Make sure your freight truck is in good shape this season with this summer maintenance checklist!
The summer season is right around the corner and you want to make sure your freight truck is in good shape for those upcoming road trips. You want to inspect and maintenance your vehicle before it gets uncomfortably hot outside. Here are some items you don’t want to leave off of your summer maintenance checklist for your freight truck.
Tires
The winter can really take a toll on your tires when you are constantly driving through cold weather and snowfall. You want to remove your snow tires if you have them on because it will make for better fuel economy. Make sure to take your tire pressure a few times a month to make sure it isn’t fluctuating too much. If any of the tires are too worn down or damaged, now is the best time to replace them. Check your spare tire as well to make sure it is in good shape.
Oil & Filter
An oil and filter is always a good idea for the new season. Most times, it’s recommended that you change the oil in your truck every 3,000 – 5,000 miles. However, if you were driving your freight truck through a lot of extreme temperatures and carrying heavy cargo, you probably don’t want to wait that long.
Hoses & Belts
These elements are very important because they are what connects all the components of your vehicle. Timing belts are the ones that turn your engine and should be replaced every 60,000 – 90,000 miles. V-belts are used to turn the accessories of your freight truck and need to be replaced every 40,000 – 50,000 miles. It is best to change these at the start of the season so that you don’t have to worry about it for a while.
Air Filter
The winter can cause air filters to become clogged with things like salt and other debris. Changing your air filter helps increase your gas mileage and makes sure all the machinery in your vehicle is getting the air they need. This is especially important for those hot summer days.
Brake Pads
If you don’t change your brake pads when it’s time, it can be very dangerous and costly to fix in the long run. This is because faulty brakes can cause damage to the rotors as well, in addition to just not stopping your freight truck as quickly as they need to. Most brakes have a piece attached called a wear indicator. When the pads need replacing, the wear indicator will rub up against the rotors and cause a squealing sound. This lets you know that it’s time to replace your brake pads.
Baltimore Freightliner-Western 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 onFacebook,Twitter,Pinterest, and Google+.