Truck Maintenance Tasks Not To Forget

As a professional driver, your truck is in many ways an extension of yourself. You need proper nutrition and good grooming to look your best and do your best, and in turn, so does your truck. But upkeep of yourself and your truck can get overwhelming, and it’s easy to let a few assignments slip your mind until it’s too late. Four of our top truck maintenance tasks not to forget should help you keep your truck at peak performance, which, in the end, can only help your performance levels, too.

Engine Coolant

Your engine relies on coolant fluid to prevent overheating in the summer and freezing in the winter. Neglecting to maintain proper levels of coolant could be disastrous for you and your truck. Take the necessary steps in keeping your engine’s coolant system flowing freely, not only by performing proper maintenance but by practicing correct, temperature-sensitive storage of your coolant.

Transmission Fluid

While you don’t have to worry about brake fluid in your semi-truck, transmission fluid remains a concern to address. If you’re having trouble shifting gears and hear unusual noises, your transmission fluid may be low. Always make sure you have adequate fluid. If you spot brown leaks coming from your truck, that could be old and dirty transmission fluid leaking, which means more than just a simple refill.

Change Out the Windshield Wipers

When you’re braving long stretches of precipitation and deep spells of fog, you’ll put your wipers to the test as you maintain the best possible vision in adverse weather. But wipers wear out, and you don’t want to find out the hard way that they’re not wiping as well as you need them to. You’ll probably need new wipers every 6 to 12 months, and closer to 6 if you’re really logging hard miles. Don’t forget to make the change, especially in advance of rough autumn weather.

Keep Your Truck Clean

Perhaps the simplest, but quietly one of the most important truck maintenance tasks not to forget is putting your best foot forward with a clean truck. Trucks rack up dirt and grime over the long hauls. As a representative of your trucking company, it’s key not to give the appearance of low standards or a battered fleet of trucks. Your truck is likely due for a wash every month, and in the salt and slush of winter driving, as often as once every 2 weeks.