Your drivers will face new hazards as the weather becomes hotter. There won’t be ice or salt trucks, but your vehicle may overheat.
In addition to generating plenty of heat on their own, engines become more susceptible to overheating and total engine breakdowns when the temperature outside increases. When stranded, a driver’s cab on the side of the road heats up quickly, putting them at risk.
To keep your fleet in its best condition during the warm weather, here are some tips for you.
Why Weatherproof Your Truck
In the hot part of the year, having your fleet in good condition will increase your drivers’ confidence and comfort on the road. As your productivity, efficiency, and profitability increase, you will realize many positive benefits.
By performing dedicated truck fleet maintenance during the summer weather, you will stand to gain the following benefits:
- Better customer service
- Increased vehicle uptime
- Improved fleet safety
- Lower maintenance costs
- Reduced fuel consumption
Truck Maintenance Tips For The Warm Weather
Maintenance is always important for your fleet, but in summer it will differ a bit in scope. Despite rising temperatures, your fleet can still run at its best. Here are some truck maintenance tips:
1. Adjust the Tire Pressure
Hot air expands more than cold air, which means that your tires will lose pressure as the temperature changes. At least once each month, check the pressure in the tires of all your fleet vehicles, and adjust as needed.
2. Change Air Filters
Air filters prevent dust, pollen, bugs, and other debris from getting into the engine. It doesn’t take long for them to become clogged. This results in increased wear and higher fuel consumption as the engine works harder to compensate. Summer is a great opportunity to change them.
3. Check The Tire Quality
You will reduce fuel and maintenance costs and prevent accidents by having the right tires and tread depth for your vehicle. Ensure that the tires on your vehicles are rated appropriately for their use. Also, measure the tread depth and check for uneven wear.
4. Inspect The Brakes
Some drivers can be harsher on trucks than others, and fleet vehicles log a lot of mileage. As a result, fleet vehicles’ brakes may degrade more rapidly than the national average, putting drivers at risk for a variety of transportation-related problems. Ensure your brake pads will last the six months until your next recommended brake service by having your brakes checked before the summer.
5. Maintain The Cooling System
Heat makes engines malfunction, and overheating is one of the biggest reasons why vehicles break down in the summer. During summertime, make sure your fleet’s coolant levels are checked periodically. Have the coolant flushed if it has not been flushed in the past 24 months so it can handle the heat of the summer months.
6. Replace Wiper Blades
Wiper blades are another component that should be replaced annually. Winter conditions such as snow, wind, rain, and salt usually cause them to collapse. Most of these consumable vehicle components are inexpensive and easy to replace.
7. Test The Air Conditioner
Be sure to check and recharge the air conditioners in your trucks before summer hits. Refrigerant levels are low following a winter of inactivity when the system is turned on for the first time in the summer.
8. Test The Battery
Batteries for cars and trucks typically last between two and five years. When your vehicles travel a lot, the voltage can be lost even quicker. A dead battery will leave your drivers stranded, requiring roadside assistance or a jump start. Cleaning any dirt, grease, or corrosion from the battery connections and testing the battery will help improve current flow.
Is Your Truck In Need Of Weatherproofing?
At WTX Truck Repair, LLC, we are committed to providing high-quality service, excellent communication, and attention to every aspect of your truck’s maintenance in Dallas, TX. As a community fixture for years, these qualities have helped us maintain the standards we set long ago.
With our expert technicians, we offer everything from engine repair to transmission maintenance. However, they don’t just rely on their years of experience. Our technicians are also constantly updated on the latest developments in the industry. With the use of this comprehensive mindset, they expertly perform the necessary repairs to guarantee your vehicle is performing at its best.
Learn more about our services or get a quote today. Call us at (432) 444-3284.
