Tag: truck maintenance

Radiator Not Working

3 Steps To Easily Troubleshoot a Radiator Not Working

Is your truck’s radiator not working? If that is the case, then this guide is intended to help you The internal combustion engine produces too much heat when functioning. The heat can damage essential parts of the engine, such as seals, plastic hoses, and the entire engine block. The cooling system has a radiator that cools down the hot coolants from the engine. In most trucks, the radiator is located in front of the engine.

Tips for Troubleshooting a Radiator Not Working

When it is your first time performing this process, or you are not able to continue, consider checking your truck repair manual. The repair manual will aid you in troubleshooting various problems related to the cooling system.

As you diagnose your radiator, think of the conditions in which such problems occur.

If the check engine light appears, consider scanning the computer for trouble codes that will give a clue to the problem.

If your radiator is damaged, consider installing a new one instead of repairing it.

Troubleshooting a Radiator Not Working

Clogged Radiator

When your radiator is clogged, the coolant will not be able to flow effectively. If the clog is external, the airflow will be restricted, leading to engine overheating. In such a case, consider checking the following.

  1. Make sure your engine cools by parking your truck and letting it cool down.
  2. Check inside the radiator. To do this effectively, consider removing the cap and checking if there is debris inside. If you see any debris, the only option is to fix a new radiator.
  3. Check the outer part for external clogs. To do this, check if there is any debris on the front part of your radiator. Consider cleaning it using a garden hose or compressed air if you see any.

Bad Radiator Cap

If your radiator cap cannot hold the pressure, the coolant will boil, and your engine will overheat. You must have the system pressure cap to check for a bad radiator cap. To troubleshoot a bad radiator cap by doing the following.

  1. Let your engine cool down completely.
  2. Remove the pressure cap by unscrewing it. It would help if you had the necessary tools, such as the screwdriver, to achieve this.
  3. Use the pressure tester on the cap. Ensure it is holding the required amount as per the cap. If it does not, replace it.

Faulty Radiator Fan

Your engine will overheat when the radiator fan stops functioning or functions irregularly. To troubleshoot a faulty radiator fan, do the following.

  1. Park your truck and let its engine cool down.
  2. Check the radiator fan. It can stop functioning due to mechanical or electrical problems.
  3. Start your truck and let the engine warm up.
  4. If you realize the engine’s temperature goes beyond normal, consider inspecting your fan. You might realize that it is turning slowly or does not entirely turn. If your fan is mechanical, consider replacing the clutch, but for an electric fan, check the circuit first. 

Conclusion

If you are looking for a way to troubleshoot radiator not working, then the guide above should help. The radiator, part of the cooling system, can sometimes fail to work, and it is necessary to equip yourself with basic troubleshooting knowledge as per this guide.

Manual Gear Jumps

Manual Gear Jumps – Top Causes of Manual Gear Jumps

Among some of the issues experienced in manual vehicles is manual gear jumps. It is fun to drive a truck with a stick shift. Driving a manual transmission truck brings a lot of joy, but the bad news is that they are getting fewer on the roads today. Apart from becoming extinct, a few mechanics can work on such transmissions, which raises the question, what causes the manual transmission truck to jump out of gears? After reading this guide, you can have an adequate answer to this question.

Causes of Manual Gear Jumps

The manual transmission can jump out of gears for several reasons, such as worn-out mounts or loose linkage. When the shifter bearing is faulty, you will likely experience this problem. Below are more detailed reasons why your manual transmission truck will jump gears.

Internal Failure

The manual transmission has various internal components which can fail when poorly handled or old. When your transmission keeps popping gears, it might have a more significant problem, like the shift folk assembly or the synchronizer.

If the synchronizer is faulty, the transmission will pop some gears. You will also experience difficulty when downshifting gears. If your gears are worn out, consider replacing them.

Weak Spring in Shift Rail

The springs are located inside the shift rail. Its primary role is to lock the transmission into gear. The springs break when they are weak, and you will notice trouble if this happens.

The shifter ball will slip out when the springs break. If the shifter makes an unexpected motion, your transmission will slip gears.

Faulty Shifter Bearing

The shifter has surrounding it, and sometimes, they become worn out or faulty, making it difficult for the gear lever to engage the gears adequately. When you feel your shifters are loose, the bearings around you are worn out. 

The gears will slip when they are not pressed well against each other. In such a scenario, your truck will drop into neutral as your drive. 

Loose Linkage

The linkage rods of your truck become loose as it gets old. The rods connect the gear shifter to the transmission. When it becomes loose, it becomes difficult for the transmission to become locked in the gear.

When the transmission mount is worn out, the linkage will stretch out. 

Worn Mounts

The transmission mounts wear out over time. If this happens, the transmission will move whenever your truck accelerates. If there is a lot of motion on the transmission, the shift linker will move too much, stretching the cable.

Conclusion

To solve the problem of manual gear jumps in your truck, you can adjust the transmission. Adjusting the transmission varies depending on the model of your truck. You should refer to your service manual or consult a professional mechanic to perform this procedure effectively. 

For you to solve the issue of manual gear jumps, it is necessary to know some of its causes. This guide has focused on the most common causes of manual gear jump, which you should know as long as you own a manual transmission truck.

Truck Is Not Accelerating

Truck Is Not Accelerating – How To Fix It

Have you ever experiended a situation when your truck is not accelerating? It can be scary. We will discuss some of the probable causes in this guide. Poor acceleration can be annoying and very dangerous, especially on highways that recommend high speed. When your truck is not accelerating, it is something that you should not take lightly because something serious might be happening in the combustion chamber.

Sometimes you can wonder where to start checking when your truck is not accelerating. Worry no more since this guide will let you know some of the common reasons why your truck will not be able to accelerate. Let’s first check some of the possible causes.

Why Your Truck Is Not Accelerating

A faulty throttle body is a common reason your truck will not accelerate. But there are some other underlying reasons which might lead to this.

Dirty/Faulty Mass Air Flow Sensor

The lean air-fuel mixture is another common reason why your truck may not accelerate. The mass air flow sensor measures the amount of air that enters the engine. On the other hand, the engine control unit will calculate the fuel needed in the combustion chamber.

The mass air flow sensor usually gets dirty and won’t allow adequate air into the combustion chamber. In such a scenario, your truck will not accelerate.

Blocked Fuel Filter

The fuel filter ensures that fuel gets into the combustion and is free from any debris that might damage the engine’s sensitive parts. When the fuel filter is blocked, the combustion chamber will not receive adequate fuel, so your truck will not accelerate.

Blocked Air-Filter

The air filter ensures that no dirt gets into the combustion chamber. It gets blocked as it traps debris. When this happens, your engine will not receive adequate oxygen to mix and burn the available fuel. You will experience acceleration issues.

Faulty Throttle Body Valve

A flap opens to allow more air to flow into the engine whenever you press the acceleration pedal. It is called the throttle body valve. When the throttle body valve has problems, it may not be fully open, and you will have acceleration issues.

How to Diagnose When a Truck Is Not Accelerating

  1. You need to check for trouble codes by connecting an OBD2 scanner. If you find any trouble code, continue troubleshooting with it. If you do not find any trouble codes, continue troubleshooting.
  2. Have somebody accelerate your truck as you check the live data from the diagnostic tool. As your truck is accelerating, check the airflow and turbo pressure. As you check all the values, continue to troubleshoot the sensors.
  3. Check the MAF air flow sensor, and if it is clogged, consider replacing it.
  4. Use a pressure meter to check the fuel pressure. If the pressure is low, consider replacing your fuel pump.
  5. Use an EVAP smoke machine to check for any leaks and repair them.
  6. Check the spark plugs and the ignition coils and replace them if they are in bad condition.
  7. Check the camshaft timing and replace or correct it if faulty.

Conclusion

The acceleration problem can cause harm to you and other road users. If your truck fails to accelerate, seek help as soon as possible. It is recommended to seek towing services and have it checked by a mechanic.

Jerking When Accelerating

Causes of Truck Jerking When Accelerating

Have you ever experienced a situation where the vehicle is jerking when accelerating? You must have thought of many things. Well, we will go through the probable causes of that. Trucks are very reliable vehicles both on and off-road. Most owners love them because they can perform any task ahead of them. Trucks have vital parts which facilitate their smooth functioning. One of these parts is the accelerator, which you will need when you feel like you want to speed off. The accelerator ensures the combustion chamber receives adequate air and fuel for performing the task ahead. Sometimes, when accelerating, you might note that it jerks instead of moving smoothly. You will be able to know some of the reasons why your truck jerks when accelerating after reading this guide.

Causes of Truck Jerking When Accelerating

When your truck jerks as you accelerate, it signals a severe issue that you should address as soon as possible before it escalates to other significant problems. Here are some of the causes of truck jerking as you accelerate.

Blocked Catalytic Converter

The catalytic converter regulates the emissions that come from your truck’s engine. Sometimes the rich air might flow into the catalytic converter and block it. If this happens, your truck will be jerking whenever you accelerate.

Accumulation of Moisture

Sometimes moisture gathers in your truck’s distributor cap, which might make it jerk whenever you press the gas pedal. Moisture accumulation can also lead to engine misfire, which is common when you park your truck in cold weather. Consider parking your truck in a warm and dry spot to prevent this.

Clogged Air or Fuel Intakes

The truck engine requires air and fuel to work. Air mixes with fuel inside the engine. In the combustion chamber, a spark plug ignites the mixture, causing an explosion that triggers the piston to move up and down. This cycle is continuous, and it’s what makes your truck move. Either fuel or air blockage interferes with this cycle and will lead to jerking as you accelerate.

Faulty Acceleration Cable

When your acceleration cable is worn out, you will experience jerking issues. The acceleration cable is a braided metal cable that links the gas pedal and the engine throttle plate. This cable gets pulled, and the throttle opens whenever you press the gas pedal. This cable weakens and fails to perform effectively with time, leading to jerking when accelerating.

Dirty Fuel Injectors

The fuel injector introduces fuel into the combustion chamber. Sometimes, it gets dirty, interfering with the continuous fuel stream into the combustion chamber. When the injectors are dirty, you will experience misfires, and your truck will be jerking as you accelerate. Consider cleaning your fuel injectors occasionally to avoid such issues.

Worn Out Spark Plugs

Your engine will misfire when the spark plugs are worn out, and they will not be able to ignite the fuel in each piston. If you realize that your spark plugs are worn out, your pick-up truck will be jerking whenever you accelerate. 

Conclusion

When your pick-up truck is jerking when accelerating, the problem always lies within the engine. You must take your truck to your mechanic to identify the main cause of jerking.

Troubleshooting Faulty Radiator Fan Easily In A Truck

Troubleshooting Faulty Radiator Fan Easily In A Truck

Are you looking for a way on troubleshooting faulty radiator in your truck? Your engine must not overheat if you want it to give better services and a long lifespan. The cooling system in your engine helps maintain room temperature for your engine’s proper functioning. The cooling system has various parts which enable it to perform its role of cooling the engine. It has coolant, a radiator fan that blows cool air through the radiator to transfer heat to prevent the engine from overheating. If the radiator fan fails to work, your engine is at risk, and should you should fix it as fast as possible.

Troubleshooting Faulty Radiator Fan In A Truck

A failing radiator can completely ruin the way your engine. The radiator fan in a truck is an essential part of the engine cooling system. As your engine is running, the combustion and friction generate heat, and the heat increases the temperature of the entire engine.

The heat needs to be cooled down for the engine to function effectively. The radiator fan is between the engine and the radiator. It plays the role of blowing air to cool down the hot water and other coolants which are flowing within the radiator. To understand how to go about troubleshooting faulty radiator systems, we must look at what causes these issues.

Causes of Radiator not Functioning Properly

Bad Fuse

The fuse can either fall off or blow. It is a common issue that causes the radiator fun not to function correctly. Check the manufacturer’s manual to locate the fuse and its physical appearance in such a situation. You have to replace a faulty radiator fan fuse. 

It is worth noting that if any electrical part of the truck is not working, check the fuse first.

Dead Wires

If you note that your engine is heating up, but the radiator fan is not functioning, faulty wires might cause all this. To troubleshoot this, unplug both the positive and the negative cables. In a standard direct current set-up, the wire must have an output of 12v. To know this, use a voltmeter to check if there is current in the cables. If there is no current, consider replacing the wires.

A Broken Fan Clutch

The fan clutch attaches the radiator fan to the engine and ensures it works. The fan will not be able to work if the fan clutch is broken. The usual wear and tear are responsible for causing this. If your fan is not running and you cannot find any other issue, the clutch might be the culprit.

Low Coolant Levels

The radiator fan can fail to function if the level of the coolant goes down. In such a scenario, consider checking the coolant level in the reservoir. If it is low, consider refilling it.

Checking the levels of the radiator fans is one of the essential maintenance tips you should consider doing for your cooling system to run smoothly. 

Conclusion

The fundamental component of the cooling system is the radiator fan. This part should be in optimum working condition to keep blowing off heat from the coolant. This guide provides some tips on how you can troubleshoot a faulty radiator fan.  

How To Safely Clean Your Truck Engine

How To Safely Clean Your Truck Engine

Do you know how to safely clean your truck engine? Depending on your everyday driving terrain, it is necessary to clean your engine regularly. Keeping your truck clean is one of the simple maintenance tips you can perform. A clean engine is vibrant. The engine is very fragile, and this guide will aid you in how to clean it safely as part of your regular engine maintenance. 

How To Safely Clean Your Truck Engine

Here is a step-by-step process on how to safely clean your truck engine and get everything running smoothly.

Schedule a Day 

It is recommended to clean your truck’s engine on a warm and windy day to enable it to dry very fast after washing. Cleaning the engine is not a complex procedure. You will need about an hour, and you can seamlessly do it when you are off duty.

Cool Down Your Engine

If your truck has been running and you want to clean the engine, consider putting off it and giving it 15 minutes to cool down. The hot components including the radiator system can burn you, and they can get damaged if you spray cold water on them. 

Remove all the Plastic Covers

Under your hood, there are several plastic covers. Remove all these plastic covers and wash them separately. Consider unplugging the negative terminal to protect the electrical components from getting damaged. If possible, remove your battery.

Cover All Sensitive Parts of the Engine 

Identify all the sensitive engine parts and cover them using a plastic bag to protect them from water. Such parts are the battery, ignition wires, and engine control unit. Check for any exposed air intake and cover it as well.

Spray the Entire Engine with a Degreaser

The engine components are always oily. Oil repels water, so remove any oil element with a degreaser before washing your engine. You can use any degreaser, whether a general purpose or kitchen cleaner.

Scrub your Engine

You will need a scrubber to remove dirt from the engine, depending on how dirty it is. Some areas, such as the valve covers, may have a lot of oil and dirt. You will need to use a brush to remove all the debris and dirt in such places.

Rinse Your Engine Using A Power Washer

Set a standard hose on your power washer to rinse your engine. Spray all engine parts but do not spray the electrical components directly. Do not spray water on areas that might take time to dry.

Dry the Engine

Use a dryer to blow away excess water in the engine. You can also use a wipe to wipe out every engine part within your reach. When doing this, you will be able to remove water and grime from your engine.

Restore Your Battery

If you removed your battery, consider installing it and plugging all the terminal wires. At this point, you can remove all the plastic bags which cover the electrical components. And finally, install the plastic covers you previously removed.

Conclusion

A clean truck engine will give you confidence when opening your hood. It is necessary to clean your engine every year to remove the excess grease, which might make it not run perfectly.  Shared in this guide is how to safely clean your truck engine.

You will always realize that your truck will change how it drives whenever you clean up your engine. Be careful not to let water enter the hoses and other fragile parts. 

Truck Fail To Start

Truck Fail To Start When Cold – Causes & Solutions

What could the cause when the truck fail to start when it is cold? Cold weather causes havoc to your batteries, fuel system, starter motors, alternator, oil, and carburetor. Sometimes the truck fail to start when it is cold. It is necessary to know the reasons and what you can do to solve them. First, it is essential to look at the common cause when the truck fail to start.

Truck Fail To Start When Cold – Solutions

Here are some of the things to look at when the truck fail to start.

Truck Battery Problems

If your truck cannot start in cold weather, the possible cause might be your battery. To determine that it is your battery, you will hear a faint whining sound when you turn your key in the ignition, and the starter motor will not turn over.

Sometimes your battery can be completely drained out, or the cables to your battery might be loose.

If you do not have time, jump-starting your truck will help you. However, you will need another vehicle and jump cables.

You can replace your battery. When doing this, consider buying a battery that fits your truck well.

Truck Battery Maintenance Tips During Cold Weather

The cold weather interferes with the chemical processes that produce and store energy in the cells of your battery, which slowly damages your battery, making it unable to hold a charge.

When you rarely use your truck, it is healthy to charge its battery at least once a week.

Consider replacing your battery as soon as it cannot hold power.

Truck Alternator Problems

The alternator is an electrical generator that charges your battery as your truck moves. When you jump-start your truck, and the engine dies immediately, your alternator could be faulty. You will also realize that the headlight and dashboard lights are flickering, and the truck’s gauge is jerking.

Solution of a Faulty Alternator

The location of the alternator between the battery and the engine makes it a bit tricky to fix and requires mechanical skill. You can buy a new alternator or condition the existing one.

Starter Motor Problems

The starter motor jolts the truck engine into life by using the electricity from the battery. When it is cold, the starter motor will not be able to operate smoothly. If the starter motor is affected by cold, you will hear a clicking sound when you turn your key in the ignition.

Solution for a Starter Motor Problems

Replacing a starter motor is a task that only professionals can perform. You have to buy a new one, remove the faulty starter motor and fix the new one.

The Truck Fuel System Problems

The fuel system can be contaminated with water, and cold weather will likely make this water freeze. When this happens, your engine will not be able to start. It might shutter or even jerk.

Solution for The Truck Fuel System Problems

If there are water traces in your fuel lines, consult a professional to flush them out.

You can use some additives that hold water into suspension and passes it through the exhaust.

Conclusion

Cold weather can adversely affect your truck and make you experience difficulties, especially during starting. This guide has explained why your truck might not start in cold weather and how you can solve them.

causes of low compression

Top Causes of Low Compression In The Engine

In this guide, we will cover some of the causes of low compression in an engine and what you should do. The internal combustion engine relies on compression to produce power. The oxygen and fuel enter the combustion chamber, where combustion occurs. For the engine to function effectively, there has to be healthy and high compression. The engine’s performance depends on how much air it can compress in each cylinder.

Low compression is something no one wishes to encounter because it is expensive to fix. However, your engine might experience low compression. If this happens, you most definitely feel your engine’s power is going down. It is essential to know some causes of low compression in an engine.

Causes of Low Compression

Damaged valve seals and piston rings are some common causes of low compression. Here are other reasons for low compression which you should know.

Faulty Valves 

The primary role of the valves is to seal the combustion chamber. The combustion chamber has intake and exhaust valves, which either open or close depending on which face of stroke in the combustion chamber.

The valves seal the combustion chamber and ensure that the pressure is contained before being released into the exhaust. If any of the valves are faulty, the compression is likely to leak into the exhaust or the intake.

Damaged Piston Rings

Each piston has either 2 to 4 rings around it. The rings ensure no compression leaks into the crankcase and prevent oil from leaking into the combustion chamber. When the piston rings are worn out, the oil will leak into the combustion chamber, and you will experience a low compression. The best way of solving this is to replace your piston rings.

Damaged Pistons

A worn-out piston is another common cause of low compression in the engine. The pistons are made of aluminum alloys that enable them t withstand the high temperature in the combustion chamber. The pistons will develop hot spots when your engine runs lean or knocks. The high mileage engines also wear out the pistons, which leads to low compression.

Faulty Hydraulic Lifter

The hydraulic lifters are between the camshaft and the valves. These lifters are self-adjusted to ensure that the play between the lifter and the camshaft is okay. For the lifters to do this role, they are filled with oil pressure.

If your engine is high mileage, the camshaft may create holes in the hydraulic lifters. When such happens, the lifters cannot hold the oil pressure, and they will compress whenever the camshaft opens them without opening valves.

When the valves are not opening correctly, you will experience low compression.

Poor Camshaft Timing

A faulty timing belt or chain leads to low compression in all the cylinders. The crankshaft rotates the timing belt to transfer power to the camshaft, which controls the opening of the valves. The valves control the inflow and outflow of gases into the combustion chamber.

A faulty belt will fail to inject the air-fuel mixture at the required time, leading to low compression. 

Conclusion

The above are common causes of low compression, which you should know. If you experience low compression in your engine, consider consulting a professional mechanic. 

How To Clean Injector Pump Of a Truck

How To Clean Injector Pump Of a Truck Easily

Do you know how to clean injector pump of a truck? The injection pump does the role of generating pressure to move fuel from the tank to the engine. Sometimes it gets clogged. This guide will help you in such a case.

How To Clean Injector Pump Of a Truck

Below is a comprehensive step by step guide on how to clean injector pump of a truck.

Using Fuel Cleaner

Fuel cleaners remove clogs in modern trucks that have a fuel pump in the tank. Here is how to clean it.

Follow the Instructions on the Bottle

Although most fuel cleaners have the same working principle, they differ from brand to brand. It is, therefore, necessary to read the instructions on the fuel cleaner you have bought, which will aid you in following the proper steps. 

Run the Engine

The aim of doing this is to use all fuel in the tank. Several fuel cleaners work better when there is no fuel in the tank. It is necessary to let your engine run until the fuel gauge reads ‘E.’

Pour the Fuel Cleaner into the Fuel Tank

Open the bottle containing fuel cleaner, break the plastic seal under the lid, and then direct it into the gas filler neck the way you do with the fuel pump. The instruction you have read will let you know how many bottles you need to add.

Fill Your Tank With gas

You will need to pump new gas into your tank to mix with the fuel cleaner in the pump. Doing this will help the pump to start picking up the fuel with the cleaner.

Start Your Engine

When you start your engine, the fuel cleaner will flow into the injection pump and the filer as it goes to the engine. As it flows, it will break down the deposits clogging the system. It is necessary to let your engine idle during this process.

Disconnect the Negative Battery Terminal

It is worth noting that old trucks have a mechanical fuel pump within the engine. Batteries have both positive and negative terminals. Locate the negative terminal and disconnect it by sliding the cable off.

Locate the Fuel Pump

Most mechanical fuel pumps are in the engine because they get power from the crankshaft to function. Fuel pumps vary in size and appearance. You have to check your service manual to identify yours.

Disconnect Fuel Lines

Before doing this, put a container beneath your truck to trap fuel that might leak. The fuel pump has two main lines, the inlet, and the outlet. To remove them, you must unscrew the lines or loosen the hose clamps that hold them. 

Remove the Central Screw Holding the Fuel Pump Housing

The mechanical fuel pump is held with a nut or bolt. Locate this nut and use the correct size wrench to remove the nut. After unscrewing the central screw, you can remove the fuel pump.

Use a Brush to Clean the Filter

Inside the fuel pump, there is a filter looking like a screen. Clean it using a brush without removing it. To remove all the dirt, dip the brush in gasoline.

Conclusion

Now that you know how to clean injector pump of your truck, there is no reason this should be an issue in the vehicle. After cleaning the fuel pump, consider putting the cover back and securing it using the central screw. Connect the hose clamps you had previously removed.

Carburetor Adjustment

How to Perfectly Do Carburetor Adjustment in a Truck

Do you know how to do carburetor adjustment? When you find the correct air and fuel mixture, your engine will have a long life. When your engine starts to run rough, you should adjust the mixture to find the right idling speed, the rate at which your stresses will reduce. You can do these few steps to adjust the carburetor of your truck.

How to Do Carburetor Adjustment in a Truck

In this guide, we will go through some of the crucial considerations when doing a carburetor adjustment for your truck as part of regular truck maintenance.

Adjust the Air and Fuel Mixture

You have to perform some procedures to adjust the air and fuel mixture.

Step1. Remove the Air Filter

You must remove the air filter in some trucks to see the carburetor and adjust it. You have to open your hood. Before doing this, make sure your engine is off. To remove the air filter, locate the wing-nut and other connections and remove them.

Step2. Locate the Adjustment Screws in Front of the Carburetor

In front of the carburetor, there are two screws used to adjust the air and fuel mixture. These are always flat-head screws. To remove them, you must use a screwdriver. The Quadrajet carburetor, popular on GM trucks, requires a special screw and a specific adjustment tool to perform this procedure.

Step3. Start Your Engine And Let it Warm up.

Check the temperature gauge to know the appropriate running temperature as your engine is running. As this is happening, listen to the sound coming from your engine.

When your engine is running rich, there is no change in the sound you will experience, but you will be able to feel the smell. A running rich engine when the truck is idling will make the plugs fuel-fouled, and you will experience starting difficulties when it is cold.

When your engine runs lean, it will ping at higher RPM as the throttle is opening, and more gas will need to be added to the fuel. 

Step4. Make an Equal Adjustment to the Screws to Find the Right Mixture

Adjusting a carburetor is like tuning a stringed instrument. You must turn the screws equally and slowly to find a sweet spot.

Step5. Put Back the Air Filters

After getting the correct curb adjustment, reassemble the air filter to its position. 

Adjusting the Idle Speed

You have to perform a few processes to adjust the idle speed of your truck.

Step1. Locate the Idle Adjuster Screw

Every truck has an idle adjuster screw. To locate it, check the user guide or consult your mechanic if you cannot see it.

Step2. Start Your Engine

Leave your engine to run as it reaches the optimum running temperature, similar to how you worked on the air-fuel mixture. Leaving the engine to warm up will let you work on it in the actual running condition.

Step3. Tighten the Idle Adjuster Screw

Turn this screw clockwise and not more than a half-turn as you listen to the sound of your engine. If your engine is running roughly, make further adjustments. Lastly, reinstall the air filters after making the appropriate adjustments.

Conclusion

Performing carburetor adjustment is not difficult, and this guide has simplified it. If you are unsure what to do, consider assistance from your mechanic. 

things that can drain your car battery

5 Things That Can Drain Your Car Battery

In this guide, we will go through the things that can drain your car battery. The battery is an essential part of any car. It is this part that provides the initial energy which starts the engine. Apart from being an electrical component, the battery is part of the ignition system. Typically, the battery receives power from the alternator, which acts like an inverter. The battery stores the energy you need to start your truck, and other electrical components will need this power when the alternator is off.

Things That Can Drain Your Car Battery

A good battery should serve you for five years, but this depends on how you take care of your battery. Did you know your battery can drain faster depending on how you handle it? After reading this guide, you can understand some things that can drain your battery.

Human Error

Among the top things that can drain your car battery is human error. Sometimes, our car battery drains because of common errors. You have had a long day at work, got home very tired, and missed your family. You will leave your car parked with headlights and might forget to close your door or the trunk.

As the lights are on, they will drain power from your battery, and the battery will not charge if your car is parked. When this happens, your car will not be able to start in the morning. 

Loose or Corroded Battery Connections

If your battery’s connections are loose or corroded, your battery will not charge effectively. It is necessary to perform a regular battery inspection. Doing this will help you determine the loose wires and corroded terminals. When your terminals are corroded, you can clean them since the corrosion prevents your battery from charging even though the alternator will provide the much-needed power.

Parasitic Drain

Sometimes, an electric component of your car will continue running even after you have turned it off your car. Components such as the clock or radio memory will use the battery’s power when your car is turned off.

Sometimes, the parasitic drain exceeds normal when your car has electrical problems. The drain will result from faulty fuses or even wiring. Expect parasitic drain from faulty door light switch,

The trunk lock switch and any other after-market electrical component installed in your car also might drain your battery.

Extreme Temperatures

Your battery suffers when it is too cold or hot. The lead sulfate crystals accumulate, leading to your battery’s long-term depletion. Such accumulations make it difficult for your battery to charge.

Faulty Alternator

Among the things that can drain your car battery is when you have a bad alternator. The alternator charges your battery when your engine is running. The alternator provides power to all other electrical components of your car. When the alternator becomes faulty, your battery will not be able to charge. 

Your car will show some signs when the alternator becomes faulty. Usually, a good alternator will serve you for seven years or between 100,000 to 150,00 miles.

Conclusion

Shared above are some of the several things that can drain your car battery drain faster than usual. If you realize that your battery cannot hold power, first and foremost, think of how long the battery has served you. Other common factors that you should know have been discussed in this guide. Knowing them will enable you to take the necessary action in case your battery becomes weak.

Does Changing Transmission Fluid Improve Performance

Does Changing Transmission Fluid Improve Performance?

Does changing transmission fluid improve performance of a vehicle? Transmission problems are some of the common challenges that truck owners face more often. The transmission system is essential in keeping your truck running and powering it. Most people forget to service their transmission system due to a lack of knowledge. If you fail to service it, it will work well until it becomes faulty, and fixing it will be a big issue. 

If you own a truck, you must take care of the transmission system by servicing it regularly. One of the primary ways of extending the lifespan of your truck is changing the transmission fluid at the required time. Doing this will improve the performance of your truck. 

Does Changing Transmission Fluid Improve Performance?

After reading this guide, you will be able to know whether changing the transmission fluid improves the performance of your truck. Transmission fluid plays the role of lubricating and absorbing the heat from the transmission system. When you regularly change it, the following will happen to your truck.

Improved Fuel Economy

Every truck owner thinks of how they improve their fuel economy. The rising inflation is pushing the prices of gas higher and higher, so it is essential to check on what to do to make your truck consume less fuel. Changing your transmission fluid when it turns black is the best way of improving your truck’s fuel economy. Your transmission system will operate smoothly after changing the transmission fluid, which means that your engine will never strain to burn fuel that facilitates the motion of your truck.

The Engine Will Never Lock-Up

Engine lockup is one of the worst experiences one can ever wish to have. Engine lock means your transmission is overstraining and has decided to shut. The transmission system can strain when there is inadequate transmission fluid to absorb heat as the gears are working and when the parts of the transmission system are rubbing against each other. Consider changing your transmission fluid regularly to avoid straining your transmission system. With no engine lockups, be sure the performance of your truck will improve.

You will Save Money

When you regularly change your transmission fluid, the system will work perfectly. A sound transmission system will never strain the engine and only burn the required quantity of gas. Fuel economy will increase as well as the lifespan of your transmission. Improved fuel economy and lifespan of the transmission system lead to good performance.

Better Running

When your transmission system is in perfect working condition, you will realize there is a difference in how your truck handles. You will have a better driving experience and reduced fuel and oil consumption. When your truck is running better, the performance of your truck will increase. 

Conclusion

The transmission fluid is an essential ingredient in your transmission system. A sound transmission never strains the engine, but when it is faulty, the engine’s rpm will not equal the speed of your truck. Your truck will be less potent than it used to be initially. So, does changing transmission fluid improve performance? Yes, it does. To improve your truck’s performance, consider changing the transmission fluid for the transmission system to be well-lubricated and prevent damage from heat production. 

Remove Scratches On Windshield

How To Remove Scratches On Windshield of Your Truck

Scratches on the windshield impair visibility when you are driving. The sunlight will bounce off the scratches, which will reduce visibility. Also, when it rains or you clean your windshield, water will collect into the spaces making it difficult for your wipers to remove the water.

There are two types of scratches, minor and major scratches. You will remove minor scratches on windshield if you have the appropriate tools. On the other hand, major scratches need a glass specialist to hand. 

As soon as you are through reading this guide, you will be able to know how to remove scratches from your windshield. These are what you need,

  • A microfiber cloth
  • Cerium Oxide rubbing compound
  • Glass repair kit

After assembling the necessary tools, perform the below procedure to remove scratches on windshield.

Step 1 Determine the Depth of the Scratches On Windshield

The first thing to do is to determine how deep the scratch is. To do this, run your fingernail along the scratch. If the scratch is minor, it will feel smooth, and your nails will not get stuck in a groove. If it is a deep scratch, it will scratch your fingernails.

It would help if you addressed the deep scratches as soon as possible because they can worsen with time.

Step 2 Buy a Glass Repair Kit

After determining the nature of the scratch, buy a glass repair kit. You will get it from your nearest auto-repair shop or order it online. You will find Cerium Oxide and a razor blade in this kit.

When working on the windshield, ensure your truck is under shade and the windshield temperature is between 50°F and 75°F throughout this procedure.

Step 3 Clean The Windshield of Your Truck Before Applying the Rubbing Compound

You already have all the necessary tools. The next crucial step you will perform here is cleaning your windshield. Doing this will remove any debris and dirt accumulated in the scratch.

Use soap to wash your windshield and dry it with a microfiber cloth before you start to apply the Cerium Oxide rubbing compound.

If you are repairing a chip, bull’s eye, or star in the windshield, check your repair kit, you will find a device that can remove air from the repair areas. Doing this will let you apply the compound without the risk of trapping air bubbles inside.

In case what you are repairing is a crack or scratch, apply the resin compound directly, starting from the far end of the scratch. Look at the scratch at a 45-degree angle, and you will see the area filled with resin is a bit dark. If you notice air pockets, apply slight pressure from inside on the sides and center of the scratch. 

Step 4 Take Your Truck to Direct Sunlight

After applying the curing strips, move your truck to direct sunlight for about 5 -10 minutes for it to dry.

Remove the resin strip. If the compound is still wet, reapply the strip and let it dry. After it has dried, use a razor blade at 90-degree and scrape the hardened resin.

Conclusion

You can remove scratches on windshield at home, but if you are unsure, seek a professional’s services.

Check Truck's Battery Health

3 Steps To Check Battery Health Of A Truck At Home

The battery is essential as an electrical component of your truck, therefore it is important to check battery health regularly. The battery is vital when you want to start your truck, turn on the headlight, listen to music, clean your windshield using wipers, and run the air conditioning.

When your battery has low voltage, you will experience challenges when starting your truck, forcing you to jump-start it. A good battery will serve you for 4 to 5 years. However, you must regularly test your battery to ensure it is working perfectly. Here is how to check the battery health of your truck battery at home before deciding to replace it. 

How to Check Your Truck Battery Health at Home

You can use different ways to check the health of your truck battery. Here are some of the ways you can use it at home.

Check the Voltage Using a Voltmeter

A voltmeter measures any electrical device’s voltage, it can be analog or digital. Your choice depends on one’s test and preferences. When using a voltmeter, first, you have to turn off all the truck accessories that can drain power from the battery, like the radio, ignition, and headlights.

Remove the covers of the terminals of your battery and connect the positive point of the voltmeter to the positive terminal of your battery and the negative end to the negative terminal of your battery.

Check the readings. A healthy battery has a voltmeter reading of 12.4V to 12.7V. Any reading above this indicates a healthy battery, but if it is below 11.8, your battery is not in good condition.

A voltmeter may not be very accurate, and you must test your battery under load.

Performing Headlight Test

In case you do not have a voltmeter, you can observe the reactions of your headlights when you turn on your truck.

When your headlights are not as bright as they should be, your battery might be low on power. When the headlights get brighter as you turn on your truck, the alternator works perfectly, but it does not supply enough power to charge your battery.

If you never observe any change in your headlights’ brightness, your battery is healthy. 

Perform a Physical Inspection of Your Battery

It is necessary to perform a physical examination of your battery. Doing this will enable you to detect any cracks or physical damage to your battery. To inspect your battery, disconnect the terminals and remove them from the truck.

Place your battery on a flat surface and examine if it has any bulges. Budges usually result from overcharging or reactions of the chemical components of the battery.

Next, look at the terminals of your battery to see if they have debris accumulation and remove them. If you see any cracks on your battery, replace it.

Before installing your battery to its carrier, consider cleaning it using a soft brush, water, and some baking soda.

Conclusion

The above are 3 steps that will help you to check the battery health at home without necessarily having an expert do it. Doing this can also help you know how to make the battery last longer.

How To Fix Squeaky Truck Wiper Blades

How To Fix Squeaky Truck Wiper Blades

During good weather, you will rarely use your wipers, but during the rainy season, the wipers come in handy and should be functioning correctly. If your wipers can wipe out water, they must give you proper visibility. Squeaking is a common problem associated with bad wiper blades. In this guide, we will focus on how to fix squeaky truck wiper blades as part of your DIY truck maintenance.

How To Fix Squeaky Truck Wiper Blades

The squeaking sound irritates the ears, which might lead to the tear and wear of your windshield wipers. Several issues can make your wiper blades produce a squeaking sound. This guide will enlighten you on what to do if you hear the squeaking sound coming from the wiper blades of your truck. 

Consider Replacing the Blades

You need to give it time if you hear the squeaking sound when your wipers are on. If it persists, replacing your blades is the best option. The sound indicates that the blade edges are not sliding correctly on the windscreen. 

Replacing the blades is easy, and you can do it without the help of your mechanic. All you need are new blades, pull out the old blades and fix them. After doing this, ensure that the new blades lock correctly. 

Check the Wiper Assembly 

When the wiper assembly is loose, your wiper blades will produce a squeaking sound. In such as scenario, consider tightening it. To do this, have a screwdriver, ratchet, and socket. Such materials are necessary to adjust the nuts holding the wipers in position. This process is a trial and error method. It would be best if you considered doing it until it becomes firm.

Remove The Wax Coating

Cleaning and waxing the vehicle regularly ensures it stays in good shape and form. If you recently washed your truck and applied a waxy product on your windshield, you must remove some of it. To remove the excess wax, use a dump cloth that is not very wet to wipe the entire windscreen. After wiping the windshield with a dump cloth, have a glass polish which you gently dab on your windscreen in a circular motion, and later on, rinse it using water. 

Soften Your Blades

If your blades have been non-functional for an extended period, the rubber part hardens, and the moment you launch it, the squeaking sound will be audible. To soften your blades, dampen a piece of towel on alcohol and wipe it across your wiper blade. After doing this, take a dry towel to dry your wiper blades because any of these substances should not get into your windshield.

Refill the Windshield Washer Fluid

Inadequate windshield lubrication will make your wipers produce a squeaking sound as they move across the windscreen. Ensure there is adequate fluid in the reservoir. The reservoir is under the hood of your truck. Locate it and refill it. After it is complete, make a few sprays to lubricate your windshield.

Clean Your Blade

Cleaning the blades is the cheapest way of doing away with the wiper squeals. With time, the debris builds up on the wipers. To remove them, you have to clean the blades. To clean your blade, you need to use primary household products.

Conclusion

Squealing wiper blades is a common problem, and you should not worry if it happens to your truck. If you are wondering about how to fix squeaky truck wiper blades, then Consider performing any of the above procedures to fix it.

Wheel Alignment Tips

Top Wheel Alignment Tips For Truck Owners

Wheel alignment is a crucial part of vehicle maintenance. In this guide, we will go through some of the tips to do it seamlessly. As you drive your truck, the wheels get exposed to various strains that interfere with their alignment. Performing wheel alignment is one essential service maintenance you cannot ignore. Driving a truck with poor wheel alignment is hectic and can result in accidents.

What is Wheel Alignment?

When you align your wheels, you adjust your truck’s suspension system. Such a service corrects the angles of the tires, which impact their contact with the road. Each truck’s wheel alignment is performed differently depending on the driving conditions and weather.

When to Do Aligning On Wheels Of Your Truck

Consider taking your truck to a licensed service mechanic when you notice these signs.

  • When your truck pulls either on the left or right side when driving, you will realize that you are struggling to keep your truck on the lane. Your truck will pull sideways when you release your hands from the steering.
  • Your steering wheel will fail to be at the center as you drive your truck on a flat, and straight road. To know if your steering wheel is not at the center, check the emblem on it as your drive straight. If it is level, then your steering wheel is centered, but if it is not, your alignment has a problem.
  • A poor alignment will make your truck’s steering loose, which is very risky as it will not respond in time when you turn it.
  • You will also feel your steering wheel vibrating when it has poor alignment. But steering vibration may signal other severe issues with your truck.
  • Poor wheel alignment also makes your tires wear out unevenly. You will realize that the treads in some parts of your truck are worn out faster than those on others.

Your wheel alignment can be tempered in many ways, like when you hit a pothole or curb. You should pay attention to your truck when driving, which will help you to determine when you need a wheel alignment.

When To Do Wheel Aligning

It is hazardous to drive with poor alignment since this interferes with the balance of your wheels. It will interfere with the suspension system and steering capabilities of your truck.

When you fail to perform wheel alignment in time, you might run serious risks that require additional work, like replacing the tie rods, ball joints, and suspension bushing. 

Improper alignment can also make your truck vibrate and increase the rate at which your tires wear out.

Performing wheel alignment will improve your gas mileage, and your tires will serve you longer. 

Cost of Doing The Alignment

The wheel alignment cost varies depending on where you service your truck. The prices also vary depending on the type of your truck. You must pay more cash for a proper wheel alignment if your truck is foreign and luxurious.

Conclusion

Performing alignment of the wheels is one of the essential truck maintenance services you should not ignore because it can escalate into other issues. This guide has outlined some critical tips for truck wheel alignment.

Replacing An Injector Pump

Considerations Before Replacing An Injector Pump

Fuel and air (oxygen) are the primary components that initiate energy production in the engine. The fuel is introduced into the combustion chamber by the fuel injectors. An injector is a mechanical component of an engine that does the role of introducing fuel into the combustion chamber. For effective combustion, fuel and air must mix in a certain ratio. The injector provides the right quantity and ensures a continuous fuel supply to the combustion chamber. The fuel injector’s role exposes it to stress, making it wear out with time. Apart from stress, sometimes it might get clogged and become ineffective. You will have to replace your fuel injector in any of these circumstances. Here is a guide on how to go about replacing an injector pump.

What to Know Before Replacing An Injector Pump

Replacing your fuel injector is one service your truck will require. It would help if you had a few tips before you start to perform this procedure. 

Sings That Your Truck Needs a New Fuel Injector

The first consideration is some of the signs your truck will show when the fuel injector becomes faulty. You will experience some of the below signs when your injector starts to be faulty.

  • The engine starts to become less powerful.
  • Your engine will start to misfire.
  • Increase in fuel consumption
  • Engine knocks

These are some of the common signs that your injector is faulty. Some of these signs are universal to other engine problems. You must visit your mechanic when you experience any of these symptoms.  

The Type of Fuel Injector Your Truck Uses

Did you know that fuel injectors differ depending on your truck’s model? Injectors have different minimum and maximum pulse widths, spray volume, and fuel pressure. 

Every engine will need a minimum fuel volume at a maximum rpm and the capability of providing maximum fuel volume at a minimum rpm for the engine to run normally. The balancing in the engine can be hectic and may demand changing the fuel pressure with the increase in the rpm for the engine to accommodate the additional load. 

Selecting a fuel injector in terms of design is not a hectic process. Getting the right injector in terms of complete combustion in the cylinders requires you to be keen on details. On the market, different fuel injectors are complex. Before buying an injector, you should know your engine configuration or consult your mechanic. 

Cost

Whenever you suspect your fuel injector is faulty, you must replace it. Before doing this, you must know how much it will cost you. A new fuel injector varies but will cost you hundreds of dollars and sometimes up to over a thousand dollars for vehicles that require high fuel delivery. 

To cut costs, consider making price comparisons from various suppliers. Visit various shops and check online suppliers. Doing this will enable you to buy from a cheaper dealer.

Conclusion

Replacing a fuel injector is an inevitable process you must perform at some point. When planning to replace your fuel injector, consider the above factors, which will help you get the best fuel injector for your truck.

How Often Does Transmission Fluid Need To Be Changed?

How Often Does Transmission Fluid Need To Be Changed?

How often does transmission fluid need to be changed? The transmission system has various components, such as the gears. For the transmission system to function effectively, its parts will be in constant motion and rub against each other. The continuous movement and rubbing against each other make the components of the transmission system wear out. The transmission system needs to be kept in good working condition.

What is Transmission Fluid?

The transmission fluid plays the role of lubricating the transmission components of your truck. When the transmission system is functioning, the gears constantly rub against each other, making them wear out and generate heat. The transmission fluid’s role is to ensure that parts of the transmission system work smoothly and absorb the heat generated as the transmission system is working.

How Often Does Transmission Fluid Need To Be Changed?

To make a solid decision on when to change the transmission fluid of your truck, follow this guideline. The essential reference point is your service manual. If your manual does not have information about transmission fluid replacement, you can use the following factors to determine when to change your transmission fluid.

The Type of Your Transmission

Manual and automatic transmissions are the common types of transmission. These two transmission fluids have different working principles and can never use the same transmission fluid. In an automatic transmission, the fluid degenerates faster because of the high heat generated from the hydraulic pressure. On the other hand, transmission fluid contamination is a common problem with manual transmission. The manual transmission has many moving parts, which lead to contamination of the transmission fluid.

From the above illustrations, automatic and manual transmission have varied reasons that degrade their transmission fluid. To protect your transmission system, you must change the transmission fluid at 100,000 miles for automatic transmission and 60,000miles for manual transmission.

Driving Habits

When you drive more in normal conditions, it is needless to keep changing your transmission fluid. You will need to change your transmission fluid more often when driving under the following conditions.

Regular towing of heavy goods using your truck.

When driving slowly over a long period.

You drive more often on bad terrains.

Depending on where and how you drive your truck, it is necessary to change your transmission fluid when you reach 15,000 mileage for the manual truck but 30,000 for an automatic truck.

Signs that You Need to Change Your Transmission System

You must know the three signs that your transmission fluid needs to be changed.

Visual Signs

Leakages and color changes are some visual signs that your transmission fluid needs to be changed. The warning light might appear on your dashboard.

Audible Signs

Low transmission fluid makes the transmission system produce weird sounds which are not appealing to the ears.

Tactile Signs

Changes in the way your truck drives are some of the tactile signs you should be keen on as they will signal a low transmission fluid.

Conclusion

After going through this guide, we hope you now know how often does transmission fluid need to be changed. The transmission fluid gives your transmission system life, and it is necessary to know when the transmission system of your truck needs new transmission fluid.

how to take care of your truck in summer

How To Take Care of Your Truck In Hot Summer

Summer weather can sometimes be a challenge to truck owners. Trees shading off their leaves reduces the surface area exposed to water loss. Similarly, your truck is also at risk if the season gets to its extreme. A lot of maintenance is required. It is necessary to prepare it for summer. Here you will have an insight into how to take care of your truck in summer.

How To Take Care of Your Truck In Hot Summer

Ensure you get full service from your truck during summer by regularly visiting your mechanic and performing the essential safety checks. As a way of keeping your truck running, consider checking the below.

  • Consider checking and servicing your cooling system as soon as summer temperature encroaches. When checking the cooling system, drain the coolant, and check on the condition of the belts. The cooling system guards your engine against overheating and must be in good working condition.
  • Inspect all the fluids in your truck. They aid in preventing overheating as you drive. Before summer, it is necessary to check the level of liquids and top up when necessary. 
  • Check the condition of your battery. During summer, the battery comes in handy, so if you have been using an old battery, it is this time of the year to fix a new one. 
  • Check your tire pressure regularly. Ensure your tires has the required amount of pressure. During hot temperatures, your tire might blow off in the parking lot. 

Save the Interior of Your Truck From Sun Damage

During summer, the interior of trucks becomes very hot, and the parts which face the sun become hotter. The high interior temperatures are dangerous for your truck as the colored pigments absorb the UV rays and, with time, start to fade. The plastic parts in your truck’s interior suffer predominantly and begin to warp. If your truck has leather seats, such seats will start to peel off or form cracks. Practice the below steps to prevent your truck’s interior from excess heat.

  • Sun rays usually get into the truck through the windshield. Always put a sunshade to protect your dashboard from extreme sunlight when parking.
  • Always park under a shade or inside your garage.
  • You can prevent cracks in your leather seats by cleaning and applying conditioner to them.
  • Cover your seats to prevent the leather from receiving direct sunlight.

Protect the Exterior of Your Truck From Excess Sunlight

The exterior of your truck is likely to fade when exposed to direct sunlight for a long. The below steps will aid you in protecting your truck from damage.

  • Always park under a shade or inside your garage.
  • Always keep your truck clean and shiny, as dust and dirt cause tiny cracks, which give your truck a dull finish.
  • Wax your truck to prevent the harmful UV rays from damaging it.
  • Use plastic and rubber protectants around the headlights and your bumper.

Conclusion

Summer temperature can affect any part of your truck. Before summer, it is necessary to adjust various aspects, from the engine to the interior and exterior. Doing this will enable your truck to survive the summer weather or even last longer.

Troubleshoot Faulty Thermostat

How To Troubleshoot Faulty Thermostat In Your Car

As you perform regular maintenance for your car, a point will come, and you will need to know what a thermostat is and its role in your vehicle. But the most important thing is knowing that a thermostat can stick close or open. Your engine requires coolant to operate smoothly, and the thermostat regulates the coolant flowing to the engine. When you ignite your car in the morning, the thermostat remains closed as it waits for the coolant to attain a specific temperature. Generally, the thermostat’s opening and closing regulate your engine’s temperature. Here is how to troubleshoot faulty thermostat in your car.

How To Troubleshoot Faulty Thermostat In Your Car

Occasionally, your thermostat might fail to open or close at the right time. It is not difficult to troubleshoot thermostat issues. Here is how to approach the issue.

Check Your Temperature Gauge

If you see your temperature gauge hitting the red position within fifteen minutes of driving, your thermostat might be faulty. Generally, your thermostat should not take a lot of time to open. As soon as you start your car, it takes less time for the adequate temperature to build up to facilitate the thermostat’s opening. But if you see the temperature gauge hitting the red part in the first 15 minutes, it is evidence that your thermostat is not opening. 

Check the Condition of The Radiator Hoses

If you realize your engine is heating up, the first thing to check is the radiator hoses. Confirm if any of them is leaking and if there is no leakage, assess the temperature of the hoses. If some are warm and others are cold, then conclude that your thermostat is not opening.

How To Verify The Status & Troubleshoot Faulty Thermostat

If your car exhibits any of the above signs, the thermostat housing might leak due to pressure at the thermostat. To verify the status of your thermostat, you need needle nose pliers and water. Perform the following steps.

Step 1. You have to remove the thermostat from its housing.

Step 2. Take your thermostat to the kitchen as you boil some water on the stove. As the water is heating, ensure its temperature does not exceed the temperature calibrated on the thermostat. To determine this, you must have a thermometer.

Step 3. After the water has attained the required temperature,  hold your thermostat with the needlenose pliers and deep it in hot water. The thermostat should be able to open when the water reaches a specific temperature. 

It would help if you were very keen when doing this because sometimes the thermostat might be attempting to open and close. If such happens, your thermostat is faulty, and you should replace it as soon as possible. 

Conclusion

As your engine is operating, several factors make it heat up. The combustion in the cylinders produces heat as well as friction. Engine coolant performs the role of containing the temperature of your engine. The thermostat performs the function of regulating the flow of coolant in the engine. If it is faulty, there are high chances of your engine not receiving coolant, leading to engine overheating. 

Your thermostat can be faulty, and this guide has elaborated on determining whether your thermostat is defective and how to troubleshoot it.

Best Clutch Fluid For Trucks

How To Choose The Best Clutch Fluid For Trucks

Trucks with manual transmission depend on fluids to change the pressure between the master and slave cylinders. It is a bit different from an automatic transmission system. If you press the clutch pedal, the clutch fluid moves from the master cylinder to the slave cylinder. This movement allows you to change gears. It is the brake fluid used in the clutch system, you will hear people talking of conventional transmission or the hydraulic clutch, but in the real sense, the fluid they are referring to is the brake fluid. How do you choose the best clutch fluid for trucks? This is what we will cover in this guide.

Gradually, the brake fluid level in the clutch system will reduce. On such an occasion, you will need to top it up. If you realize a drastic change in the quantity of this fluid in the master cylinder, there might be leakages in the system, and you should visit a professional to perform a thorough check-up.

How To Tell If Your Clutch Fluid Is Low

Grinding Gears

The gears will grind when less fluid flows from the master cylinder to the slave cylinder, leading to friction and tension between the gears.

Whenever your gears start to grind, always check the level of the fluids in your master cylinder.

Vibration When Changing Gears

Whenever you feel vibrations when changing gears, the level of your clutch fluid might be low. The process of changing gears should be smooth when everything is working perfectly. If the clutch fluid level is down, you will feel vibration due to resistance when changing gears.

Slipping Gears

If you feel your gears are slow to respond when shifting, check the condition of the clutch fluid. Never leave your truck to run for long with such an issue because it might cause other significant problems. 

Lurching When Changing Gears

Lurching indicates a problem with the clutch system. It is a warning that your clutch fluid is low. If the clutch fluid is low, your truck will lurch back and forward when changing gears.

When the Gear shifter Becomes Hard

Low lubrication makes the gear shifter become hard. The clutch reservoir will run low every time, and you must keep refilling. If the resistance persists, consider topping up the clutch fluid.

Tips For Choosing the Best Quality Clutch Fluid For Trucks

It is necessary to know when your clutch system requires more clutch fluid. Such knowledge will enable you to choose the correct clutch fluid for your truck. Let us now look at some of the tips that will aid you in selecting a good quality.

Select the Best Brand of DOT4 Brake Fluid – DOT4 is a high-quality brake fluid with a high wet boiling point, making it safe against vapor lock. This fluid is ideal for both heavy and light-duty trucks. 

When choosing a clutch fluid, never go for the expensive one, thinking it is of higher quality. The content is just the same.

Never use a DOT-5 because it contains silicon and hence can never mix with other brake fluids, and it can easily damage your transmission system. 

Conclusion

It is ideal to know when your truck needs clutch fluid and choose the suitable fluid which cannot damage your transmission system. 

Symptoms of Bad Oil Pump In Your Truck

Symptoms of Bad Oil Pump In Your Truck

The oil pump generates the pressure the engine oil needs to move through all the engine parts. As the oil pump functions, it is exposed to stress, making it malfunction. However, before the oil pump starts to malfunction, you will experience some symptoms as you operate your truck.If the oil pump fails, the engine oil will not be able to move to all the parts of your engine, which can cause significant damage to your engine. This guide focuses on symptoms of bad oil pump that fails and how to go about the issue. 

Symptoms of Bad Oil Pump In Your Truck

Engine Oil Pressure Warning Light

The oil pump regulates the pressure of oil in the hoses. When the oil pump is faulty, the oil pressure will start to reduce, and the first sign of reducing oil pressure will be the appearance of low oil pressure check light. 

If this appears, the first step to correct it is checking your engine oil levels. If it has gone down, consider topping it up. If your oil pressure is still low despite doing this, your oil pump is faulty, and you should replace it as soon as possible. 

Increase in the Temperature of Engine

Apart from lubricating the engine, oil also functions as an engine coolant. If the engine cannot receive adequate oil, the rate at which the metallic parts will rub against each other increases, generating heat. You will realize that your engine’s temperature is high when a warning check light appears to signal a high engine temperature. 

Consider checking your engine oil level if you see high engine temperature light on the dashboard. If it is okay, then conclude that your oil pump is dead.

Noise From The Valve Train

The valve train is a critical engine component that facilitates its smooth running. The valve train has various parts which depend on oil for lubrication as they function. If they receive little or no oil, they will become noisy. The noise will increase as the oil supply reduces. In such a scenario, check the level of your oil. If the oil level is okay, then the oil pump is faulty.

When Your Oil Pump Becomes Noisy

Noise from the oil pump is a rare scenario. Your oil pump will only make noise when it is beginning to fail. You will hear a whining sound, even if your truck is idling. The sound indicates that your oil pump’s internal gears have started to wear out. In such a situation, you have to replace the entire oil pump. 

Noisy Hydraulic Lifters

The hydraulic lifters sustain the normal functioning of the valve train. The lifters function well when they receive adequate oil to lubricate them. A faulty oil pump will curtail the oil supply to the hydraulic lifters, which will later become noisy due to friction. 

Conclusion

If your truck shows some of the above symptoms, before concluding that your oil pump is faulty, consider checking your oil level first. Low oil levels strain the oil pump, producing inadequate pressure to move oil to all engine parts. Oil is essential for the engine of your truck. If something happens to it, consider fixing it as soon as possible.

For your truck to be safe from the environmental heat, you need fresh radiator fluid. Are you prepared for radiator fluid flush?

Why Your Truck Needs a Radiator Flush

An increase in the temperature makes many truck owners worry about their trucks. High temperatures expose the battery and other essential engine components to danger. And before you know it, you could be needing more than just regular maintainance for your truck. For your truck to be safe from the environmental heat, you need fresh radiator fluid. Are you prepared for radiator fluid flush?

What Is Radiator Fluid Flush? 

The radiator cools the engine by using coolants which absorb the heat in the engine to the radiator where cooling takes place. As the radiator fluid does this, its quantity reduces with time making the radiator to be less effective. When the radiator becomes less effective, high chances of your engine getting damaged due to high temperatures are high. 

If you do not top up the radiator fluid, chances are high that your engine will rust, warp and eventually fail completely. To keep your radiator functional, you need to perform a regular radiator fluid flush. When performing the radiator fluid flush, the old refrigerant will be drained and the system will be filled with the fresh refrigerant. How will you know that you need to perform a radiator flush?

Signs that Your Truck Needs a Radiator Flush

Let us look at some of the signs that will show you that you need to perform radiator flush.

When the Engine Gauge Registers High Temperature

The dashboard of your truck has a temperature gauge. The role of that temperature gauge is not to show you the temperature of your cabin but you should be keen on it because it shows the temperature of the engine. If the temperature gauge rises above normal, just know that your radiator coolant level is low and you need to perform a radiator flush.

When Your Engine Overheats

When the temperature gauge hits the red area, its an indication that the temperature of your engine has gone high above normal. If you find yourself in such a scenario when driving, it is necessary to stop and give your engine time to cool down. When you note a rise of temperature, you should switch off AC system. When this happens, never continue driving to your destination instead take your truck to the nearest mechanic to perform you radiator fluid flush.

A Sweet Syrup-Like Smell From Your Engine

The coolant is composed of ethylene glycol molecules which resemble sugar molecules. When the radiator coolant is exposed to high temperatures, they burn to produce a sweet syrup-like smell. When you feel such smell, do not enjoy but it symbolizes that something serious is happening and you need a radiator fluid flush as soon as possible.

White Vapour or Coloured Fluid Leakage

People say that one can detect radiator fluid leakages below the engine. At room temperature, the radiator refrigerant is in a gaseous state. If the radiator fluids are leaking, they will evaporate very fast. But you can manage to detect the leaking radiator coolant before they turn into gases. The color of a refrigerant is green or orange. 

Conclusion

During high temperatures, you should pay keen attention to your car’s cooling system. Doing this will enable you to make an adequate radiator fluid flush in time.

Brake Pads Wearing Out Unevenly

Causes of Brake Pads Wearing Out Unevenly

Break pads does the role of converting the kinetic energy of a vehicle into thermal energy. It achieves this through friction. The friction surfaces of the brake pads face the brake rotor. When the brakes are applied, the caliper squeezes the two brake pads against the rotor, which rotates as the wheel rotates. The squeezing is what brings to a halt your truck. Usually, trucks have both the front and the rear brake pads. These sets of brake pads in trucks wear out unevenly. In most cases, the front brake pads wear out first, then the rear pads. Most trucks have engines in the front. Therefore, the front part is heavy and needs more friction to stop the vehicle. However, the brake pads wearing out unevenly can result from several other causes. Let us look at them one by one. 

Using Different Brands of Brake Pads

Another cause of break pads wearing out unevenly is using different brake pads on every wheel. Different companies use different materials to produce their brake pads. Whenever you use different brands of brake pads, you will realize that they vary in quality, and some will wear out faster than others. 

When replacing your brake pads, consider using the same brand with the same thickness and manufacturing material. 

Variation in the Thickness of the Disc

Mechanically it is referred to as Disc Thickness Variation (DTV). It is a condition in which all the brake rotors in your truck have different thickness levels. The difference in the thickness of the rotor can result from rust, corrosion, sticking brake caliper, and slamming of the brake frequently. Accumulating dirt and debris between the brake pads and the rotor can also lead to variation in the rotor thickness. 

If you experience this, let your mechanic iron out the flat spots, and let them clean the rotors. 

Failure of the Brake Caliper

If your caliper and the pistons fail, your brake pads will likely wear out unevenly. The pitons’ role in the caliper is to build up pressure that stops the vehicle. If the rubber which pulls the piston’s caliper fails to pull back, the pads and the rotor will be in constant contact leading to uneven wearing of the brake pads. 

If you experience this, consider visiting your mechanic to check the brake caliper and the guide pins. 

Corrosion On the Slide Pin

The role of the slide pin is to let the caliper slides back and forth to allow the brake pads to be in contact with the rotor. The caliper will not slide smoothly when the slide pin is corroded. The brake calipers will not be able to move. The stuck calipers cause uneven wear to the brake pads.

Apply some grease using a wire to remove the corrosion. 

Conclusion

The above are some of the causes of uneven brake pad wear, which you should know. Whenever your brake pads wear out in an irregular manner, consider knowing why and fix it as soon as possible. If ignored can lead to brake failure.

Regular Truck Maintenance

How Regular Truck Maintenance Improves Your Truck Resale value

Trucks are expensive but investing in them is the best thing. Our trucks serve us in various ways. We can use them to commute daily from home to work, take kids to school, make deliveries, and transport farm equipment. Your truck can perform all these if it is in excellent working condition. If you are planning to spend some money on your truck, it is necessary to take care of it. You might feel some pinch when investing in your truck, but you shall enjoy it when handing it over to the second owner. In this guide, we will look at the reasons why you need to be doing regular truck maintenance to improve the resale value of the truck.

How Regular Truck Maintenance Improves Your Truck Resale value

It would help if you took care of it to enjoy when handing your truck to the new owner. Regular maintenance will help you achieve this. This guide elaborates on some tricks to increase the resale value of your truck. 

Identify Problems with Your Truck Earlier

You will only identify truck problems if you maintain a regular and routine checkup. When you do this, you will be able to identify problems early before they escalate to major issues. Fixing minor truck issues is less expensive as compared to fixing significant problems. Always check your manufacturer’s guide. This book contains insightful tips on how you can maintain your truck.

The guide will elaborate on the required mileage to change oil and engine belts and perform other regular servicing. You will need to change the oil and the filters at a specific mileage. Such a service will increase your engine’s lifespan and make it more powerful. When calculating the resale value, the condition of your engine is necessary. A good engine will attract a good resale value. 

Build a Solid Relationship with Your Mechanic

Taking your truck to a single mechanic for a checkup will enable you to build a solid relationship with them. A professional mechanic will spot developing problems in your truck and fix them early. Apart from this, taking your truck to a single professional mechanic will enable them to understand the history of your truck.

A trusted mechanic will give you proper advice on how to handle your truck to get more from it. Such a person will tell you tips to help you get more when selling your truck. 

Increased Fuel Economy

When your truck is in good working condition, you will get more when selling it. If your engine takes less fuel, you will get more mileage. A truck with more fuel mileage means its engine is healthy and in good working condition.

The engine is an essential component every truck buyer checks before they take it. A good engine attracts more. 

Conclusion

Taking care of your truck will make it fetch more when handing it over to the next owner. Good maintenance does not only mean you focus on the engine but check the general body of your truck. Check irregular body parts and straighten them. Consider repainting your truck to make it look new. Never forget the cabin. It is where life lives. Always ensure the seats are in good condition and the infotainment is working, including other safety features. 

A well-maintained truck will fetch some money at the market. 

Most truck owners wait for the engine check light to take their vehicles for a diagnostic check. 

Why Do In-Depth Truck Diagnostic Test?

To stay healthy, you must visit your doctor at least once a year for a general body check-up. The same applies to your truck. Performing a regular general check-up for your vehicle will enable you to detect minor and developing problems with your truck. You will be able to repair them before they escalate into significant issues, which can lead to a permanent breakdown. Most truck owners wait for the engine check light to take their vehicles for a diagnostic check. 

What is a Truck Diagnostic Test?

The computerization of components of a vehicle has been beneficial to truck owners and technicians. Truck diagnostic is performing a thorough check-up for your truck using special software. The software can detect all the problems from the engine to other truck parts. The software relays on the sensors, microchips, and in-built processors where they receive information about the health of your truck.

Areas of the Truck Which You Can Test

The diagnostic test shows the problem within the transmission, engine, exhaust system, brake system, and other problems related to the performance, such as the coolant levels, injectors, throttle, and filters. 

People do perceive that truck technicians use code-reading tools to detect problems that cause engine check lights on the dashboard. But this is not the case, the code alerts the technician of the engine component parameters, which are not working effectively, but the barcode does not tell the technician the cause of the problems. After detection of the problem, you have to use your brain or research the causes and the possible solution to the detected problem. 

Some Benefits of A Truck Diagnostic Test

Before the invention of truck diagnostic tests, it was tough and expensive to identify engine problems. The difficulty resulted from most truck owners taking their trucks for check-ups when the engine is completely off. 

The computerized truck components can detect problems developing in the engine and other vital parts. The early detection of the problem will enable you to repair the parts before malfunction.

The diagnostic tool can read the truck computer system and obtain vital information about the truck, called the truck’s history. Truck history is essential information to the technician as it gives them an overview or a blueprint on the type of service they can perform to your truck. 

The diagnostic tool is essential when checking out a used truck. Most truck dealers rely on this tool to know the condition of the truck they sell. When buying a used truck, always insist on a diagnostic test. Do not buy the truck if no one is ready to perform it.

Conclusion,

Before the invention of diagnostic tools, it was not easy to determine the problem with the engine, and most truck owners took their trucks for check-ups after the engine died. But the computerized engines with chips detect early enough the developing problems in the engine and alert the driver at the dashboard. Such technology has helped to curb cases of engines getting damaged beyond repair. The truck engine might develop some issues which the computer system might not detect. Such issues are only detected during diagnostic tests.

The problem of having bad wheel alignment is common on trucks because of the varied nature of the terrain trucks are driven on.

How To Know When Your Truck Has Bad Wheel Alignment

The problem of having bad wheel alignment is common on trucks because of the varied nature of the terrain trucks are driven on. If you drive over potholes or obstacles, your wheels will suffer from poor alignment with time. If you realize that some parts of the wheel assembly and the suspension are wearing out, consider performing a wheel alignment.

How To Know When Your Truck Has Bad Wheel Alignment

Well-aligned wheels perform better and contribute to fuel economy. Proper wheel alignment saves when making fast turns and dodging potholes on the road. Let us focus on some signs of bad wheel alignment.

When Your Truck Pulls On One Side

When driving on a straight road with less traffic, let your truck control itself by releasing your hands from the steering wheel. Hold your truck’s steering top if you feel it is starting to swerve in a particular direction. After getting it back in position, leave the steering wheel again. Consider performing a wheel alignment if it shifts again to a specific side.

Maintaining straight driving becomes difficult when you do not address alignment issues. You might change lanes if you do not firmly hold the steering wheel.

Uneven Steering Wheel

Your steering wheel should remain straight when you are driving on a flat and straight road. A way of noticing that your steering wheel is centered is to look at the emblem on the steering wheel when driving on a straight and flat surface. Your steering wheel is centered if the symbol is on the same level. 

If your emblem is some degrees off its level, your steering wheel is not centered, and you should consider performing a wheel alignment. 

Loose Steering

It can be hazardous when your steering wheel becomes loose. A loose steering wheel will reduce the time the wheels will respond whenever you want to make a turn. Driving on zigzag roads becomes very difficult when your steering wheel is loose. There is a high probability of losing control of your truck. 

If you note a significant variation between the time you turn your steering and the time the truck responds, know that your steering wheel is loose and consider performing a wheel alignment. 

Vibrating Steering Wheel

While your truck is in motion, vibration on the steering wheel might signal many issues with your vehicle. Some of the culprits of this problem are poor wheel alignment, unbalanced tires, and issues with the axle. Taking your truck for a mechanical check-up when you feel your steering is vibrating when driving is necessary. 

UnevenTire Wear

When you check your wheels and realize that some wheels are wearing out faster than others, do not worry, it is terrible wheel alignment that causes this. You can witness outerwear, inside wear, or tire scalloping.

To note that some wheels are wearing out faster than others, consider measuring the tread depth of each tire using a tread depth meter. The wheels will have the same rubber depth if the alignment is correct.

Conclusion

Whenever you note any of the above signs, consider performing wheel alignment as soon as possible. Some of these might indicate other issues, so taking your truck for a thorough mechanical check-up is necessary. 

Want to see your truck tires lasting longer? Here we will go through tips to help your truck tires last longer.

Tips to Help Your Truck Tires Last Longer

Tires are the only part between you and the road. It is the tires that support the entire weight of the truck. Good maintenance makes your tires healthy and gives them a longer lifespan. The performance of your truck will improve as well as fuel efficiency. And most importantly, a well-kept tire reduces the cases of road accidents. Did you know that most road accidents result from tire bursts? Want to see your truck tires lasting longer? Here we will go through tips to help your truck tires last longer.

Tips to Help Your Truck Tires Last Longer

Ensure Your Tires are Properly Inflated

Checking the pressure in your tire is necessary because under or over-inflated tires affect the performance of your truck. You may not be able to brake effectively, and controlling your truck will be a problem. 

The tire pressure is affected by the temperature. During a hot day, the high temperature heats the air molecules in the tire, increasing tire pressure. When it is cold, your tire pressure is likely to reduce. It is necessary to check the amount of pressure in your truck at least once every thirty days. 

Perform Tire Rotation

Tire rotation is important as it will increase the performance and extend the life span of the tires. It is necessary to perform tire rotation after covering not more than12,000 km or every six months. The moving of tires, maybe from the front to rear wheels or left to right, helps prevent early wear. 

Perform Wheel Alignment

To adjust wheel alignment, you must interfere with your truck’s suspension. Tire specialists rely on technology to determine the exact adjustment they need to make. It is necessary to perform wheel alignment every 12 months for your tire treads to wear evenly. Poor wheel alignment results from the impacts of potholes, driving across the railroad over some time. When you drive over such debris, your wheels gradually misalign. 

Balance Your Tires

If you drive on unbalanced tires, your treads will wear on one side prematurely. As you drive daily, your tire wears out, but the wearing out is never even and leads to wheel imbalance. Manufacturer’s errors also contribute to wheel imbalance. There is no equal weight distribution between the tires and wheels, and mostly, the wheels will be heavier. Whenever you perform tire rotation or fix a new tire, ensure you perform tire balancing. 

Perform a Regular Tire Inspection

Performing a regular tire inspection lets you see objects lodged in the tires, bulgings on the tire, tire pressure, and cracks. Identifying tire defects lets you decide whether to buy a new set of tires or mend the existing ones. 

Never Mix and Match Tires

Replacing tires at intervals is cost-effective but contributes to uneven wear and mechanical issues. Another factor contributing to uneven wear is the use of different types of tires, for example, running on highway and winter tires.

Conclusion

The entire weight of the truck rests on the tire and performs a greater role in facilitating motion. When driving, tires rub against various surfaces. Sometimes your tires might wear out faster. Consider practicing what is covered in this guide to reduce the rate at which your tires wear out.

Radiator Not Holding Water

Radiator Not Holding Water – Fixing Truck Radiator

If you own a truck, you know what it takes to maintain and put it in good working condition. If you are interested in trucks, you will strive to fix most of the problems alone in your garage without involving a second party. The common problem that you have to face is the leaking coolant. Your coolant will leak and it is at this point that you realize that the radiator not holding water. Here’s how to go about it. 

What is a Radiator? 

The radiator is the main component of your truck’s cooling system. It monitors and regulates your engine’s temperature, thus preventing your engine from overheating. 

The radiator is the part of the engine cooling system which includes the liquid coolant, hoses, a fan, and a thermostat whose primary role is to monitor the temperature of the coolant. The hoses connect to the radiator and move to all engine parts. Their primary role is to deliver the coolant throughout the engine. As the coolant moves through the hots parts of the engine, it absorbs the heat, and the hot coolant goes to the radiator, where it gets cooled.

Your truck engine heats up when functioning in hot weather, but the temperatures might go up when the radiator water leaks. Why does the radiator leak? 

Is Your Truck Radiator Not Holding Water? – Causes of Radiator Leak

Several reasons cause radiator leaks. Here are some of the common reasons.

When the Hoses are Not Sealed Well

Initially, we said that the radiator had hoses. It is through these hoses that the coolant moves to and from the radiator. The hoses have got joints. If the joints are not well sealed, you will experience a coolant leak from your truck. 

Apart from the hose joints, the seals will start breaking with time. When this happens, the coolant will leak through the breakages. Always pay keen attention to the radiator hoses and ensure the sealing is correct to avoid leakages from the seals. 

Leaking Radiator Cap

The radiator cap maintains proper pressure within the hoses. Pressure is necessary for the movement of the coolant. The radiator cap will leak without proper sealing, and the pressure will push the coolant out. 

Replacing the radiator cap solves the leakage problems. If you ignore it, the rate at which water will leak from the radiator will increase.

Radiator Corrosion

The more you use your truck, dirt and debris will enter through the grills and accumulate in your radiator. The more the dirt piles up, the higher the radiator’s chance of developing rust.

The rust corrodes the radiator, which reduces its ability to hold water that will leak outside.

Preventive Maintenance

  1. Consider replacing the radiator hoses after covering 36,000 miles. The raw material used to make the hoses is rubber which breaks when dry.
  2. Always check the levels of the coolant. If you note that it is dropping drastically, there might be a leakage within the system.
  3. Flush the coolant after every 25,000 miles. Doing this will remove the contaminant in the coolant, which can corrode the radiator. 

Conclusion

The worst experience is being on the side of the road with a leaking radiator. You should know the causes of radiator leaks and some preventive maintenance tips in this guide. 

Replace Truck Wiper Blades

How Often Should l Replace Truck Wiper Blades?

Wipers do a very simple but essential job. Did you know that a single drop of water or dirt particles can cause poor visibility as you drive your truck? The wipers eliminate such foreign materials from the windshield to increase your visibility. The wipers play a very crucial role when it’s raining. But how often should you replace truck wiper blades? As a result of extensive use, they wear out, and you will need to replace them every several months of service. It is among the most important yet forgotten maintenance practices to keep in mind.

During winter weather, you might be compelled to do it more often since the snow on the windshield might damage the wipers. Since you now know that it is necessary to install new wipers after every six months, let us now look at some signs you should note to replace your wipers. 

When You Notice Cracks on the Rubber Part of the Blades

It is the rubber part that cleans your windshield. If it is not in good condition, your wiper will not effectively perform its roles. The rubber of the windshield is vulnerable to elements or ultraviolet rays. If it gets into contact with any of them, they start to develop cracks or might fall off. Whenever you see a small crack on the rubber, consider replacing it as soon as possible.

When the Wipers Leaves Streaks On The Windshield

Streaky wipers signal that you need to replace your wipers as soon as possible. It is usual for the wipers to form a little streak which usually comes out when you spray wiper fluid and wipe your windshield. If you pour the liquid, but the line continues to develop, consider replacing your wiper blade before it disappoints you during a heavy downpour. 

When the Wipers Squeak Whenever You Turn Them On

A squeaking sound forms when the wipers drag abnormally on the windshield. It is usual for the wiper blades to squeak occasionally, but if they persist, it indicates that the wiper blades are not dragging well on the windshield glass. The poor dragging on the windshield glass can lead to poor visibility when driving in poor weather such as when it is snowy. 

When There is A Damage on the Frame of The Blade

The frame is that rigid plastic or metal that supports the wiper blade. The wiper frames are delicate and can easily get damaged when scrapping snow or debris from your windshield. When removing these particles, you can accidentally jam them into the wiper blades and cause permanent damage to them. When the frame is faulty, the wipers might not perform effectively or fail to function. The only option if you realise this is to buy a new set of wipers. 

When the Rubber Adhesive is Failing

A common problem with the wiper blades is failing rubber adhesive. It is the rubber adhesive that makes the blade stick to the flame. If the adhesive force is inadequate, the edge will not function well as it is likely to flop. You will notice this when you look at the edge of your blade and realise it is not firmly held on the frame.

Conclusion

Regularly check and test your wipers whether they are in perfect condition or not. Doing this will enable you to make necessary adjustments before harsh weather conditions.