Heavy Truck Maintenance in Calgary
If you are a truck driver, finding the best heavy truck repair shop in Calgary should be a priority. For many truck drivers, their truck is their livelihood. Regular maintenance and keeping your vehicle at peak condition is crucial, not only to ensure that you will meet your deadlines but return home safely as well.
Before you take your truck to a diesel repair shop, we have some heavy truck maintenance tips for you. Suggestions that all truckers should know, whether you’re a novice or a seasoned driver.
Keep Your Engine and Truck Clean
Over time, dirt and grime build up in the engine. This is one of the fastest and easiest ways to damage engine components and do irreparable damage.
Keeping your truck, and especially your engine clean and well-maintained is the key to longevity. Your diesel engine’s performance can be affected if you allow too much mud, dust, and waste to linger over time.
Monitor your Coolant
Every truck repair shop will tell you that one of the most overlooked maintenance needs is the engine’s coolant. And the coolant system on a semi-truck is critical due to the heating the diesel engines produce.
Keep your coolant system clean, filled with the right type and amount of fluid, and have it regularly inspected by a professional. Keep in mind, many premature engine breakdowns happen due to improper maintenance of this vital engine component.
Regularly-scheduled Oil Change
For most diesel engines, the oil change should be done regularly and on a shorter interval. Depending on how often you are using your semi-truck, engine idle time, engine workloads, and truck model, the time interval can vary. Most often, the engine oil should be changed every 8.000 kilometres.
Because engine oil can easily be contaminated with dust and debris, the engine cannot work properly. To avoid further damage, schedule regular oil changes to ensure your engine is properly lubricated and working smoothly.
Check Your Other Fluid Levels
To avoid major problems and avoid wasting energy and money on a heavy-duty mechanic, you must keep track of all fluid levels, not just the basic ones like the coolant and oil. Transmission fluid, brake fluid, power steering fluid, window washer fluid, and the other fluids under the hood are just as important.
A dirty windshield, improper brakes, or a stiff steering wheel can lead to an unwanted accident. Routinely changing the fluids is not only a safe practice when driving, but some of these fluids are critical for keeping your truck running smoothly.
Don’t Forget the Filters
Often forgotten, but filters do play a large role in your diesel engine’s longevity and should be monitored and changed regularly.
- Fuel filters ensure a clean fuel flow to the diesel engine. Clogged filters will reduce the fuel flow and your engine won’t start.
- Oil filters remove dirty particles and keep your engine oil clean.
- Air filters protect the engine from pollution and ensure that the engine intakes clean air.
Fuel filters, oil filters, and air filters can be checked and replaced when needed.
Check Your Tires
Last but not least, you cannot embark on a long trip without checking your tires. Uneven tire wear or unbalanced tire pressure will decrease your efficiency and increase fuel consumption.
Furthermore, you can rotate your tires to maintain that your tires wear evenly. This can also help prolong the lifespan of your tires.
Diesel Repair Shop in Calgary
Your diesel engine does a lot of work. Taking care of it is your responsibility. Finding a heavy-duty mechanic that can perform computer diagnostic and reputable truck check-ups is a must.
Partnering with a diesel repair shop that you trust can help you identify and prevent potential problems early and keep your truck on the road for longer. Although it may seem tiresome, regular maintenance goes a long way.
