Preventative Maintenance for Heavy Duty Trucks

Heavy duty trucks have to go for miles and miles without any hiccups to deliver maximum profit and productivity! When they’re in the shop, they can’t run on the roads, which means cargo isn’t transported and deadlines are delayed. While no vehicle can be totally free of issues, there are some maintenance steps you can take to prevent the chances of a breakdown and keep your truck out of the service shop. 

We at Fyda Freightliner are your local heavy duty truck dealer so we know what it takes to keep these beasts running smoothly. Read our tips on preventative maintenance to keep your vehicle in top shape! If you need professional truck service and repair in Kentucky, Ohio, or Pennsylvania, contact us and one of our trained technicians will help you out! We also have a wide selection of heavy duty trucks for sale for those looking to purchase!

Oil Changes

Whether you’re a commercial driver or not, you should still know that it’s very important to check and change your vehicle’s oil regularly. Inspect the oil level and quality before every trip so you can keep an eye on the general engine health. This holds more true for those dealing with a new heavy duty truck or a unit that has been through some recent repairs. Big trucks like yours need plenty of oil to keep from overheating and other serious mechanical issues. 

Radiator

Speaking of avoiding overheating, your heavy duty truck’s radiator is the real hero when it comes to ensuring your engine stays cool! Before you hit the road, ensure there’s enough fluid in the radiator. It’s simple enough to check and level it off, and you can also take a moment to look for any leaks. If you find a leak, don’t hesitate to get your truck repaired or serviced immediately or else you’re in for a serious case of engine overheating.

Fuel Vent Check

When you’re not using it, your heavy duty truck can spend some alone time in storage. You have to inspect it for any critters or insect infestation before you take it back out on the road! It’s rather common for pests to find their way into the vent and it won’t take you too much time to check and see if anyone calls it home. If you skip this, you might get inaccurate fuel readings and could eventually see performance problems.

Brake Check

You don’t ever want to be driving your heavy duty truck and realize your brakes have a problem! Your vehicle hauls impressive and heavy loads so you can’t afford to be dismissive and ignorant about its stopping power. It’s extra important to keep up to date on the condition of your brakes. Get your brakes checked by a mechanic on the regular, and be on the alert for squealing sounds and vibrations associated with braking.

Suspension

Many owners and operators overlook this part of their heavy duty truck but it’s important to take care of it. Proper suspension can extend the life of your truck by eliminating vibration that can otherwise cause problems over the long term. When it’s maintained, the suspension system also keeps you more comfortable while driving. Our maintenance department can take care of shocks, cabin air springs, chassis air springs and anti-vibration components if anything on your truck is in need of repair.

Schedule Professional Maintenance

Another important way to extend the lifespan of your heavy duty truck is to keep up with regular maintenance and service schedules. Parts like the aftertreatment fuel injector need to be cleaned on a regular basis. If it becomes clogged with soot and particulates after heavy usage and it isn’t maintained and cleaned, it will eventually cease to function, which won’t do you any favors.

Cleaning your diesel particulate filter is a simple enough operation if done regularly. You’ll only need to use pressurized air for a light cleaning. However, if you leave it for too long, the filter may need to be baked at extreme temperatures to get rid of any stubborn particles. Your diesel oxidation catalyst needs similar treatment in order to continue efficiently screening extra exhaust gas. 

Newer vehicles will automatically be throttled when the system detects a lack of diesel exhaust fluid or is in need of a regeneration cycle. Keep on top of your maintenance schedule so you don’t lose any time on the road!

We hope this information helps you take good care of your vehicle! For your professional truck service and repair needs, get in touch with us at Fyda Freightliner and talk to our trained technicians about what needs to be done. If you’re looking for heavy duty trucks for sale in Kentucky, Ohio, or Pennsylvania, contact our sales team for further information!