Fluid flushes and oil changes for trucking fleets in Dallas can be an expensive undertaking, especially if there’s nothing seemingly wrong with any of your trucks. But don’t let that fool you: no matter how careful you are with keeping your fleet in tip-top shape, breakdowns are almost-always going to occur. That being said, you can keep breakdowns as few and as far in between as possible with regular intervals of preventive maintenance.
Because of the kind of weather conditions we have, truck maintenance in Dallas, TX is going to require a few more intervals than if you were living somewhere with less heat and dust, but are fluid flushes and oil changes on trucks really necessary? Yes, they are, and here are reasons why.
Why Trucks Need Oil Changes
West Texas is a largely arid and semi-arid region of the state, which means that the longer you drive your truck in this region, the more dirt and debris is going to accumulate in your vehicle, particularly your engine.
The oil in your truck’s engine is responsible not only for lubricating the moving parts of your engine, it’s also responsible for keeping dirt and debris away from the more sensitive parts of your engine. As time goes on, the ratio between dirt, debris, and oil is going to change, and the latter isn’t going to be as effective, leading to:
- Vital engine components starting to corrode
- Truck engine damage
- Expensive repairs
- Drastic decrease in fuel economy
While regular oil changes will depend on the type of trucks in your fleet, the conditions they drive in, and various other factors, keeping a regular schedule will benefit you greatly. Yes, regular oil changes are going to cost money, but it’s going to cost astronomically more money to repair an engine.
Why Trucks Need Fluid Flushes
Other than engine oil, trucks use several different kinds of fluids to help the vehicle do its job as efficiently as possible. But just like your engine oil, these fluids gather dust and dirt over time, reducing their overall effectiveness and requiring a change. Regularly performing fluid flushes allows you to get rid of the old, gunky fluid and replace it with new fluid that is clean, pristine, and efficient. While there are different type of fluid flushes that trucks will need over time, these are the three most important flushes that you would see in any truck maintenance shop in Dallas:
Transmission Flush
Coagulated dirt and grime in your truck’s suspension can –and often will –destroy your entire suspension, leading to one of the costliest repairs you can make on a truck. In general, it’s always best to perform a transmission flush after the 50,000-mile mark, although some technicians might recommend having your transmission fluid checked in the 30,000-mile mark.
Brake Fluid Flush
One of the most common fluid flushes next to an oil change, a brake fluid flush ensures that your truck’s air brakes are operating at 100% efficiency. After all, while ineffective brakes on any vehicle is dangerous, an ineffective brake on a multi-ton truck is going to be extra deadly on the road.
Other than dirt and grime, though, water can also build up in your brake fluid. No, it’s not rainwater: this water is usually formed by condensation, which is common for trucks that drive around during hot days and cold nights.
While there isn’t a set rule as to when brake fluids should be changed, many experts suggest having them changed around the 30,000-mile mark. Alternatively, you can also check the fluid itself to determine whether you need to change it. Brake fluid should be clear, or at the very least translucent. If it’s murky, black, or you smell burning, you need a brake fluid flush ASAP.
Fuel Injection Flush
If your trucks are following the most efficient routes and your drivers are driving at their level-best, yet you’re still seeing reduced fuel efficiency, then there’s a good chance your truck’s fuel systems are clogged.
Depending on the age of your truck, a fuel injection flush is necessary at around the 30,000 or 40,000-mile mark. That being said, a fuel injection flush is a much more complicated process than an oil change or a brake fluid flush, so contact an expert technician or garage to perform this for you.
Need Help Weatherproofing Your Truck?
We’ve got you covered. WTX Truck Repair, LLC is one of the leading truck maintenance service providers in Dallas, Texas. We are proud to have decades of experience under our tool belts allowing us to provide bumper-to-bumper repairs at our shop. We also specialize in 24/7 Mobile Repair in and around the Permian basin. Contact us, today, to learn more about how we can help you get your vehicle back on the road quickly and safely.
