What Are The Maintenance Procedures For Heavy Trucks?
Heavy trucks perform heavy duty work. To keep them running smoothly, routine checks and preventive maintenance are mandatory as this can increase performance and safety. It also helps avoid major repair costs as operational problems can be discovered early and rectified in a timely manner.
Keeping in touch with an experienced and skilled mechanic who is trained to maintain heavy trucks is the first step. Having the operations and maintenance manual that came at the time of purchase within easy access is next; as these contain information about how frequently maintenance must be carried out, the procedure for lubrication, fluid and oil level checks, emission control and other critical specifications.
Preventive maintenance and its importance
A planned preventive maintenance schedule is important based on the:
distance covered
wear on the vehicle
driving conditions
speed at which you drive
loads carried
The above will determine the wear and tear on the truck since higher speeds mean higher maintenance and heavier loads mean more frequent servicing. Maintenance manual usually recommend the optimum schedule and the one most suitable can be selected and implemented from the choice available.
Preventive maintenance basically helps to identify and tackle problems that could lead to bigger issues, avoiding truck down time. This is especially significant if the business depends on this. On a regular basis, this involves checking engine oil and tyre pressure and a list of standard maintenance activities. The operator should be able to perform these, checking the wipers, lights, air and oil filters, brakes, coolant, belts and hoses, seals, transmission system, batteries, driveline, steering, clutch, suspension and exhaust. The heavy truck must also meet the requirements of the transport authorities, should they check it en route. An annual inspection is also usually done, to check compliance with safety rules.
Here is a quick check list for heavy truck maintenance:
Fuel and storage tanks: Schedule testing for contamination in the tanks to ensure that they stay in control. In winter, carry out moisture control treatment to avoid water clogging in the fuel to avoid breeding bacteria. Removing the water ensures that the bacteria cannot survive. Use fuel anti-gel so that fuel and oil can flow freely. This will minimize downtime, not to mention costs related to repairs. Refer to the manufacturers specifications on how much to use, especially if the vehicle is still covered by warranty.
Tire pressure must be checked regularly as this can extend its life, as well as maximize fuel efficiency. When tyres are not properly inflated, it can lead to problems with the body, alignment, steering, traction and braking. It goes without saying that refueling must be done at reputable places.
Check the fuel filters
Check the batterys life, its connections and its mooring. Replace if necessary. A dead battery is the worst thing.
Lubrication is a critical maintenance requirement and this includes the wheels, pins, undercarriages, etc.
Check radiator, belts and cooling system.
Carrying out repairs and thinking of maintenance only when there is a break down is not advisable, since it can be a drain on your finances. The trucks usage and mileage must be tracked regularly as this can help plan maintenance activities before they develop into major costly repairs.
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