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Cowboy Tips

Heavy Equipment and Commercial Truck Blog

Truck Care Tips to Keep Your Rig Running Great

8/22/2020

8 Comments

 
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​As a professional truck driver, you understand that not only does your body need the proper rest to keep you alert on the road, your truck needs downtime to keep it at top performance. This means setting time aside for truck maintenance and repair. At Cowboys and Engines, LLC, we understand your concern for your most prized possession, your truck. It is what keeps your business thriving and food on the table. Aside from committing to a routine maintenance schedule, the best way to avoid finding yourself sitting on the side of the road waiting for a repair vehicle is to take care of your rig.
 
While you may feel that every second off the road is lost money, consider the alternative. It really doesn’t take much to ensure your truck is performing at its best. Most of the smartest and safest habits are simply common sense. Here are ten tips to keep your rig running at great between service visits:
 
  • Ensure your tires are inflated properly. Check your tire pressure regularly: before your trip, every time you stop, and after you complete your run. Underinflated tires increase your fuel consumption and make steering difficult. Overinflated tires increase the dangerous probability of blowout. Also, note that tire pressure will fluctuate with weather changes and driving speeds. Always monitor these conditions to ensure proper tire pressure. **BONUS—Understand that a hot tire will always register a higher pressure than a cold tire—1psi for every 10 degrees of temperature change.
  • Maintain proper fluid levels. Before you start your engine, check all your fluid levels, especially your oil. Diesel engines need proper oil levels to run well. Neglecting to keep your reservoir full will eventually harm your engine, leading to expensive repair costs. **BONUS—when filling, always use the correct fluids. It’s easy when you’re in a hurry to get on the road to grab the wrong type. Always double-check labels before topping-off.
  • Regularly check your radiator. Just as you check fluids, check coolant levels before each trip. Inspect your hoses and overflow bottle. Top off if needed. If you see any leaks, even if minor, repair them immediately before they become major. Overheating can cause severe engine damage and leave you stranded or with loss of work with a down truck.
  • Inspect brakes often. This, like many other items on this list, is on your pre-trip inspection list. Every trip, check your brakes. Check the pads, the gaping, and for sounds of an air leak. Also, check your cab gauges to ensure proper readings. You should also perform a regular Static and Pressure down check to ensure your warning alarm and spring brake system are functioning properly. This will also keep you DOT and FMSCA compliant. If you hear squealing or feel vibration when applying brakes, get it looked at.
  • Park on level ground. Avoid parking sideways on a hill that would cause your fuel tanks to be uneven and unequalized. When you do this as you start your engine, the uptake system draws in air instead of fuel, causing your engine to misfire or not to start at all.
  • Allow your engine to cool before shutting down the engine. If your engine has a turbo, then you need at least 30 minutes for the exhaust gas temperature to fall below 300 degrees. Then you can shut your engine off safely without burning the oil in the turbo.
  • Check fuel exhaust vent when the truck has been sitting. If the truck has been in maintenance or you have had a day or two off, check the fuel exhaust vent for blockages. It’s more common than you might expect that nests from birds or wasps find their home. These blockages can cause your truck not to start giving the appearance it’s out of fuel.
  • Drive smart. Observe the posted speed limit. Stay in one lane. Make lane changes well before you need to make them. This will help you avoid cutting off drivers or slamming on the brakes needlessly. Follow all state and federal trucking regulations can save your truck a lot of wear and tear and prolong its life and keep you out of the repair shop.
  • Know what you are getting into. Have your route planned before you leave your yard. This can include directions to your destination, weather forecasts, and any major local events happening. By avoiding and rerouting around construction, knowing when and where severe weather is supposed to hit, and any area that is expected to have unexpected heavier traffic, you can be prepared and have a safer trip for yourself and for your rig
 
8 Comments
Kieth link
4/28/2021 03:08:10 am

No job is too big or small, we cater to them all. We deliver everything from container cargo to high value items to all points of Luzon. Trucking services start at P4,500 per 10 hours. Rates negotiable depending on the items. All our trucks are equipped with GPS dash-cams for security and to ensure safe delivery of goods. For personalized consultation and quotation, please contact us.

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Tex Hooper link
9/22/2021 06:36:56 pm

I like your trucking tips. I need a shipment transported. I'll have to consider getting a trucker to take it for me.

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kate hansen link
9/23/2021 03:31:04 pm

I like how you said to get the brakes inspected. My husband has a diesel truck. I'll make sure to pass these maintenance tips along to him.

Reply
Victoria Addington link
12/19/2021 11:18:22 pm

I am most interested in your tips to allow at least 30 minutes for the exhaust gas temperature to cool before shutting down the engine. My friend needs a diesel repair, and this is a good article to share with him. I'll advise him to look for a diesel repair professional in our area that is reliable.

Reply
Hailey Miller link
2/8/2022 09:14:12 pm

It got me when you said that tires should be inflated properly to keep trucks running smoothly. I would imagine that any truck owner would want to maintain the optimal performance of their vehicles. I think they should look for a reliable auto shop where they can have their trucks repaired and ensure parts are replaced with quality components.

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John Carston link
3/2/2022 07:01:16 pm

I love that you talked about the importance of showing love for them to feel that they are appreciated for their service. My cousin is looking for a heavy hauling service to help him deliver products for his company, and he asked if I had any recommendations. Thanks to this informative article, I'll be sure to tell him that consulting a renowned heavy hauling company is much preferable, as they will be able to answer all of his queries.

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Vivian Black link
3/25/2022 06:24:11 am

Thank you for pointing out that all the fluid levels need proper levels, particularly the oil in order to not harm the engine in a diesel truck. It is good to know that the reservoir should be full or it can hurt the engine and make it necessary for expensive repairs. There were times in my car when I would let the oil get a little low. It is clear that I should be more careful with the diesel. Since I use the diesel to go places that land me in the middle of nowhere, this is particularly concerning. I will be sure to keep the truck in top shape by calling a professional truck repair for information on other details to keep it running well.

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Charlotte Fleet link
3/28/2022 06:37:50 pm

I really appreciate your tips on maintaining your commercial equipment and trucks. I agree with you that it is essential to have your brakes checked regularly to make sure they will work properly and safely. I would recommend taking your commercial truck into a repair shop regularly to get it checked out and serviced.

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    Benjamin Boyd is a certified diesel mechanic with over 25 years experience on diesels, commercial trucks, and heavy equipment.

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  • Home
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    • Service Areas >
      • Nashville Diesel Repair
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      • Lebanon Diesel Repair
      • Christiana Diesel Repair
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