Business owners who heavily rely on utility trucks for their operations know that their vehicles take more abuse than a regular passenger car. Trucks carry a heavier load and they often do a lot of stop-and-go driving and in most cases, they can get tied up in traffic. All these can wear out the vehicle. Whether you own a brand-new fleet or Japanese used trucks, you should always keep your truck maintenance schedules up. In this article, we will discuss some of the most important truck maintenance procedures you should perform.
Have a Schedule for Checking and Changing the Engine Oil and Filter
Whether you own a Mitsubishi Fuso Fighter, a Mitsubishi Canter, or any type of truck, it is important to have clean oil. This helps lubricate and protect the truck’s engine, keeping it running smoothly for a long time. Without proper maintenance, the engine oil can get contaminated by dirt, dust, and debris.
It is always best to consult your truck manual to learn how often you should get an oil change. 2008 and newer Mitsubishi Fuso Fighter and other truck models are recommended to have an oil change every six months or every 7,500 miles. On the other hand, for older Mitsubishi Canter and other truck models, it is recommended to change oil every 5,000 miles or every six months.
Checking your Other Fluid Levels
Aside from changing your engine oil, you should also regularly check your truck’s power steering fluid, engine coolant, brake fluid, and windshield washer fluid. Ensuring that your engine coolant is at the right level is an essential part of car radiator maintenance. It keeps the engine within ideal temperatures, which is important in keeping it running in good condition.
On the other hand, the power steering fluid is responsible for ensuring that the various components of your truck’s steering system will function properly. When you regularly change this, you can prolong the life your power-steering rack and power-steering pump.
You might think that maintaining windshield wiper fluid is not important. However, it is worth noting that smears and dust can quickly build up on your windshield, making it harder for you to see. Needless to say, a dirty windshield can be a risk to the safety of the driver and the other people on the road. Your brake fluid eventually absorbs moisture from the air, preventing it from properly functioning. Therefore, it is important to replace it on a regular basis.
Rotating the Tires
It is important to keep an even amount of tread-wear on the tires of your truck. What’s more, it also prolongs the life you’re your tires and improves gas mileage. With your tires regularly rotated, you can reduce vibrations and lengthen the life of your truck’s suspension components.
Cleaning the Exterior
No matter how massive your truck is, you shouldn’t neglect cleaning its exterior. It will do more than add aesthetic appeal to your vehicle. By regularly cleaning it and removing abrasive dust or dirt, you can protect the paint and prevent the surface from breaking down. If you live in an area where it snows, you should pay attention to this maintenance procedure. It is worth noting that salt and sand on the roads can get caught in the undercarriage, which may lead to potential damages.
Getting your Truck Inspected by Professional Technicians
To avoid missing any issues your truck might have, it is advisable to have it inspected by an expert technician. They would be able to analyze issues and catch any safety or mechanical problems early on. You might feel that this maintenance procedure is quite inconvenient. However, it is a critical part of ensuring that your truck will stay in good condition for a long time.
What other truck maintenance procedures can you recommend?
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