We expect our vehicles to work hard, day in and day out. It’s not always easy to find the time to stop and maintain your vehicle, but it’s worth the effort when the alternative is finding yourself stranded on the side of the road. Every dollar you spend on preventative maintenance could save you hundreds of dollars on unnecessary repair bills down the line. To make sure you’re staying on top of your maintenance and avoiding breakdowns, there are a few simple things you can check to keep your truck running smoothly.
Check Your Tyres Before Each Trip
Tyres keep your vehicle moving and cargo safe, so it’s important to keep an eye on their condition. Performing a quick inspection before a trip to look for signs of wear, leakage or punctures can save you a lot of hassle on the road. While you’re checking the condition, make sure each tyre is inflated to the correct pressure. Underinflated tyres are bad for fuel consumption and are prone to blowouts. Overinflated tyres are a danger to the handling of your vehicle. Check the manufacturer’s instructions for the ideal tyre pressures and then continue to monitor them whenever you use the vehicle.
Check Your Fluid Levels
Checking fluids is a basic piece of maintenance that’s often overlooked in the rush to get on the road. Keep an eye on the condition of all the fluids in your vehicle, like the engine oil, fuel and hydraulic oils. As long as these systems are working properly, most fluids should only need their scheduled maintenance. But, inspecting fluids means you always know what sort of condition they’re in and whether any of your systems are using fluids when they shouldn’t be. Slowly dropping fluid levels are often an early warning sign that you’re developing an issue that needs attention sooner rather than later.
Inspect the Cooling System
The cooling system in your vehicle ties everything together. Keep your coolant topped up and inspect heat exchangers and radiators for signs of corrosion or leaking. Small coolant leaks might not stop your truck from running, but it’s a maintenance item that needs to be looked at immediately. Leaks can worsen quickly, causing overheating that results in breakdowns and expensive engine damage. If you notice your coolant levels dropping or temperature gauge climbing, it’s time to have your vehicle serviced.
Check Your Brakes
The brakes are the hardest working part of your vehicle. They need to withstand huge amounts of heat and force every day, and it means they’re prone to damage and failures that can put your truck out of commission. Periodically check disc brakes for signs of wear like pitting and scoring. These can be an indicator that your brakes are due for a service. When driving, if you notice any signs of vibration, squealing or shuddering under braking, parts of your braking system may be damaged and need replacement.
Keep Your System Clean
Diesel engines are designed to be tough, but it helps to keep your systems clean. That means clean oil, clean fuel and clean air. These systems should be inspected during regular maintenance and while you’re out on the road. Especially for long hauls or driving in dusty conditions, quickly inspecting air filters and engine oils for their condition is a simple way to keep your engine running for longer. Fuel is likely to be the biggest concern for most vehicles. Diesel that contains dirt, water or other contaminants can leave you standing on the side of the road. If you’re unsure of the diesel’s quality, or if you work in a marine environment, it could be worth investing in a water separator or uprated fuel filtering system.
Need Diesel Maintenance Work? Get in Touch with KS Mobile Diesel Today!
Maintaining your vehicle is the best thing you can do to keep it running smoothly. Before you hit the road, speak with the experienced technicians at KS Mobile Diesel Service and let us look after your maintenance, servicing and repairs. We’ve got an expert team of trained mechanics who can handle everything from trucks and tractors to marine diesels, generators, earth moving equipment and 4x4s. We’ll make sure your vehicle stays in great condition and is ready to tackle any challenge. Get in touch with us today for more information on our services or to book an appointment!