Winter is far from over here in the midwest, so it’s important to keep your truck running throughout the colder months. Harsher weather means more wear and tear on your vehicle – and it’s engine. To make sure your diesel engine operates smoothly, there are two easy items you can check yourself to help prevent unexpected repairs and breakdowns.
1.) Warm-Up Run
Because diesel engines don’t use the same ignition cycle as standard gasoline engines, they sometimes have trouble starting in cold weather or if they’ve sat without starting for lengthy periods. If your truck consistently has trouble getting started, let it idle for a few minutes before beginning your trip. As many diesels have glowplugs installed, these “warmp-up runs” give them a chance to properly heat your engine for smooth operation in cold weather.
2.) Check Your Air Cleaner
If your air cleaner needs replacement, it can cause your truck to have trouble starting, idling and even reduce your gas mileage. While it can be hard to visibly inspect your air cleaner, it is easy to find out when it was last replaced. If you’re overdue – it’s time for a new air cleaner to keep your diesel engine running strong!
Best Choice Tire & Service is a leading Michigan diesel truck repair shop and we offer great service at competitive rates. To schedule your next truck maintenance, call us today at (810) 875-0593!
Today, heavy duty semi trucks use air brakes as their primary braking system. These were designed specifically for applications that require a lot of stopping power and are generally very reliable. Commonly, “S-cam” brakes, in which the mechanism used to push the shoes against the drums is S-shaped, are used. Less often, wedge and disc brakes may be utilized.
Any trucker or fleet operator knows that to adhere to Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) regulations, all carriers must have a program to periodically inspect and maintain all of its vehicles. The FMCSA requires that carriers and operators perform these inspections and preventative maintenance on a frequent basis and ensure that records are kept.
Every year, truckers put thousands of miles on their trucks, trailers, tires and engines. Even though semi trucks are built to handle a lot of use and abuse, major repairs are inevitable. For many truckers, there are two top priorities – getting the repair done right and for the right price.
Tire Pressures
With summer behind us, now is the perfect time to begin gearing up for the season ahead. As many truckers and mechanics know, fall is the ideal time to prepare your ride for colder temperatures and the more dangerous and adverse conditions of winter. At Best Choice Tire and Service, we understand the importance of keeping your rig running smooth and safely throughout the year and put together following checklist to help keep your truck on the road.