seek the services of a professional mechanic. When driving after a long time, consider starting at low speeds before speeding. Observe the traffic rules and avoid unnecessary usage of the horn. 

What is a Bobtail Truck & Is it Dangerous?

What is a bobtail truck and is it dangerous? The 26-wheelers usually have the head and trailer in heavy commercial trucks. The two are separable. Therefore, if you commonly spot a particular truck with various trailers such as containers, tankers, or even dumpers on different days, this is why. Bob tails trucks are common on the roads and vital for the economy of the transport industry and other sectors. But bobtail trucks possess much risk on our roads.

When a bobtail truck is involved in an accident, it is deadly and catastrophic. Due to this, drivers need extra training and enlightenment to maintain road safety. Although truck drivers undergo special training, road accidents involving trailers are common, especially when the truck is bobtailing.

What’s truck Bobtailing?

When a truck is not towing any trailer, it is in bobtailing mode. Such trucks are common when the drivers are going for cargo or after delivering the cargo to the destination. Trailers have mighty engines to tow heavy trailers in any terrain. When it has nothing to pull, the power only drives the head. The excess power makes such trailers relatively harder to control as compared to when it is loaded. 

Deadheading is another common term, and it is different from bobtailing. Deadheading refers to hauling an empty trailer.

Dangers of Bobtail Trucks

Bobtail trucks are dangerous on the roads, and it is not easy to control and brake when driving a bobtail truck. Therefore, drivers need to be extremely cautious.

Right from the industry, trucks are made to tow heavy trailers. For this reason, most of their braking power lies in the rear axle under the trailer. The rear axle has no weight when a trailer is in bobtail mode, reducing braking power.

A better percentage of the weight of a bobtail truck lies on the front axle, and the sole purpose of the front axle in a truck is steering, not braking. The bobtail trucks, therefore, are vulnerable to skidding in sharp bends or if the driver makes a sharp turn.

Bobtail trucks have a longer braking distance despite the reduced weight. When you spot such trucks, never follow them closely, and do not allow them closer to your car. The longer braking distance makes them vulnerable to collision whenever the driver applies brakes.

As much as the safety of truck drivers is a priority, no state prohibits bobtailing. The truck must drop and go for cargo. Therefore, a truck has to travel without a load.

Truck drivers usually undergo special training, but training only becomes efficient when you regularly put into practice what you have learned. Several drivers have less experience when it comes to handling bobtail trucks, and this is the reason why most truck accidents involve bobtail trucks.

Conclusion

Bobtail trucks are common on the roads. Most of them are either going for cargo or are from cargo delivery. Trucks carry heavy loads, and as a result of this, their braking power is at the trailer’s rear axle. A bobtail has no trailer. As a result, it has lesser braking power. This makes bobtail trucks relatively tricky to handle.

Avoiding Truck Repair Scam Services

Throughout the ownership of your truck, at least you have some terrible experiences you can never forget, especially at the service center, when you receive poor repair services. Truck repair scams are common, especially for first-time truck owners. As a truck owner, you can avoid such scams. First, you must know these scams and what to do when encountering them. In this guide, you will understand the common truck repair scams and how to avoid them.

Truck Repair Scam 1 – “Other” Service Repair

Sometimes your mechanic can tell you they are taking your truck to a different service center for a further check-up. Sometimes, your mechanic might be genuine or just drive your truck to the local spare parts market.

You need to know the address of the alleged service repair. You also need to get the contact details and call to clarify if your truck is there. 

If your truck has a tracker, you are way better as you will be able to know its location from your device.

Truck Repair Scam 2 – Unknown Repairs

Mechanics usually inflate the bill by including repairs or diagnostics that don’t exist. On most occasions, they may add a G-scan or other replacements they did not do.

Avoiding it

As soon as your mechanic is through with servicing your car and you receive the bill, take time to scrutinize the statement. If there is any repair you need help understanding, ask for clarifications from your mechanic. Ask why they did that repair, and if it involves fixing a new part, ensure you see both the new and old parts. 

If your mechanic fails to show you the new and the old parts or avoids the question, conclude that it is a repair your truck didn’t receive.

Truck Repair Scam 3 – Additional Problems

Additional problems is a common term that mechanics use to scam truck owners. When you almost pay the service bill, you will hear of the additional problems and expensive repair costs. Mostly, the additional problems are unnecessary replacements that mechanics do without your consent. 

Avoiding it

Before leaving your truck for repairs,  ensure your mechanic notes down the parts that need repairs and the approximate cost. Remind your mechanic only to perform repairs to the parts noted. 

If they get more problems, they should keep in touch before making any repairs. Doing this will enable you to stay in control of unexpected repairs to avoid having huge bills.

Truck Repair Scam 4 – Repeated Repairs

Repeated repairs without finding the root cause of the problem are some of the ways mechanics use to scam truck owners.

Avoiding It

Never allow your mechanic to take you into this. When you hear such reasoning, get a second opinion. 

Conclusion

Mechanics are good people who bring your truck to life, but not all are good. Dishonest ones will always inflate your service bill whenever you take your truck for routine service. Talking to your mechanic will tell you whether they are genuine or tricking you. The discussed are some common tricks dishonest mechanics use to scam truck owners.

Oil is Coming Out of Mini Truck Exhaust Pipe – What to Do

The mini trucks, like other vehicles, will develop weird issues after using them for a long time. During your ownership, you will realize several problems come from the fuel system. But sometimes you will realize that some oil is coming out through the exhaust pipe as you drive. It usually happens after using the mini truck for a long time. There are ways of solving this if it happens.

What to Do When Oil is Coming Out of Mini Truck Exhaust Pipe

If you see some oil coming out of the exhaust pipe of your mini truck, do not panic. This guide illustrates what to do when such a scenario occurs. 

Check the End of Your Exhaust Pipe

Sometimes what you might mistake as oil leakage on your exhaust pipe might not be oil. The exhaust pipe’s end accumulates soot, forming a very thick layer. If you have never cleaned the end of your exhaust pipe for a while, the condensed liquid might come out through the exhaust pipe looking like oil. To fix this, put on gloves and insert your finger into the exhaust pipe to check if any soot is formed in the exhaust system.

Check if there is Congestion in the PVC Valve

The PVC valves provide a medium through which the internal combustion gases travel to the combustion chamber. The accumulating gas volume will expose the engine to pressure if the PVC valve is clogged. However, the pressure will make the oil sort for ways out and pass through the exhaust pipe. If your mini truck starts to release bluish smoke and you witness the spark plug having some oil, then the possibility of the PVC system being blocked is high. In case such happens, fix the new PVC valve.

Check if the Gasket is Broken

The gasket forms the part of the entire exhaust system and does the role of sealing the engine head and the block. If the gasket is blown, the liquids such as oil will pass the seal and move to the exhaust system. However, if oil comes out of your exhaust pipe, it is necessary to check the exhaust system. How will you determine if your gasket is broken? The engine of your mini truck will start to overheat, the engine will be less powerful, and fuel consumption will increase. To fix this, replace the broken gaskets. 

Conclusion

The exhaust pipe is not designed to remove oil from your mini truck. Several possibilities might cause the oil leakage through the exhaust system, such as a broken head gasket and congested PVC valve. However, if you witness this, never ignore it, as it signals the beginning of a problem that might take your engine to the intensive care unit.

Oil leakage is likely to reduce the performance of your mini truck. It will start to overheat, and its parts will wear out very fast. If you see oil coming out through your exhaust pipe, take your mini truck for a check-up to fix the issue.

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

Trucks have a delicate engine that should not come in contact with any impurity. Oil, in some cases, might contaminate the engine, especially if it has some impurities. How do we protect our engine from getting into contact with impurities from oil? The oil filter does the work of preventing any impurity from reaching the delicate parts of your engine. Clean oil will improve your truck’s performance and prevent the engine from wearing out due to friction. The function of cleaning oil is tedious and exposes the oil filter to wear and tear. During regular servicing and check-ups, most trucks demand a change of oil filter. Sometimes you might be in a dilemma when choosing the right oil filter for your mini truck. When buying an oil filter, consider the following.

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

Dirt – Holding Capacity of the Filter

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

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

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

Pressure Flow Profile

The 10-micron oil filters have better dirt control than the 40-micron filter, but many truck owners are worried about shifting from 40 to 10 microns because it may lead to a restricted oil supply into the engine. Do not worry because the oil filter has a bypass that gets cracked when the oil filter reaches a specific pressure, and the cracking restores the oil supply to the engine. As the tension rises, your oil gauge will indicate until the pressure cracks the bypass.

Capture Efficiency and Size

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

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

Design and fabrication Integrity

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

Conclusion

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

Common Reasons Why AC Could Fail in Your Truck

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

Common Reasons Why AC Could Fail in Your Truck

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

Weak Airflow

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

Dead AC

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

When the AC Produces a Burning Smell

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

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

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

The water inside Your Truck

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

Conclusion

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

Troubleshooting Mini Truck Air Conditioner Issues

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

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

Troubleshooting Mini Truck Air Conditioner Issues

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

Causes of AC Failure

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

Leakages on the Refrigerant

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

Overstrained Compressor

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

Blockage on the Condenser

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

How to Fix Your AC

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

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

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

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

Conclusion

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

How to Troubleshoot Mini Truck Gearbox Problems

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

Common Mini Truck Gearbox Problems and How they are Fixed

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

Filter Congestion

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

Burning Smell

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

Slipping Gears

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

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

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

Noise when Shifting Gears

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

Conclusion

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

Rear-End Gear Ratio and How To Calculate It

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

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

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

Calculating the Rear End Gear Ratio

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

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

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

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

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

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

Conclusion

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

Pros and Cons of Diesel Engine Truck

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

Pros and Cons of Diesel Engine Truck

PRO: Increased Mileage

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

CON: Increasing Diesel Cost

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

PRO: Diesel fuel is Economical

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

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

CON: Diesel-powered Trucks are Slower

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

PRO: Diesel-powered engines do not have spark plugs

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

CON: Diesel-powered trucks require regular servicing and maintenance

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

Conclusion

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

Choosing the Right Axle Ratio for Your Mini Truck

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

Choosing the Right Axle Ratio for Your Mini Truck

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

The Right Axle Ratio 

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

Fuel Economy

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

Performance

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

Good Towing Ratio

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

A Better MPG Ratio

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

Conclusion

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

3 Tips To Cut Down Insurance Cost For Your Truck

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

3 Tips To Cut Down Insurance Cost For Your Truck

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

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

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

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

Compare the Auto Insurance Rates

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

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

Understand the Factors Affecting Insurance Rates

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

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

Conclusion

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

Considerations When Choosing Suzuki Mini Truck Parts

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

Considerations When Choosing Suzuki Mini Truck Parts

Do a Little Bit of Market Research

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

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

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

Shop from a Genuine Part Dealer

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

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

Consider Importing Spare Parts Yourself

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

Conclusion

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

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

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

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

Reliability of Honda Acty Engine

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

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

The Engine is Multi-purpose

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

Low Fuel and Oil Consumption

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

Economical Engine

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

Conclusion

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

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

Overview of Suzuki Mini Truck Clutch System

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

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

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

How A Mini Truck Clutch System Works

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

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

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

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

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

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

Requirement of a Suzuki Mini Truck Clutch System

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

Conclusion

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

5 Mini Truck Noises You Should Not Ignore

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

Common Mini Truck Noises You Should Not Ignore

Rattling Sound

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

Squealing Sound

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

Hissing Sound

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

Knocking Engine

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

Clicking Sound

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

Singing or Howling Sound

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

Squeaking Noise Whenever You Accelerate

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

Conclusion

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

How Does An Attorney Help in a Truck Accident

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

How Does An Attorney Help in a Truck Accident

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

Finding the Liable Parties

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

They Offer Legal Procedure Guidance

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

An Attorney Oversees a Proper Application of Comparative Fault Laws

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

Comes Up with a Solid Legal Strategy

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

An Attorney Takes Care of Complex Negotiations

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

Conclusion

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

Adding Air Conditioning to Old Mini Truck

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

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

Adding Air Conditioning to Old Mini Truck

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

Pipes

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

Evaporator

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

Dryers

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

Expansion Valve

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

Compressor

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

Condensers

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

Conclusion

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

Installing Aftermarket Steering Wheel In a Mini Truck

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

Choose & Installing Aftermarket Steering Wheel In a Mini Truck

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

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

Remove the Plastics on the Steering

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

Disconnect the Wires

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

Locate the Centre Lug Nut

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

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

Lubricate the Centre Part

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

Conclusion

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

What does CV Axle Do in Your Truck?

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

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

What does the CV Axle do in Your Truck?

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

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

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

CV Joint Boots Repairs

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

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

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

Conclusion

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

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

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

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

Does a 4X4 Cost More to Insure?

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

Experience

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

Mileage

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

Security

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

Specialized Schemes

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

Multi-Car Policies

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

Membership

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

Conclusion

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

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

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

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

Disc Brake

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

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

Advantages of Disc Brakes

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

Disadvantages of Disc Brake

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

Drum Brakes

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

Advantages of Drum Brakes

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

Disadvantages of Drum Brakes

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

Conclusion: Disc Brakes vs Drum Brakes?

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

Used Japanese Mini Truck on Auction

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

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

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

Pros of Mini Trucks on Auction

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

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

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

Cons of Buying a Mini truck from Auction

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

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

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

Conclusion

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

Is Your Truck Consuming more Fuel than Usual?

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

Reasons For Your Truck Consuming more Fuel than Usual

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

Load On The Truck

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

Speed and Aerodynamics

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

Tyre Inflation and Wheel Alignment

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

Driving Habits

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

Oiling

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

Conclusion

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

Legal Considerations before Importing Mini Trucks to the USA

Mini trucks are vehicles that meet the standard requirements of the Japanese Kei (Jidosha) classification. They must have an engine capacity of 660cc or less, be 130 inches long, 60 inches wide, and a height of 78 inches. The Japanese set these standard requirements because the production of mini trucks started in Japan, and famous automakers such as Isuzu, Subaru, Mitsubishi, Mazda, Daihatsu, and Suzuki are producing small vehicles with the features mentioned above. The love for mini trucks is gradually spreading to other parts of the world like the United States. Several units of such vehicles are exported to the United States annually. Kei trucks are helping US citizens to run various errands. However, federal laws regulate the importation of these vehicles, and every importer must know such laws. This article will focus on the legal considerations before importing mini trucks.

Considerations before Importing Mini Trucks to the USA

Mini Truck Must meet the United States EPA Standards

EPA reviewed the terms and conditions for importing mini trucks built to be used as motor vehicles but are now converted to nonroad. In the new regulations, EPA requires all mini trucks imported on or after 8th December 2008 to certify that the engines have been converted.

In EPA’s requirements, a mini truck imported to the US must have a speed limit of 25 mph. You can achieve this by physically performing acceleration restrictions or installing speed limiters.

Under the new regulations, the Japanese mini trucks converted to nonroad use must have engines that comply with the nonroad emission standards. The nonroad emission standard does not abolish the importation of mini trucks, but it requires importers to show that they have tested the engines and the emissions are as per the EPA standards.

The Minimum Age Limit Requirement

Most mini trucks imported to us no longer meet the safety requirements in Japan because they areolder and attract high insurance costs. The US customs department easily clears vehicles of 25 years and above.

US National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) does not advocate for driving mini trucks on major roads. This is because they do not meet the United States safety standards. You cannot drive any mini truck of 25 years or newer on US roads. Unless they are as per the Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standards (FMVSS). 

Compliance with the US Car Import Laws

Before importing a mini truck to the United States, ask yourself if the mini truck meets the US regulations. To achieve this, ensure your mini truck’s spare parts comply with American Standards. For example, ensure your speedometer is reading in miles. If it is in kilometers, you have to convert it.

Conclusion

Importing a mini truck to us is easy. But it can be stressful if the mini truck does not meet the minimum requirements to be cleared. It is, therefore, necessary to know what to consider before importing a mini truck to the United States.

Brake Drum Replacement in Mini Trucks

Many mini trucks have the drum brake fitted on the rear wheel. The brake drums have a cylinder to push the brake shoe against the walls of the drum. This action stops the wheel because the drum is connected to the axle and rotates while the wheel is rotating. The working principle between the drum and the disc brake differs slightly as both serve the purpose of stopping your mini truck. The continuous action in the drum braking system exposes it to friction which wears it out with time. When the brake drum starts to wear out, the driver will feel some symptoms, especially when applying brakes. Let us look at when to do brake drum replacement.

Weird Feeling on the Brake Pedals

Brakes in good condition will stop the vehicle immediately when you step on the brake pedals. When the drum brake starts to malfunction, you will feel your brake pedals are not functioning normally the way they used to before. You feel vibrations, soft brake pedals, and pulsating whenever you step on the brake pedals. When trying to apply breaks, such weird feelings signal that the drum barking system is wearing out and needs a replacement.

Difficulty in Stopping

Most mini trucks have disc brakes in front and drum brakes on rear axles; when both are faulty, you will experience difficulty in braking. When the drums or brake shoes start to wear out, you will experience difficulty in stopping your mini truck whenever you step on the brake pedal. Mostly you will apply breaks, and your mini truck might take time to break instantly. 

Loud Sharp Noise

A braking system in good condition will never produce any sound when the driver steps on the brake pedals. When the brakes start to wear, they produce loud noise because the drum will not be able to absorb the heat produced during braking. The build-up of the heat further stresses the brakes, making the noise louder as the shoes and the drums connect.

The Hand Breaks becomes loose

The parking brake in mini trucks is at the back wheel. The parking brake depends on the drum brakes for it to function effectively. Worn-out drums will not have the power necessary to keep the mini truck in place. When the drums are worn out, you will note that your mini truck slips a few inches after applying the parking brakes. The slipping might also happen due to loose brake cables and worn-out brake shoes. 

Conclusion

The brake drum is a critical component of the mini truck braking system which should operate properly. If you feel the above signs when braking, there is a high probability that either a part or the entire brake drum might be faulty. You need to do a brake drum replacement. You will need to replace the whole system or the worn-out part to solve this. Repairing the brake drum is not hard if you have the necessary tools and practice caution. It is advisable to replace brake drums under the guidance of your mechanic.

Replace Mini Truck CV Axle Boots

The power transmission system in a mini truck is complex to understand, but you can if you dedicate your time you will surely understand it. The engine is the power production department, but how does the engine do this? It has various mechanical parts such as pistons, cylinders, and fuel injectors. The power from the engine rotates metals called shafts; these metals transmit the rotational power to the wheels. The shafts are in two classifications, the drive, and the driven shafts. The driven shaft is directly connected to the axles. It is the axles that rotate the wheels.

The CV boots house the CV joints and offer protection against harmful debris. It also ensures the grease lubricating the cv joint is in place. The CV boot, on some occasions, might break.

How to Replace Mini Truck CV Axle Boots

Want to know how to replace mini truck CV axle boots? Here you will learn what to do in case the CV boot of your mini truck breaks. 

Remove the Tire

The first step to replacing the cv axle boot is removing the tire. To remove your tire, ensure your mini truck is safely parked and check whether your hand brake is engaged. Chock the rear wheels for additional safety. The lug nuts are hard to loosen after lifting your mini truck. Loosen them by making two turns on each. Use the hydraulic jack to lift your mini truck until it reaches the jacking point. When lifting the vehicle, practice caution and ensure it is safely lifted. Then remove all the lug nuts, and your wheel will be free to be removed. 

Remove the broken CV Boot

After removing the wheel, you will see and inspect the cv boots. To remove the broken one, do the following.

The rubber boots have metal clamps. Cut these clumps using cutters to remove them. 

After removing the metal clamps, cut the rubber boots using a blade. When doing this, start by the edge close to you to the furthest edge. 

Clean the Axle and the Joints

First, ensure you have your goggles and gloves on and place a basin under your car so you do not stain the floor of your garage. 

The parts cleaner agent will clean the axle and the joints perfectly by effectively removing the grease and dirt. 

Fix the New CV Axle Boot

The new CV axle boot will be with grease. Cut the grease tip and apply it to the CV joint and the axle. 

After applying grease, check the new cv boot and you will see grooves on it, open these grooves and fix it on the axle. Once it has covered the axle, use glue to fix and attach its ends. Apply grease on both the inner and the outer parts of the axle. At this point, you are almost through.

Do the reverse procedures to fix back everything. 

Conclusion

The CV boots usually wear out. If they wear out, the only solution is to replace them, and it is not a complex procedure in case you know what to do. If you are unsure, you must do it under the supervision of your mechanic.