Truck maintenance: everything you need to know

manutenção do caminhão

The maintenance of the truck is essential to avoid mechanical problems, prevent accidents, and ensure the punctual delivery of products. After all, the lack of maintenance triples the risk of traffic accidents, according to a survey by the Scaringella Traffic Institute. Even so, about 80% of vehicles on the road have some kind of mechanical problem.

Understand the importance of truck maintenance

Truck maintenance is important not only because of the economy but also because it helps prevent accidents. According to a survey by the Scaringella Traffic Institute, about 27% of road and urban accidents in Brazil could be avoided if the driver had correctly performed preventive maintenance.

Also, vehicles in poor conditions can be fined, and your driver may lose points on his license. Depending on the truck’s condition, it can even be apprehended for violation of the Brazilian Traffic Code.

Therefore, always use a professional mechanic to perform maintenance on the truck and the necessary repairs. When replacing parts, always opt for original, tested, and guaranteed quality parts.

Discover the benefits of preventive maintenance

Brazilian drivers are not in the habit of performing preventive maintenance. A survey by the Automotive Quality Institute points out that 75% of drivers only take their car in workshops when a problem occurs, such as electrical breakdown and mechanical failure. And only 16% do a vehicle overhaul before it has a problem. The annual average is only four visits to the workshops.

However, there is no need to wait for a mechanical problem to appear to perform maintenance on the truck. Preventive maintenance avoids problems on the road and also reduces repair costs. Also, according to the Automotive Quality Institute, preventive inspections cost 30% to 40% less than miscellaneous fixing and repairs. In other words, it’s better to be safe than sorry.

Preventive maintenance can help extend the lifespan of your truck as much as possible. Another critical point is the economy, as this type of maintenance prevents waste of fuel and also that the parts wear out prematurely. It also helps to avoid problems on the road, avoiding unnecessary costs and delays in delivering goods.

Detran advises that the preventive maintenance of the main items of the vehicle, such as brake, oil level, and shock absorber, should be carried out every 10,000 kilometers or six months. It is also essential to check the headlight lights for visibility; the suspension, which ensures vehicle control in sudden brakes or turns; and the seat belt to ensure protection in the event of collisions.

Know which parts to check regularly

According to a survey carried out in 40 thousand workshops, the most performed preventive maintenance services are repairs to parts of the brake, clutch, suspension, electronic injection, and oil change systems. Therefore, these items must always be checked by the driver before traveling. On this page, you can check how to maintain each part of the truck properly.

The revision of the most important parts must be done periodically, according to the model, the transported cargo, and the chosen logistics. Generally, the truck manufacturer’s manual indicates how many kilometers traveled the review should take place. But you should also know how to identify some signs that the vehicle may be in trouble and needs an overhaul.

Be aware of mechanical factors such as brakes, suspensions, mileage, strange engine, and gearbox noise. The danger can be in small details that often go unnoticed.

It is vital to check that the vehicle does not have leaks of water, oil, fuel, or fluids. Failure to change the oil, for example, can cause future engine problems, which can cost up to 20 times more.

If the vehicle suddenly starts to emit more smoke, it may be a sign that there is a problem, such as an engine in poor thermal conditions, unregulated oil intake, or catalyst malfunctions.

The fuel filter must be replaced as recommended by the manufacturer. In this way, you guarantee the performance of the engine and collaborate with the preservation of the environment.

Pay attention to the operation of the brakes

O ensure that the brakes work, fill the hydraulic system with oil, and do not forget to use up the water that has been concentrated in the pneumatic system’s reservoirs. Check for any air leaks and check the good functioning of brake lining and pads.

Be aware of different noises when applying the brake and check for changes in the braking system. The same goes for abnormal sounds when changing gears and handling the gear.

In addition, you should review the springs, shock absorbers, arms, bushings, and bars annually. These parts must be replaced if they show wear or play.

The electrical system must also be checked regularly. Make sure the batteries and cables are clean, fixed, or corroded. Check the battery charge, alternator condition, and operation of the headlights and arrow lights.

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Always check the condition of the tires

Tires are essential to ensure the stability and smooth operation of the vehicle and the effectiveness of the brakes. When you notice any signs of cuts, holes, bubbles, leaks, low calibration, or rust on the wheel bolts, repair as soon as possible.

Bald tires increase the risk of accidents. Make sure that the tread groove depth is at least 1.6 mm. In this case, the tires are already considered bald, and the risk of an accident becomes high.

Do not forget to keep your tires always inflated. If the tires are at the right pressure, they will yield more, and you can even save fuel. Calibrate the tires with each new cargo load. Mainly because the correct calibration also helps to reduce fuel consumption. Rotation of tires is also important. Remember also to check the steppe situation.

It is also essential that the vehicle offers excellent visibility on the road. Scratched, dirty, or cracked glass makes visibility difficult. Also, keep the windshield blades up to date. The ideal is to change them every six months or when the rubber is already dry. This care can help with visibility and make a difference in preventing accidents, especially on rainy days.

As we have seen, care with truck maintenance is essential to have greater safety on the road, avoid delivery delays, prevent accidents, and reduce costs. If you liked this article, then keep an eye on our blog for more content like this.