Flatbed Hauling Trucking Companies, Flatbed Freight Shipping Rates, Transportation Quotes
Your truck requires a lot of care and love if it’s going to last. It has to brave the open road, potholes, mud, and rain, and even hail in some instances. Heavy haul trucking is grueling work, and it’s murder on your truck. So here are a few maintenance tips that you can use to keep your truck in tip-top shape.
The best thing for a truck’s engine is lubricant while heavy haul trucking. The oil that keeps the engine’s parts running smoothly and free of rust is very important. It needs to be changed periodically so that when it becomes contaminated with dust and dirt, it doesn’t do damage.
Change your oil as regularly as your owner’s manual demands. The frequently quoted figure seems to be every 7,500 miles or so, but your manual should be followed to the letter. You could also ballpark the figure for 6 months or so. Just make sure you stick to the schedule. Set a reminder on your phone if necessary.
As for air filters, they’re also very important. Your oil needs clean air so that excessive dust and debris don’t come in. Make sure the oil filter is changed as frequently as needed.
Other than the engine oil, you should also check the windshield washer fluid, brake oil, the engine coolant, and the power steering fluid. All these fluids play a vital role in the functioning of the truck during heavy haul trucking. Engine coolants keep the fluids in the truck at a constant boiling and freezing point. They also keep the engine at an optimal temperature so you don’t have to rush to the mechanic during heatwaves.
The power steering fluid moves the truck’s steering system. Changing that fluid helps to prolong the life of more expensive power-steering parts and components.
Windshield washer fluid is also important to change. Dust and dirt and flies can muck up the windshield pretty quickly. Keeping it clean is the key to ensuring fewer accidents, especially at night.
As for the brake fluid; well heavy haul trucking is a hazard if there is no mechanism to stop it after all.
Make sure to rotate your tires to maintain an even treadwear on every one of the tires. Not only does this prolong the life of the tires, but it improves gas mileage too. Also, rotating tires allows the technician in charge to look at the undercarriage components. This will identify any small problems before they turn into big ones.
The exterior of the truck catches the dirt, dust, snow, and all other debris. This is especially cumbersome to trucks for heavy haul trucking. Regular cleaning will help to keep it in tip-top shape and reduce friction. Make sure to clean the undercarriage too though. It’s just as important.
Get your truck inspected annually so that any major problems can be fixed or at least identified. This will help you stave off huge expenses in the future.
With these 5 tips, you can be sure that your heavy haul truck will last much longer than the average four-wheeler running down the motorway.
