Let’s go over ways you can prevent issues from developing with your truck’s coolant system.
Any commercial truck is going to require routine maintenance in order to keep it functioning its best. One part of your truck that should be monitored is its coolant system. Now that we’re approaching summer, your coolant system will become more important than ever, so knowing how to take care of it is of the utmost importance. Let’s go over ways you can prevent issues from developing with your truck’s coolant system.
Know When to Replace Your Water Pump
One component of your truck’s coolant system is the water pump. Water pumps in heavy-duty commercial trucks need to be replaced after somewhere between 60k and 90k miles. You should check your water pump to see if the system is contaminated in any way, or if you have any bad bearings or broken seals. Assessing the damage you have will help you determine whether replacing your pump is best, or if you can get it repaired.
Make Sure You Have a Sufficient Amount of Coolant Fluid
In order for your coolant system to function, it needs to have enough cooling fluid. Your truck will require between 12 and 14 gallons of cooling fluid in total. Before any trip you take, you should take a moment to check your coolant fluid levels, and see if your truck needs a refill.
Test Your Cooling Fan
Cooling fans don’t have any scheduled maintenance on them. Instead, you should test them prior to taking any long distance trip. If you test your cooling fan only to find that there are strange noises coming from your engine, or that your truck’s temperature is going up, you’ll likely have to get the fan replaced.
Perform a Radiator Inspection
It’s possible that the radiator for your coolant system has corroded, or that the radiator cap has become cracked and swollen. Your coolant might also have contaminants in it, and if you notice this happening, you’ll need to get your radiator replaced immediately.
Baltimore Freightliner-Western Star for all Your Trucking Needs!
Whether you are looking to upgrade your fleet to tow trucks or are simply interested in the latest trucking technology, you can rely on Baltimore Freightliner-Western Star. We have provided top-notch service for the trucking industry for 30 years and would love to assist you in buying a new top-of-the-line truck, finding the specialty parts you need, or repairing your truck. Give us a call toll-free at 800-832-7278 or locally at 410-685-4474, or contact us online. To find out more about what we are up to, follow us on Facebook, Twitter, and Pinterest.
Tags: safety, truck maintenance, trucking basics