Allowing a vehicle to overheat can lead to serious problems. That’s especially true when it comes to commercial trucks.
Costly repairs and extensive downtime are only a few of the issues overheating can cause. It may even lead to accidents. Because of that, preventing overheating is essential for businesses and truck owners. If you’re worried about overheating, consider the following 10 ways to prevent this problem.
Routine Maintenance
One of the simplest and most effective ways to prevent overheating is having routine maintenance carried out. Technicians inspect cooling systems and other components during maintenance checks. They can also catch issues that may lead to overheating early on. From there, they can use components from an international truck parts site to take care of them before they lead to more significant problems.
Check Coolant Levels
Keeping watch over coolant levels is also important. If the coolant gets low, be sure to add more. Be sure the coolant being used is approved by the truck manufacturer as well. At the same time, make sure it’s clean and free of contaminants for optimal effectiveness.
Clean the Grill and Radiator
Over time, bugs, dirt, and debris can get lodged in a truck’s grill and the fins of the radiator. That can definitely cause a truck to overheat. Clean the grill and radiator regularly to get rid of buildup and prevent overheating.
Don’t Overload the Truck
Taking care not to overload a truck can keep engine temperatures within acceptable ranges as well. Overloading a truck places excess strain on its engine. That, in turn, can cause it to overheat.
Install Auxiliary Cooling Devices
Installing auxiliary cooling devices can help you avoid overheating, too. These devices, like transmission coolers and engine oil coolers, work with a truck’s cooling fan and radiator. They can also be used to control heat in components that are prone to overheating.
Upgrade the Cooling System
Another way to prevent overheating is to upgrade a truck’s cooling system. High-performance radiators and water pumps are among the options in this arena. These components can make a truck’s cooling system work more effectively than it would otherwise.
Check Belts and Hoses
Regularly inspecting belts and hoses can also prevent overheating. Look them over for wear, cracks, and other types of damage. This is an important part of any pre- or post-trip inspection, but damage often gets overlooked. If you find damage, replace the affected belts and hoses right away.
Keep an Eye on Gauges and Warning Lights
Additionally, gauges and warning lights shouldn’t be ignored. Temperature warning lights are among the more obvious signs of overheating. Be sure to heed their warnings. Many people fail to keep watch over trucks’ temperature gauges, though. Know the normal running temperature of the truck, and watch for its temperature gauge to go beyond that point.
Be Kind to the Truck
It’s also important to treat trucks with care. They’re built to pull heavy loads and withstand constant use, but certain driving habits can cause more strain than necessary. When possible, avoid hard acceleration. Maintain steady speeds when you can. In the case of manual transmissions, pay attention to the truck and learn the best times to change gears. Though there are general, universal points at which you should change gears, all trucks are slightly different. If anything wears down or gets damaged, you can find truck parts to replace them easily.
Allow Cool-Down Periods
Allowing cool-down periods can also help prevent overheating. Stop for rest breaks during long hauls when possible. Turn off the truck during these stops to allow built-up heat to dissipate.
Avoiding Overheating to Keep Trucks in Optimal Condition
Commercial trucks are significant investments. Keeping them in optimal condition is the key to avoiding downtime and making them last as long as possible. Though several measures can help keep a truck in top-notch shape, preventing overheating is one of the most important. Keeping the previously mentioned tips in mind can keep costly repairs and other problems at bay.
