As the seasons change, it’s the perfect time to give your truck a thorough inspection. Whether recovering from a bitter-cold winter or preparing for a brutally hot summer, being proactive with preventative maintenance keeps your truck road ready and helps you avoid unnecessary component breakdowns.
Spring is the perfect time to address wear and tear from winter conditions and prepare for warmer weather. Our guide focuses on some key maintenance areas to keep your semi and dump trucks running their best out of winter and into spring.
1. Replace Your Air Filter
Spring air brings pollen, dust, and other debris that can clog your air filter. Replace your air filter with an OEM-approved filter to ensure better airflow. Double-check that the housing is tightly secured and clean. A loose, pinched, or improperly fitted air filter can allow dirt and contaminants to enter the engine, which can lead to performance issues, or worse, engine failure. A simple filter replacement can save you hundreds of dollars in maintenance.
2. Service Your Air Dryer and Air Tanks
Your truck’s air system is important for braking and other essential functions. If you have a Paccar or Eaton automated transmission, we recommend replacing your Air Dryer Cartridge with a Bendix oil-coalescing cartridge. These cartridges remove moisture and oil contaminants that can deteriorate system performance over time. Even with an automatic Allison transmission, using a high-quality oil coalescing cartridge can extend the life of your transmission.
Additionally, make it a habit to manually drain your air tanks on a regular basis. The demands on the air systems are much higher than they used to be. If you drive a line-haul truck, we recommend changing your air dryer cartridge at least every six months. For tri-axle trucks and more severe duty applications, replacements should be done at least three times a year.
3. Exhaust System Inspection
Winter conditions can take a toll on your exhaust system, especially extreme temperatures and harsh road conditions. Now that spring is here, it is the perfect time for a detailed inspection. It can be easy to miss a small problem that can become a larger bill later.
Here are some important questions to consider when completing your pre-trip inspection: Is there a leak at the exhaust manifold? How old is your coolant filter? When was the last time you had your coolant system tested for leaks? Any new oil leaks? How are your batteries? Are the connections full of corrosion? Any lights out that you haven’t noticed? How bad are your brakes?
4. Get a DOT Inspection at Coopersburg & Liberty Kenworth
A Federal DOT inspection is a great way to get your truck road-ready. At a trusted local dealer, like Coopersburg & Liberty Kenworth, our service experts cover all of the safety-related components like brakes, lights, suspension, exhaust system, tires and wheels, plus more. Our team can recommend maintenance services based on your duty cycle, helping you stay compliant and avoid any unexpected breakdowns. Explore the details of a full DOT inspection with this comprehensive list.
Spring Maintenance Pays Off
Remember: Proactive maintenance is the best way to avoid downtime. Paying up front for preventative maintenance is far less expensive than major repairs. After all, filters are cheaper than engines.
Now is the time to tackle your truck’s Spring maintenance list! Take care of your truck with parts and service at Coopersburg & Liberty Kenworth.