Guidelines for the Repair of Three Common Truck Problems
Very few other vehicles can take as much wear and tear as trucks do. While it is true that trucks are made from heavy-duty materials which have the ability to handle rough terrain for a long time, they also wear out eventually. It is, therefore, important to remember that as you haul your goods from one place to another using a truck, you need to check the oil, wheel alignment, brake pads, suspension and other components to ensure that they are still functioning optimally. A poorly maintained truck costs you money because it will consume more fuel than it should. It also poses a great safety hazard on the road. Even with the best maintenance procedures, the truck will still break down at some point, which is why you need to familiarise yourself with the most common causes.
Brake Failure
Brake failure is the leading cause of truck accidents. When an unexpected incident happens on the road, you need properly working brakes to avoid wrecking your truck and ending up with third-party injuries and lawsuits. Brake components that need regular checking and maintenance include the pads, rotors and callipers. You should have them repaired as soon as you start feeling an unusual delay from the time you apply the brakes to the time the vehicle comes to a stop. An auto mechanic will test your brakes and determine if it is the pads, the rotor or the pressure system which needs repairs.
Engine Failure
The main cause of downtime for truckers is usually engine failure. Some of the common indicators that your engine could be failing include excessive smoke coming out of the exhaust, decrease in engine power and loss of oil pressure. You should have a professional auto mechanic check your engine regularly. A compression test is an easy and effective way to show how long an engine will last. If the engine is ailing, the auto mechanic will have it repaired.
Body Deterioration
Trucks also suffer body corrosion for being out in the harsh environment for long hours. Rust formation on the body of trucks is usually triggered by contact with salt and acid when it rains. To avoid this, ensure that any widening paint chips are painted over as soon as they occur. You can also have an auto body shop make any repairs necessary if the damage cannot be fixed by paint.
These are the crucial considerations to make when dealing with truck maintenance. Last, always ensure that all servicing is handled by a truck repair mechanic.