Keeping your freightliner running smoothly and efficiently means you can keep doing your job.
As a professional truck driver, your truck is your bread and butter. Keeping your freightliner running smoothly and efficiently means you can keep doing your job. When your truck has an issue, it can change your plans for the entire day. It may be a simple repair that you can fix yourself, or it might be something that needs to be looked at by a mechanic. Here are some common issues to look out for and some quick tips on how to repair your truck.
Prevention is Key
Identifying and fixing common issues before they lead to extensive damage is the best way to prevent your freightliner from breaking down unexpectedly. If you want your truck to function correctly, you need to take care of it. Freightliners require regular maintenance, such as oil changes, filter replacements, tire pressure checks, examining the battery for corrosion, brake adjustments, and inspecting the electricals. If you find a major issue, be sure to take it to a professional, as they will be able to check the various parts of your truck thoroughly.
Make Sure You Have the Proper Tools
If you choose to repair your truck yourself, you need to have all the necessary tools on hand. If you can, it is a good idea to keep your garage stocked with frequently replaced or consumable parts as well as common lubricants. This ensures that you are prepared in the event your truck breaks down. When it comes to spare parts, you can choose brand new parts from the manufacturers, third-party replacement parts, or used parts. No matter what kind of parts you use, always consider quality, warranty, and financing options before buying anything.
Prevent Body Problems
Many freightliners suffer extended downtimes because of body corrosion. Corrosion is caused by rust, which is primarily due to the chemicals and salt used to treat ice and snow. If you will be traveling through snowy areas, rust is unavoidable, but you can slow down the corrosion process on your truck by:
- Removing big paint chips
- Washing your vehicle every ten days
- Spraying door locks to keep the moisture out
- Cleaning the rig immediately after rain, snow, or sleet
- Avoiding parking or driving in large puddles
- Good vehicle storage will also prevent rusting.
Make a List of Repair Services
If you are taking your truck to a professional, keep a list handy of all the specific services that need to be done. Make a list of all the problems you noticed and all the maintenance tasks that your truck needs. This will help the repair go much faster for you and your mechanic.
Baltimore Freightliner-Western Star for all Your Trucking Needs!
Whether you are looking to upgrade your fleet to tow trucks or 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.