When summer hits, semi-truck drivers no longer have to face the challenges associated with winter driving. However, heat-related issues can still cause minor and major semi-truck cooling problems. Semi-truck engines run the risk of overheating, and tires could blow. These issues take trucks off the road for hours or days every summer while they wait for semi-truck repairs.
Preparing your semi-truck fleet for hot weather is critical to avoid costly downtime. These tips will help you do just that.
Check Engine Coolant and Radiator Cap
During pre and post-trip inspections, it’s crucial you check your engine’s cooling system is working as it should. Check your coolant levels. Add the coolant recommended by your manufacturer and water mix when you see it needs refilling. While you’re checking this, inspect your radiator cap as well. Look for any signs of cracking or swelling because this could lead to problems with the cooling system and engine.
When driving, pay attention to your coolant temperature gauge. If you notice the temperature exceeds the recommended range, stop driving and see if you can figure out the cause. Continuing to drive can cause overheating, breakdowns, and more serious semi-truck cooling problems.
If you need support, remember that at Motorplex, we provide full heavy truck, RV and fleet repair services, including semi-truck repairs, to Auburn and Spokane!
Check Tires
Another component to check before you even start your trip is your tires. You want to check the tires on your rig before you set out and every few hours (or every 100 miles). This is especially important when driving in hot weather. Remember, if a tire is too hot to touch, it’s too hot to drive. In this case, you must keep your rig stationary until your tires feel cool enough to begin your drive again.
When tires overheat, they blow out or catch fire. To avoid accidents and breakdowns, checking your tires is so important.
Check Engine Oil
Although it is important to have adequate clean oil for proper engine operation during every season, it is especially crucial during summer. Change your oil according to manufacturer recommendations and your fleet maintenance schedule. At minimum, oil should be checked before and after every trip.
Best Practices for Hot Weather Driving
Driver training is vital to keeping your semi-truck fleet operating smoothly, efficiently, and safely. Training drivers on the best driving practices in hot weather should be on your seasonal schedule. Adjusting driving habits can help prevent semi-truck cooling problems in the summer months.
For example, as the roads get hot, you might notice spots of melting tar that leaks out of the asphalt. Melted asphalt can be very slippery. Drivers must be careful when travelling over it, especially when turning or breaking.
In addition, drivers should only travel at safe speeds. When you travel at higher speeds in the summer months, you put a lot more stress on your engine, tires, brakes and other truck and trailer components. Plan your travel days knowing the speeds you’ll be able to reach safely based on the weather. Also, plan for breaks to give your rig time to cool down.
We at Motorplex have the experienced, team, and equipment to help handle any job. If your fleet is experiencing semi-truck steering troubles or is in need of a professional semi-truck steering repair, call us! With shops in Spokane and Auburn, WA, we are always ready and nearby to help.
Need professional fleet maintenance? Then Motorplex is here to help. Contact us now to book an appointment in Auburn, WA or Spokane, WA!
For all your maintenance and trailer repairs, Motorplex is here to help! They have shops in Auburn and Spokane, WA, and offer on-site mobile services.
Call us to set up a schedule for your truck fleet maintenance!
• Spokane: 509-571-9002
• Auburn: 253-245-5400
