A fuel gauge is a simple mechanism to interpret. It has two markings when it points to ‘E’, your tank is empty, and when it points to ‘F’, your fuel tank is full. When it stops pointing, you will be left in darkness, guessing the remaining fuel and if it can let you reach the nearby filling station. 

Fuel gauge relies on electricity to work, whether analog or digital. But sometimes the fuel gauge fails to work efficiently.

Signs of a Malfunctioning Fuel Gauge

If you note these symptoms, your fuel gauge might be faulty.

• The false appearance of low fuel light.
• Reading ‘F’ when the tank is empty.
• Reading ‘E’ when the tank is full.
• Inconsistent readings.

Fuel gauge and fuel gauge sending unit are some of the electrical components with various parts. If its parts, like the fuse, are blown, or wires are not connected, you will experience any of the above symptoms.

To resolve the problem, you must diagnose your fuel gauge. When doing this, you will be under the hood testing various wires and dealing with the fuel. Ensure you have proper safety equipment. 

Diagnosing a Faulty Fuel Gauge

Here are the steps that will let you locate where the problem.

Checking the Fuse

Locate the fuse of your fuel gauge and check whether it is working perfectly. If it is blown, consider replacing it. It might be a different issue if the fuse is okay or if you replaced it, but the fuel gauge is still not functioning.

Perform a Self-Test

Most modern trucks have inbuilt testing procedures that you can activate using a combination of a light switch, the trip button, and other dashboard buttons. To perform it effectively, check the owner’s manual, which has a unique code for your truck. When running the test, your gauge is okay when the needle circulates through its up-and-down motion.

Testing the Fuel Gauge Sending Unit

You must know how to use a multimeter to test the fuel gauge sending unit. Follow the below steps.

1. Check the owner’s manual, which will help you locate the fuel tank and the fuel gauge sending unit.
2.  Access it by removing all the panels.
3. Check if the wiring is okay or has any issues.
4. Check the service manual to know the voltage standards for your fuel-sending unit.
5. Use a multimeter to check the voltage of the wiring and the connector which supplies power to the sending unit. If the reading is inaccurate, follow the entire circuit to determine the issue.
6. Check for resistance by plugging the connector and testing it again. If the voltage drops, it means that it is creating the necessary resistance.
7. Remove the fuel-sending unit for further inspection if there is no resistance.
8. After removing the unit, set your multimeter to ohms and test it.
9. Determine the ohms range of your sending unit by checking the owner’s manual.

Conclusion

Fuel gauge has various components that work jointly to let you know the amount of fuel in your tank. If any of the components are faulty, it will not send accurate information. The procedure in this guide will let you know the exact faulty part so you can replace it soon. 

Do you know how to adjust a carburetor or a truck? A carburetor is a simple and reliable machine that still functions, just as Karl Benz built it in 1888. Air getting into the engine passes through the barrels of the carburetor. The air speeds up while passing through it, which creates a low-pressure zone. Due to this, fuel gets pulled into the low-pressure zones and later gets distributed in the cylinders where combustion takes place. 

Fuel pulling into the carburetor relies on air temperature, barometric pressure, choke and throttle opening, and fuel jet size. Adjusting a carburetor solely aims to balance the air-to-fuel ratio. After reading this guide, you will be able to understand how you can adjust your carburetor.

How to Adjust a Carburetor

There are various ways of adjusting a carburetor of your truck that are time-tested trial-and-error methods that are subjective and based on how your truck feels to drive. But, the scientific method of adjusting a carburetor is more accurate, and it includes using the air-fuel ratio sensor feedback and the exhaust gas analysis. Here is how to adjust your carburetor.

Remove the Air Filter

To access your carburetor, you have to remove the air filter.

Identify the Adjustment Screw

After removing the air cleaner, you must familiarize yourself with the idle speed screw and the idle mixture.

Connect the Vacuum Gauge

If you prefer a vacuum gauge for this procedure, consider connecting it to a manifold vacuum port and start your engine. 

Set Your Carburetor to Factory Adjustment

Consider setting your carburetor to factory adjustment if it is rebuilt or new. To do this, adjust the idle mixture screws to 1.5 -2 turns out and the idle speed screw to 1-1.5 turns in.

Turn On Your Engine

When the engine runs, it correlates with the proper air–fuel mixture. Leave the engine to run and reach the normal operating temperature, and then you can proceed. 

Adjust the Idler Speed Screw

Adjusting the idler speed screw will let you start with the engine’s normal running speed. If the idle speed is too high, you can do this during warm-up. 

Adjust the Air-Fuel Mixture

Adjust the idler mixture screw by 1/8 turn either in or out. If you have more idlers, adjust each directly to the other. When doing this, observe the condition of your engine as you continue. If it becomes rough, adjust the mixture screw the opposite way. If the engine starts becoming smooth, continue adjusting until it reaches peak speed. 

After meeting the engine’s peak running condition, rev it as you monitor its state when the RPM drops back to idle. If you have carefully followed the steps to adjust a carburetor, the idling speed will automatically increase.

Conclusion,

The process to adjust a carburetor is a relatively complex procedure, but you can do it with the right tools. If you have never done it before, consider doing it in the presence of a professional mechanic or let your mechanic do it on your behalf. Observing the procedure in this guide will help you to accurately adjust the carburetor of your truck. 

Do you want to remove rust from your truck? As your truck is aging, it is likely to start rusting. Rust is a chemical process that is not only brought as a result of aging, the exposure to salt and water increases the rate at which rusting happens. If you keep your truck outside, the wet night temperatures will likely facilitate the rusting process. If you live in areas that experience winter seasons, driving your truck on wet roads where salt has been used to melt down snow and ice exposes your truck to rust. 

Rust can be a nightmare, especially when it appears on your loved truck. But it should not worry you since rusting is inevitable in anything made of metal. Here you will learn how to do away with rust from your truck. 

Remove Rust From Your Truck

When working on any part of the car, safety is a number one priority worth considering. Ensure your truck is parked on a flat surface with the parking brakes engaged. Put on glasses to protect your eyes. Ensure you are performing the procedure in a properly ventilated area. Here is how to remove serious rust from your truck.

Tape Off the Area

First, you need to isolate the area you are working. Doing this will protect the non-rusted areas from damage. When performing this procedure, a lot of rust and paint particles will be suspended in the air, which is unhealthy. Consider using real masking paper instead of a newspaper.

Remove the Paint and Primer

When doing this, start low as you work your way up. Use a dual action sander and a held-held grinder with a flap disc for the best control are the best for this procedure. Sanding through paint and primer will remove the rust on the metal. This process will remove most of the surface rust, but the rust usually perforates the metal leaving small holes. 

Remove Rust Pits

To do this, you will need a grinder, a drill with a wire wheel, or a chemical component that will remove rust. During this process, put on eye protection and a dust mask. The wire wheel will help you remove rust hiding below the metal surface and the pits. Remember that everything must be clean because primer and paint cannot stick to rust.

Prime the Surface

A proper painting job starts with a well-primed surface and thus uses a primer that is the best for direct metal contact. After this, you can use the best finish panel with surfacing primer or body filler, then a suitable paint. Remember, it is not good to use body filler on a metal surface directly, as the repair will crack with time.

Conclusion

Any form of rust is not good for your truck, and it is essential to protect your truck from rust. Most trucks get into contact with salt during winter, and after winter, the slightly warm temperature facilitates the process of rusting. It is essential to wash your truck thoroughly after winter. Doing this will let you spot areas that have started to develop rust and take the necessary precaution. Shared in this guide are some of the ways to remove rust from your truck and make it last longer.

In this guide, we will go through a guide on how to replace brake pads of your truck. Brake failure is a major cause of most accidents. In the United States, 300,000 car crashes result from brake failure. It is thus essential to protect yourself and other road users by maintaining your brakes.

The brake pads are one of the basic components of the braking system that are in pairs per wheel. The primary role of the brake pads is to press against the rotor to create friction to stop your truck. They are made of various materials such as metal, ceramic or organic materials. Its surface has a special material that creates friction when you press the brake pedal. 

Signs You Need To Replace Brake Pads Of Your Truck

Brake pads wear out with time, just like other mechanical parts of your truck. When worn out, they become less effective, making it difficult to control your truck. As a truck owner, it is necessary to perform a regular brake pad inspection to be sure they are working perfectly. If broken, you need to replace brake pads of your truck.

Apart from regular maintenance and replacements, avoid sudden and aggressive braking, as such habits reduce the lifespan of your brake pads. Here are the common signs that your brake pads need a replacement.

Grinding Noises

Braking should be as silent as possible, especially when driving at a lower speed. When you hear screeching noises whenever you gently press your brake pedal is an indication that the pads are worn out. The sounds result from the friction between the brake pad and the rotor. Address it as soon as possible. If you ignore it, your brake rotors will be damaged.

Your Truck Takes Time To Respond

Brakes should be very responsive, but when you press the brake pedal, but your truck takes time to stop, it indicates that your pads are worn out, and you should replace them. Such a problem can be dangerous when you need to stop abruptly. Consider checking your brake pads whenever you realize your truck is taking time to stop. 

Vibrating Brake Pedal

If your brake pads are worn out, the pedal will vibrate whenever you press them. The vibration usually results from damaged brake rotors that lead to uneven wear of the brake pads. When you feel such vibrations, you must check your brake pads and replace them when necessary. 

Warning Lights On The Dashboard

Modern trucks have brake pad wear sensors that will turn on the brake warning lights on your dashboard whenever the pads are worn out. The appearance of such light is a reminder that you should replace your brake pads.

When To Replace Brake Pads

After covering 50,000 to 70,000 kilometers, your truck will need new brake pads. But other factors, such as poor driving habits, can fasten the rate at which your pads wear out.

Conclusion

Truck brake pads are the braking system parts that are in friction with the brake rotors. Due to friction, it wears out and needs a replacement. When worn out, you will experience some of these signs. The lifespan of your brake pads solely depends on your driving habits and how often you use your truck. Shared in this guide is how to replace brake pads with ease.

Are you wondering how to clean a carburetor of a truck? A truck’s fuel system has several parts that play the role of storing and supplying the engine with fuel. The fuel mixes with air, and this mixture burns inside the cylinders to generate energy to get your truck moving. Carburetor plays the role of mixing fuel and air in the right ratios for the combustion to occur. Carburetors have been used for several years, even though modern trucks do not use them. Instead, they have an electronically controlled fuel injection system.

When dirty and clogged, the carburetor will not function effectively, which can interfere with your truck’s performance. Upon reading this guide, you will understand the procedure for cleaning your carburetor at your fingertips.

How To Clean A Carburetor of A Truck

To clean a carburetor of your truck, you will need:

Screwdriver set

Wrench set

Circular and flat wire brush.

Catch pan

Shop towels

Chemical dip.

Here is what to do after having all the necessary tools.

Remove the Carburetor from the Manifold

You can clean a carburetor when it is on the manifold, but this will not eliminate all the dirt. You might drop something, and it can be hectic to pick it up. After detaching the carburetor from the manifold, staff a clean rug to prevent debris from getting in.

Drain Fuel

Mixing air and fuel takes place in the carburetor, and it can’t miss some fuel. Before you disassemble it, consider draining all the fuel. To do this, place it upside down to let all the fuel flow out. To speed it up, you can cycle the throttle.

Tear Down the Carb

The process of tearing down the curb varies depending on the carburetor your truck uses. Therefore, there is no exact procedure for performing it. When tearing it down, track the procedure to know where each part comes from. Doing this will facilitate the reassembling process since each part has to go to its exact location.

Start with the Big Bits

Before dipping your carburetor into the chemical bath, remove all the heavy deposits on its surface. To do this, use a brass brush and carb cleaner, you will be saving time and preserving the life of chemical bath. 

Take a Bath

After removing the bulk of dirt, gently lower each part for a bath and soak them for 20-30 minutes. You can work on the parts in batches to speed up the entire process.  

Spry & Scrub

After removing the parts from the solvent, some areas will still have dirt build-up. Use carburetor cleaner and clean brass to scrub these areas. 

Blow Curb Cleaner

Carburetors have various holes and passages that can be filthy. Blow the curb cleaner and watch if it is coming out, if not, use a thin wire to clear the blockage in the holes. When every part is clean, reassemble your carburetor and fix it in the manifold.

Conclusion

A clean a carburetor of a truck, it will increase its lifespan as well as the performance of your truck. A clean carburetor will deliver the necessary air-to-fuel mixture ratio to the engine. The procedure in this guide is all you need to clean your carburetor at home. If you are unsure, consult a professional to do it for you. 

Trucks perform better on both off-road and highways. When driving on a dusty surface or during the rainy season, the windshield traps water droplets and debris that interfere with your vision. The windshield wipers eliminate dust particles, water droplets, and other debris that may hinder the driver’s visibility.

Windshield wipers usually wear out as they perform their functions. When worn out, it will not wipe clearly. Therefore, changing the windshield wipers after 1 year is essential for consistent performance. You will be able to understand some of the basics of changing windshield wipers after reading this guide. 

Truck Windshield Wiper Problems

Windshield wipers perform simple functions with basic components but can give you a headache when faulty. Here are the fundamental windshield wiper problems you should be aware of.

1. Streaking makes the windshield wiper smear water rather than wiping it.
2. Noisy results from the rubber blade dragging against the windshield.
3. The blade might sometimes jump across the chunks on the windshield without wiping them.
4. A particular part of the blade may be properly functioning. Sometimes the bottom blade may be functional while the top blade does not wipe this is splitting.

What You Need to Change Windshield Wipers

Changing windshield wipers takes roughly 30 minutes, and it does not need any specialized skill. The procedure can sometimes be dangerous and messy. Before starting, wear safety glasses and mechanic gloves. Get a flathead screwdriver and a set of new windshield wipers. 

You will need a spacious and flat workspace like street parking, garage floor, and driveway. When performing this procedure on the street, ensure you are not committing any traffic offense. Your tools should be well organized and easily reachable to save time. 

Changing Windshield Wipers

After having all the necessary tools and the right windshield wiper for your truck, perform the below procedure to change the windshield wipers for your truck.

1. Locate the center blade of your windshield and let it be perpendicular to the truck in an up position. 
2. After letting them stand perpendicularly to your truck, you can unclip and unhook them to remove the wiper blades. Follow the manufacturer’s instructions that accompany. 
3. Check around the new blade. If you spot any protective material, consider removing it.
4. If necessary, disconnect or attach a different adapter. This varies depending on the blade which you have bought. 
5. You can now install the new blade. When doing this, stop as soon as you hear a clicking sound or as per the manufacturer’s instruction on the new wiper blades.
6. Reinstate the wipers onto the windshield and get into your cabin to test if the new wipers are effective by spraying some water on the windshield and letting the new blades wipe it. 

Conclusion

The windshield wiper has simple basic components that do not require any special skills, but when faulty, you will have the worst driving experience in any adverse weather. Before completely wearing out, you will notice some signs. Never ignore them, and consider replacing the windshield wiper blades for your truck as soon as possible. 

What would be the best time to replace truck parts? Even though you love your brand-new truck and take care of it, it is a machine with various parts. The function of these parts is what enables your truck to serve you. As such parts function, they are subject to wear and tear, and replacing them is inevitable. 

When To Replace Truck Parts

Most truck owners are unaware of and wonder when to replace truck parts. Different truck parts wear out at different times. As you read this guide, you get insightful information about when to replace various vital truck parts.

Battery

The battery ages after a few years, and if this happens, the performance of your truck reduces. The truck battery keeps charging and discharging and comes a time when it wears out and needs a replacement.

Generally, the best truck battery will give 4-5 years of service, so consider replacing your battery after every five years. It is essential to check your battery after every 12 months.

Tires

Tires are the most important part of your truck that are subject to daily wear and tear. The performance and safety of your truck depend on the condition and nature of your tires. It is thus essential to regularly check your tires and make necessary changes as you look to replace truck parts.

Ideally, the best quality tires should serve you for several years, but you should replace them as soon as they show signs of wear and tear. Various factors affect the lifespan of tires, such as driving habits and terrain. Therefore it is difficult to determine the exact time to replace your tires.

Brake Rotors

Brake rotors are a basic and essential part of the braking system that is attached to the wheels. The rotors are exposed to daily wear and tear. But, driving on worn-out brake pads reduces their lifespan very fast. 

You should replace your rotors after every 50,000 -70,000 miles. You can do this earlier if you hear squealing or grinding noises when you press your brake pedal.

Spark Plugs

Petrol engine trucks depend on spark plugs for combustion. They play the role of ignition and generation of necessary power that starts and drives your truck. If your truck does not accelerate properly, or the engine surges, consider checking the condition of your spark plugs. 

Generally, spark plugs will give you 8 years of service, but this depends on the type of truck you have.

Shocks and Struts

Shock absorbers enable the wheels to recover immediately after hitting bumps on the roads. Struts support the weight of your truck and determine how it handles while on the road. These parts offer different life guarantees. Essentially you should replace them after every 50,000 – 100,000 miles. You can also do it as soon as you experience unstable braking, poor steering, and stiff performance.

Conclusion

Other parts will require replacement apart from the parts mentioned above, like the windshield, transmission fluid, oil, brake pads, coolant oil, and air filters. You can check the owner’s manual to know the exact time to replace such parts. The guide will also let you know when to replace truck parts as part of basic service maintenance. 

Scheduled seasonal maintenance is a practice you should heed if you want your truck to give a longer service. However, various seasons have various adverse effects on your truck. It is thus necessary to maintain and prepare your truck for seasonal changes. Here are seasonal maintenance tips worth knowing.

Spring

 It is essential to check your truck at the beginning of spring thoroughly. Here is what to do for a spring seasonal maintenance.

Body Cleaning

The exterior of the truck can be affected by the winter snow, and there are higher chances that you never washed your truck during winter. During spring, wash your truck and focus more on the underbody. The mixture of snow and salt can corrode your truck, the process of corrosion can be slow during winter, but the spring temperatures can accelerate the corrosion. Cleaning your truck will let you see the corrosion and repair them.

Tires

 All-season tires can endure the harsh winter. Consider checking their condition during spring. If they are okay, you can rotate them. Remove the snow tires at the onset of spring.

Brakes

At the beginning of the spring season, consider checking the condition of your brakes. The snow and ice put pressure on the brakes. If you press the brake pedal and hear squealing sounds, consider changing your brake pads.

Oil and Filters

Consider changing the engine oil and oil filter during spring since the engine will put more effort to function during the warmer season. Having fresh engine oil will increase the performance of your truck. A seasonal oil check ensures that it is not affected by moisture.

Summer

Summer is the second harsh season after winter. Check the following.

Truck Cooling System

Your truck will overheat due to increased temperatures. Ensure your cooling system works perfectly. Ensure the coolant is at the right level. No leakages should be at the radiator and the hoses. The radiator fans should be in good working condition.

Tires

Even though you will have all-season tires, regular tire check-up during summer is essential. Ensure your tires have the right pressure. It is more important to keep your tires at lower pressure. 

The AC

The air-conditioning system is vital during summer. Ensure it works since it will make your cabin conducive during hot temperatures.

Fall

If you adequately maintain your truck during summer, you will only have to do a little during fall as it is not very harsh, and your truck will not need any special maintenance.

Winter

Tires

Switch to snow tires to get the best performance from your truck.

Wipers

 The heat and dust during summer usually damage wipers. Replace the wiper blades and ensure they are working during winter.

Heater

Your heater is yet another thing that should be attended to as part of the seasonal maintenance. The heater stays longer without functioning, which can damage it. Consider checking its condition during winter. To avoid freezing, you must run a maintenance check on your heater.

Conclusion

Your truck is an investment that should be in proper working condition. Maintaining and servicing it is essential for it to run longer. Knowing what to do in various seasons will keep your truck in proper working condition in any season. The checklist in this article will guide you in proper seasonal maintenance for your truck. 

How do you make your truck go faster? Adjustments to your truck to fit your needs and become super faster cost a lot of cash due to the effects of films and TV shows showing the investment people put to increase horsepower and beautifying their vehicles. Therefore, truck owners must seek alternative ways of making their trucks look better and will make your truck go faster on the road. 

Altering your truck to improve its performance does not need to cost you up to the last cent in your pocket. You only need to perform some basic changes that will cost you a few dollars. These are essential changes to consider if you want to make your truck go faster at a lower cost. 

Lower the Suspension

Lowering your truck’s suspension not only makes it look pretty but will also make your truck go faster. Low suspension lets you corner with a lot of ease without pressing the brake pedal more often. The most cost-effective way of lowering your truck is by changing the leaf springs. Doing this, however, will make it difficult to slow down the truck. 

Remove the Big Wheels

Using bigger wheels improves your truck’s stability and shortens the braking distance range. However, the larger diameter implies that the wheel will be heavier, affecting your truck’s speed. It is thus essential to remove the big wheels if you want to improve the truck’s speed.

Reduce the Weight of Your Truck

Reducing the weight of your truck is one of the most cost-effective ways of increasing the speed of your truck. A lighter truck travels way faster than a heavy one. To make your truck lighter, consider stripping off the abundant weight on it. Doing this will make it run way quicker. 

Upgrade Your Brakes

Upgrading brakes is a major consideration when you want to make your truck move faster. You need to redesign the brakes because increasing speed strains the stopping mechanism. Consider installing race cushions, and if your pockets allow, consider installing better rotors. Remember to overhaul your brake hoses as well as the brake fluid. 

Change Air Filter

Air channel plays an important role in each vehicle as it is an ingredient in the combustion system. However, air that gets into the engine carries all sorts of debris. The air filter traps all the dirt and delivers clean air into the combustion chamber. As the air filter functions, it becomes clogged, and this deprives the engine of receiving an adequate amount of air. Regular changing of the air filter lets your engine receive abundant air that increases the performance of your truck.

Change the Spark Plugs

The spark plugs are some of the engine’s components that require regular changing. When your spark plugs are old, your truck will not be able to fire effectively. It will deliver a lot of fumes as well as the power of the engine will reduce. New spark plugs cost a few dollars and take less than 10 minutes to fix. In the end it will also make your truck go faster.

Conclusion,

A truck with good speed increases convenience, especially when you are in the delivery business. The above are some cost-effective ways to make your truck go faster. Never skip the regular engine servicing. Doing this gives your engine good health, thereby functioning effectively. 

Today we will look at some crucial truck tips to get better with your vehicle. When driving your truck, it could be at risk of getting damaged without you knowing. Poor driving habits can reduce your truck’s life span and general health. Some poor driving habits are road-related, but some occur as a surprise. To maintain the good health of your truck and avoid being a regular visitor at the auto repair shop, keep reading this guide. You will learn some habits that are damaging your truck without your knowledge.

Sudden Braking and Accelerating

When doing urban driving, you do not need to press the throttle hard, as you could end up jamming your brake at the nearest junction. When doing frequent acceleration and braking, you will likely damage your brake pads and give them a shorter life span. Consider driving more consistently. This is one of the least know truck tips that can change a lot.

Pressing the Clutch Pedal When Your Truck is Stationary

When driving a manual transmission truck, pressing the clutch when the truck is stationary is not necessary. Doing this stresses the pressure plate, release arm, and bearing. With time, this can end up damaging your transmission system. Instead of pressing the clutch pedal, shift to neutral gear.

Not Applying the Emergency Brake

Ignoring the emergency brake is common among automatic truck owners who forget to use it after parking their trucks. Doing this not only puts your truck at risk of moving involuntarily, but it will slowly wear down its components. 

When you park your automatic transmission truck without the emergency brake, too much strain will be on the parking pawl, a small metal that locks the transmission and prevents the wheels from turning. When the parking pawl is worn out, the parking gear will not function.

Braking Downhill

Modern trucks do not need you to press the brakes to keep them steady when going downhill. Instead, shift to lower gears when going downhill. Over-depending on brakes when going downhill causes premature wear and tear to your brake pads. 

Ignoring the Warning Lights

Whenever any check light appears on your dashboard, consider taking your truck for a mechanical check-up as soon as possible. However, some truck owners ignore the check light as long as their trucks run smoothly. Checking the cause of the check light earlier will save you from expensive repairs in the future.

Speeding Over Potholes and Speed Bumps

When driving at night or under low visibility, you might hit potholes. But you can always avoid them. Frequently speeding over potholes and speed bumps can interfere with the wheel balancing of your truck and damage the wheels. Apart from the wheels, the suspension and its bushings are also at risk of getting damaged. Slowing down whenever you are approaching potholes and speed bumps is essential.

Ignoring the Service Schedule

Another of the commonly ignored truck tips is failing to schedule servicing and maintenance. Most parts of your truck need a regular check-up to ensure they are in good working condition. Ignoring the scheduled service maintenance can lead to expensive and severe damages.

Conclusion,

New trucks are expensive investments. If you are fond of any of the above driving habits, drop them. Knowing such habits is a step towards remedying the problem. Developing good driving habits will let your truck serve you for a long in good working condition. You will also be able to save the extra cash you spend at the auto repair shop. These truck tips are crucial towards getting better results from your vehicle.

What are some of the crucial tire changing tips to note? Your life and that of other road users depend on the nature and the type of tire your truck uses. Pay attention to shredded or punctured tires, as procrastination when replacing them can lead to serious road accidents. 

Fortunately, it is very easy to change a damaged tire, but we need the right tools and experience to do this. These are the dos and don’ts to remember when changing truck tires. 

Things To Do When Doing Tire Changing

Change Tires on an Open Space

Tire changing in an open and large space allows you to move around easily with your tools. If your garage or driveway is large, consider changing your tires there. If you have limited space, consider taking your truck to an auto repair shop.

Placing the Jack

Trucks differ based on the manufacturer and the model. It is thus essential to know the exact position to place your jack. Before changing the tires of a new truck, consider checking the owner’s manual to know the exact place to place the jack. Before using the jack to lift your truck, ensure it is firmly placed, so it does not slip off.

Have Two Pairs of Jack Stands

When lifting your truck, jacks can collapse. Although a single jack is just enough when changing tires, consider using at least two for assured support and appropriate lifting of your truck. 

Apply Brakes

Before working on tires, ensure your handbrake is engaged. Your truck may move in the process of changing tires, which can lead to severe injuries.

Use the Wheel Chocks

Sometimes gravity can make your truck move, or the brakes can fail. Using a wheel chock that will hold your truck stationary is essential. An 8-inch wooden or rubber wheel chock will appropriately hold your truck.

Things To Avoid When Changing Tires

Never Jack Your Truck Before Loosening the Tire Nuts

If you try to loosen the wheel nuts after jacking your truck, the wheel will spin, and the nuts will not become loose. You can also sustain injuries in the process. Consider loosening the wheel nuts before jacking your truck.

Never Tip Your Truck To One Side

Tipping your truck to one side and balancing it using various jacks is dangerous. Doing this is risky and can cost your life. If you do not know how to change tires, take your truck to the nearest auto service shop.

Never Rely on Your Jack

When working under your truck, never trust your jack. Several deaths and injuries have resulted from slipping jacks. Consider using an extra stand after lifting your truck using a jack.

Never Install Dry Nuts

Before installing and tightening your nuts, ensure they are well-greased. Doing this will prevent them from rusting, and they will easily penetrate as you tighten them.

Conclusion

Tire changing is one of the basic truck maintenance that you should know. Although removing and replacing truck tires is simple and basic, the process is extremely risky and can claim life if not well done. Practice the above dos and don’ts when handling the tires of your truck. Besides the tire changing tips, consider inspecting your tires before and after using your truck. 

Purchasing a used truck is a challenging task because you are dealing with an engine of an old truck. Generally, it takes a lot of work to evaluate the actual value of a used truck. However, the value solely relies on the condition of its engine.

The engine’s performance is the major factor every truck buyer considers before buying a used truck. It is, therefore, essential to check the health of the engine. After reading this guide, you will be able to know some of the crucial things to see in an engine of an old truck. 

What to Check to Know the Condition of the Engine of An Old Truck

It is easy to check the condition of a truck engine. You can do this alone, but for better results, you will need assistance from a professional mechanic. Here is what to check to determine the condition of the engine of an old truck. 

Check for Signs of Weak Truck Engine

It is easy to determine if a truck engine is underperforming or weak. Such engines have signs like the production of unusual noises, loss of power when you press the gas pedal, engine stalls, poor gas mileage, and odd smell. When you witness any of these signs from an old truck is a clear indication that the engine is getting weak.

Service History

When buying a used truck, consider asking for service history. A truck with a clear service history is ideal and will show how to maintain it. Trucks usually have a fixed service interval. Consider checking if the owners heed these fixed intervals.

The service history will let you know if the truck has been serviced at proper intervals. 

Inspect the Odor from the Engine Of An Old Truck

You should worry when the old truck’s engine bay produces strange smells. Such smells indicate that the spark plugs might be faulty or the engine is burning coolant. A strong smell from the engine is an indication of poor truck maintenance. 

Seek the Services of an Expert

It is not easy to check the health of a truck engine and determine its performance. Performing all these can be hectic and stressful alone. Consider seeking the services of a professional mechanic who will help you to determine the health of the engine. 

Inspect the Bottom of the Truck

Another sure way of checking the health of your truck is by inspecting the beneath of the old truck. Doing this will enable you to spot leakages, spots, and strains. If you notice any of these is an indication of a problem with the engine compartment. 

Belts and Hoses

when checking the belts and hoses, rely on the service history as it contains data about their replacement. Apart from the service history, perform a physical inspection on the belts and hoses to determine if there are cracks. Doing this will let you know when to replace these parts.

Conclusion

Old trucks are fragile, and you should be extremely keen when buying one. The engine is the most important point to pay close attention to. This part can be hectic to repair after buying an old truck. When inspecting the engine of an old truck, remember never to forget to practice the tips in this guide. 

What are some important accessories that you must have in your truck? Trucks are more than just a means of transport for most of us. They are like a second home since we spend more time on them. It is, therefore, essential to make your truck more comfortable to stay in as it takes you from one point to another. To achieve this, you much have some essential accessories.

Important Accessories To Always Have In Your Truck

Here are some accessories you should always have in your truck to make your life easier.

Mobile Charger

Smartphones are very important gadgets in our lives. Some phones drain power very fast. When traveling, phones come in handy during emergencies and when you need direction. A smartphone will also entertain you while driving. All these activities will drain your phone’s battery, and you will need to charge it. 

You will need a mobile charger in your truck to charge your phone when its battery drains.

A Portable Tyre Inflator

Another important accessory that you must have in your truck is a portable tire inflator. The tire inflator can rescue you in the middle of nowhere when your tires run out of pressure. It is easy to repair a tubeless tire, and a portable tire inflator will come in handy.

The best portable tire inflator will take 10 to 15 minutes to inflate a flat tire. Having a portable tire inflator will save you from the long queues at the filling stations to check the pressure of your tires. 

Pepper Spray

Safety and security are important when traveling. Pepper spray is another essential truck accessory that you should never miss. Pepper spray is not only important for female drivers. Anyone can use it in an emergency and in self-defense. You can keep it in the door pocket, which you can access when necessary. 

Mobile or GPS Holder

Mobile phones perform various roles, and you can use them as a navigational tool when headed to unfamiliar routes and directions. Although it is not recommended to look at or use the mobile phone while driving, you may need to look at it more often while at the steering wheel. 

To effectively use your mobile phone as a navigational tool, consider having a phone holder that will let you see your phone and the road clearly while driving. There are various types of mobile phone holders. The ones with the suction capability fit well on the windscreen, while the magnetic ones fit well on the dashboard. 

Air Fresheners

The air inside your truck come sometimes become terrible. But when your cabin smells nice, you will feel confident and good in your truck. Consider investing in the best freshener for your truck that will do away with all the bad smells from your truck’s interior. 

Conclusion

Apart from the above accessories, you can as well have a special car cloth that you can use to wipe out dirt from inside your truck. A tow hook and torch, especially when going for long trips. The hook will help you when you need to tow your truck, and also, remember to check on the condition of your spare tire before you start driving. With these accessories in your truck, you should be good to go.

As a truck driver, you require proper visibility for safe driving and a defog is sometimes necessary. Various factors, such as mist, fog, and condensation, reduce your visibility. While on the road, you will encounter any of the causes of poor visibility. It is, therefore, essential to know how to eradicate factors that hinder visibility.

It is unsafe to drive when it is raining as rain also reduces visibility. Apart from reduced visibility, rains make various driving surfaces slippery. Your truck can slide off the road due to reduced traction. Upon reading this guide, you will be able to understand various tips you can use to eradicate foggy windshields when it is raining. 

How To Defog Windshield When It Is Raining

It feels bad when it is heavily raining while driving your truck then you realize that your windshield can no longer offer you proper visibility. Your windshield will become foggy due to the difference in temperature inside and outside your truck. Here is what to do to defog your windshield when it becomes foggy.

Open Your Windows

When fogging reduces your visibility, it means your cabin is humid. In such a situation, slightly open your windows for the cold air outside to rush in and do away with the humidity inside your truck. The removal of the humid helps in eradicating the fogging on your windshield. 

Increase Heat In Your Cabin

When it rains, you will feel cold. Therefore a warm cabin will make you feel nice. Increasing the temperature of your cabin will not only give you a nice feeling, but the hot air will eradicate the moisture in your truck. The fogging on your windshield will reduce as the hot air collects moisture.

Turn On Your AC

It is weird to use the air conditioner when it is raining. The primary role of the AC is to cool the cabin during the winter season. But when you cannot see clearly due to a foggy windshield, the AC comes in handy. The cool air from the AC will collect moisture inside your truck hence helping defog it. As this happens, the moisture accumulated on your windshield will reduce. 

Avoid Air Recirculation

Air recirculation happens when the air in your cabin cannot escape. Instead, it keeps circulating within the cabin. As air recirculation occurs, moisture fills your windshield, which reduces visibility. You can eradicate air recirculation by using fresh air mode. Doing this will reduce the circulation of mist inside your truck. 

Apply Shaving Cream

A thin layer of shaving cream on your windshield will act as a barrier that prevents moisture from accumulating on your windshield. To do this, consider taking a little shaving cream and applying it all over the windshield using a clean towel from the interior. Use another dry towel to buff the windshield to remove the shaving cream’s residues. After doing this, no residue of the shaving cream should be visible on your windshield. 

Conclusion,

During the rainy season, the best way to eradicate foggy windshields is by investing in a heated windscreen. Letting air circulate inside your truck and using the AC effectively are other methods. Consider maintaining your HVAC system to prevent moisture accumulation on your windshield. 

Have you ever experienced battery leaks? The battery is an essential part of your truck’s electrical system. It does the role of storing power that is necessary when starting your truck. Putting your eye on your battery more often is the best way to ensure it is properly working. Regularly checking your battery will enable you to determine whether it is leaking and take necessary action before it worsens. Upon reading this guide, you will be able to know the common signs of a leaking battery and what to do when your battery is leaking.

Signs of a Leaking Battery

Here are various signs of battery leaks.

• A smell of a rotten egg from the battery.
• You will notice corrosion, especially around the terminals of your battery.
• The casing of your battery looks warped or bloated.
• When your battery is always wet,
• The level of acid is always low.

What To Do In Case Of Battery Leaks

Leaking acid harms your truck, your health, and the environment. Your truck can have various leaks, including brown liquid in the truck battery and red or white stuff leakage. All these are indications that the performance of your battery is weak. 

Consider taking immediate action when you notice signs that your battery is leaking. Doing this will either help in rescuing the condition of your battery or even disposing of it before it starts to interfere with other parts of your engine. Fixing a leaking truck battery is not a complex process, but it is essential to let a professional do it for you. Here are what you will need to fix a leaking battery.

• A plastic pail or basin
• Baking soda
• Sealant
• Sandpaper
• Epsom salt

After assembling the above tools, this is what to do when your battery leaks.

1. Consider uncapping the battery post before you start working on it.
2. Transfer all the electrolytes from the battery into the plastic pail or basin. Be careful when doing this because the electrolyte itself is acidic and can harm you.
3. Neutralize the sulphuric acid in the plastic pail using baking soda. 
4. After emptying all the electrolytes from your battery, use sandpaper to scrab the cracked area until it becomes smooth and the cracks are visible.
5. When you can see the cracks, apply sealant on them and give them two hours to dry before touching them.
6. Reconditioning the electrolyte is another event in this step. As you do this, you will need three cups of heated distilled water (150F).
7. Dissolve a cup of Epson salt into the heated distilled water and let the solution heat.
8. Pour the cool solution into the electrolyte. After doing this, transfer the electrolyte into the battery.
9. Consider wiping any spillage from the surface of your battery, as this can cause corrosion if left.
10. Put back the caps on the terminals and ensure they are tightly held. 
11. Gently shake your battery for at least 5 minutes and let it charge for 36 hours.

Conclusion,

Whenever you note that your battery is leaking, consider taking immediate action. You can either fix it with a professional’s help or dispose of it. If your battery has persistent issues, consider calling a professional to check it.

Is there a way that one can reduce truck emissions? Personal vehicles and trucks contribute 20% of the emissions in the United States. But, such emissions cause more harm to the environment. Due to the risk of emissions, it is a requirement by the United States government that older trucks have to pass an annual emission test for them to remain roadworthy. 

To pass the annual emission test, you must prepare your truck and ensure its emissions are greatly reduced. However, you can reduce the emissions from your truck in these 6 easy ways.

Checking the Tires

When your tires are under-inflated, your truck will consume more fuel, leading to higher emissions. Under-inflated tires offer more rolling resistance. The engine will have to burn more fuel and air to produce the needed power to maintain the speed of your truck. 

Consider checking the pressure of your tires after every two weeks. Ensuring that your tires have the right pressure lengthens their lifespan. 

Perform Regular truck Service

Regularly servicing your truck helps keep it in mint condition and will burn as much fuel as possible to generate the necessary energy. When your truck is well-serviced, it will be safe for you and other road users. During the routine service, consider checking the brakes, the coolants, the oil, and the filters.  

Never Haul Excess Weight

When hauling excess weight, your engine will work extremely hard to generate the energy to move your truck together with its weight. Hauling more weight increases the rate at which your truck consumes fuel. More consumption leads to more emissions. Reducing the load that your truck hauls not only reduces its emissions but also gives your engine a longer life span. 

Always Drive Smoothly

If your foot spends more time on the fuel pedal, your truck will burn more fuel leading to higher emissions. It is, therefore, essential to driving smoothly and carefully. Doing this will least strain your engine and reduce its emissions.

Use the Right Engine Oil

When changing engine oil, consider using the right quality that your truck manufacturer recommends. The engine oil plays the role of lubricating, cooling, and reducing friction in various moving parts of the engine. The right engine oil ensures that your engine is running smoothly and boosting its performance. An engine with optimal performance has minimal emissions.

Use Fuel Additives

If your truck is old, consider mixing the right fuel additive in your gas tank. Doing this will boost the performance of your truck and also help reduce truck emissions. Apart from boosting the performance, it will also reduce the emission of harmful gases to the surrounding. Apart from the above, fuel additives also prevent the fuel injectors from being clogged. 

Conclusion

Truck emissions are harmful to the environment. Therefore EPA has set the standards that every motor vehicle has to comply with in terms of emission. Apart from the EPA regulations, cleaning and reducing your truck’s emissions will help keep your surroundings safe and clean. Consider putting into practice the above tips. Doing so will ensure that reduce truck emissions and minimal harmful gases to the surrounding. 

Summer season is extremely hot, and staying in the cabin of your truck can be unbearable. It is during this time that you will require the air conditioning system. The A/C provides comfort and prevents heat-related health risks like stroke. 

When you realize your air conditioning system is not working perfectly, it is essential to have it checked. Here are some common air conditioning problems you should be aware of. 

Faulty Compressor

The air conditioning system has various parts, such as the compressor, that circulate the refrigerant throughout the system. Thus, it ensures that cool air flows in your cabin. The compressor sometimes fails due to several reasons. If it stays for a long without functioning, it is likely to malfunction. 

To avoid this, consider running your AC system full blast at least once a week for up to 18 minutes despite the weather.

Broken/Blocked Condenser

When your AC blows hot instead of cold air, there is a high probability that your condenser is faulty. The condenser plays the role of cooling the refrigerant. The debris, as well as gunk, can block the path of the airflow. When this happens, the refrigerant will not cool down properly, and as a result, your AC will blow in hot air. 

It is simple to fix this problem. First, you need to locate and identify the condenser that is on the front grill and check for blockage or if it is broken. 

Damaged Fan

When your condenser is functioning properly, but your AC still blows hot air, there is a high probability that your fan is faulty. It is easy to check if your fan is faulty. First, you need to open the hood of your truck, start the engine and turn on your AC. 

If you note that your fan is not running, its age can contribute to this. As the fan serves you, it starts to crack, which can lead to its failure. Blown fuses are also another reason that can make your fan stop functioning. 

Wiring Problems

The electrical wiring within your truck can become faulty. Too much heat can melt down the copper or loosen its ends. Exposure to elements can also corrode the wires. You can visually inspect your wires to identify a faulty wire and fix it. If there is a better solution than this, consider taking your truck to a professional for a check-up.

Truck Overheating

If your AC stops to give cool air, check if your truck is overheating. Several reasons can lead to truck overheating and make it difficult for the AC to function effectively.

When you note that your truck is overheating, stop driving immediately and call a professional for help. 

Conclusion,

The air conditioning system is an essential component of your truck. You might not understand its importance during the cold season. But the summer weather will compel you to turn it on, especially when the temperatures of your cabin are extremely high and you need some cooling. Like other parts of your truck, the AC is prone to failure. The above are some common problems related to the AC of your truck.