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10 Summer Maintenance Tips to Keep Your Truck Running Smoothly

Whether it’s India or any other country, summer isn’t just tough on people - it’s brutal on trucks too. 

Scorching highways, rising engine heat, acting-up air conditioners, and eventually the breakdown are just the beginning.

Whether your truck is hauling goods across states or stuck in city traffic, the extreme heat can silently wear it down. This leads to many questions -

• How to maintain trucks in summer?
• How to prevent truck breakdown in summer?
• Or how to keep trucks running smoothly? 

But, here’s a catch - smart truck Summer Maintenance Tips to keep your truck going for years. 

This blog is your commercial truck summer checklist to keep your truck running cool, smooth, and strong all summer long. Let’s explore together. 

10 Must-Follow Summer Maintenance Tips To Keep Your Truck In The Pink

Here is a checklist of 10 easy-to-follow tips to ensure your truck remains strong under excessive heat. Have a look. 

1. Timely Engine Care 

Every vehicle demands maintenance, whether a car, a bike, or a truck. The engine is the backbone of every vehicle, and your truck is no exception. 

Keeping it in the right condition guarantees the best performance. So, regularly check for signs of overheating, odd noises, and bad performance. Timely engine care will prevent major damage during a long haul. 

2. Check Out Fluid Levels

Engine oil, coolant, brake fluid and windshield washer fluid are key to smooth operations, especially in summer. Low and dirty fluids can overheat your truck and reduce its efficiency. 

Proper maintenance of these fluids will help you prevent costly repairs. As per your truck’s maintenance schedule, you can change the fluids. 

3. Inspect And Change Filters

A truck comes with various filters like fuel, oil or air. These filters trap dirt and ensure clean operations and performance of your truck. 

In scorching summers, dirty filters choke airflow and reduce engine efficiency. So, timely inspection and replacing the dirty filters will boost overall engine longevity. 

4. Keep An Eye On Tire Pressure

What causes bumpy rides? Reduced fuel economy? And even accidents? It’s poorly maintained tires. Tires play a crucial role in your truck’s overall performance. 

What you need to do is use a pressure gauge to check tires regularly, stick to the manufacturer’s recommended PSI, and check rotation and alignment to ensure safety. 

Note: Good tires mean a safer driving experience. 

5. Examine Hoses And Belts

In blistering heat, rubber components like hoses and belts wear out faster. This leads to uneven brake response, poor steering function, and a heated engine. 

If you come across indicators like wear, cracks or leak, get poor hoses and belts replaced immediately before they create trouble for you. 

6. Test The Battery

It goes without saying that high temperatures in summer shorten the battery life by causing fluid evaporation and internal damage. 

Regular cleaning and checking the battery can save you from getting stuck. It’s important to check your battery charge regularly, before long hauls. If the battery is older than 3 years, consider replacing it. 

7. Service The Air Conditioning

AC is no less than a luxury. Not only does it give drivers comfort, but keeps them alert as well. Driving a truck without AC is torture in the summer. 

Regularly test the AC system before it starts acting up. Check refrigerant level, clean filters, and inspect vents for any blockage. A cool cabin helps reduce fatigue and keeps the driver focused while driving. 

8. Always Carry An Emergency Kit

Breakdowns don’t send invites. What may happen the next moment, you never know. Thus, having a 24/7 emergency kit is a must. The kit must contain drinking water, flashlight, spare coolant, jumper cables and basic tools. 

Though it’s a small step, it can make a big difference when you’re stuck on a hot roadside. 

9. Track Fuel Efficiency

Your truck has enough fuel. Wait! What if there is a sudden drop in mileage? It could be a big sign of a problem like clogged filters, misaligned wheels, or engine trouble. 

Keep checking fuel usage as it will help you spot issues early and keep your truck running smoothly throughout the season. 

10. Schedule an Inspection Before Long-hauls

Before proceeding on long hauls, always get your truck inspected by a trained mechanic. A full checkup will ensure that all systems are ready for the journey ahead. 

Because early prevention is better than roadside repairs. 

Closing Words

Summer heat may be out of your control, but truck maintenance isn’t. Following the aforementioned 10 truck summer maintenance tips can save you money, prevent breakdowns and downtime, and keep your deliveries on time. 

So, whether you own one truck or a full fleet, consider this checklist as your summer guide to maintaining your truck and keeping it in the best condition. 

Don’t let the scorching summer take your truck life.