Whether you are a fleet manager, long-haul trucker, short-hauler or truck owner, you and your truck play a huge part in the economy and supply chain by transporting goods. Keeping your truck in excellent condition is a must if you are to make delivery deadlines on time. Heavy truck maintenance is the key to minimizing breakdowns, costly heavy truck repair and interruptions in work. RDI Power in Brooksville, FL provides heavy truck maintenance to help keep your truck on the road.
Engine Maintenance
Regular maintenance is crucial to staying on the road longer and avoiding costly repairs. The key aspects of engine maintenance include:
- Oil and filter changes
- Engine air filter replacement
- Coolant flushes
- Injector cleaning
During a maintenance appointment, we also check the belts and hoses and look for fluid leaks.
Brake System Maintenance
Maintenance of the braking system is crucial to your safety. We’ll check the brake pads and rotors, inspect air or hydraulic brake lines for leaks, and check the drums to ensure they are within specs. For those trucks with hydraulic brakes, we also check the brake fluid.
Because brake fluid attracts moisture and becomes contaminated after time, flush the brake system pursuant to the truck manufacturer’s recommendations.
Transmission and Drivetrain Maintenance
The transmission and drivetrain are just as important as the engine. Without either, you’ll be going nowhere fast. With regular maintenance, you can increase the longevity of the transmission and drivetrain. We inspect the driveshafts and differentials as part of heavy duty truck maintenance. We also lube the U-joints where applicable. You should also bring your truck in for differential oil changes pursuant to the manufacturer’s recommendations.
Finally, check the transmission fluid where applicable. Follow the manufacturer’s recommendations, when it comes to flushing the transmission fluid and replacing the filter on automatic trucks.
Tire Maintenance
The tires on your truck are the only point of contact with the road, which means that tire maintenance is crucial. Check the tire pressure frequently – at least once per month if your truck inspections don’t require it for every trip. Too much air pressure leaves too little contact with the road, which means less control. Too little air pressure causes too much friction and decreases fuel economy. In both cases, the tires will show uneven wear.
Rotate the tires every other oil change to prevent uneven wear on a tire in any position. And check the wheel alignment every six to 12 months. Misaligned wheels are caused by hitting bumps or debris in the road, driving over and rubbing curbs, and problems with the steering and suspension.
Suspension System Maintenance
Not only does the suspension give you a comfortable ride, but it helps keep the truck on the road. Frequently check the shocks for leaks and wear, the springs for sagging and damage, and the bushings and bearings for wear.
Electrical System Maintenance
Many critical functions rely on a working electrical system, including lights, charging, and starting. Frequently check the electrical system for issues, including:
- Battery corrosion, loose battery hold-downs and terminals, and damage to the battery.
- Wiring and connections for wear and other damage.
- Lights, including the headlights, taillights, brake lights and turn signals.
- The alternator to ensure it’s charging properly and not overcharging or undercharging.
- The starter to ensure it is working at full capacity.
Frequent checks of the electrical system can minimize unexpected breakdowns when you are able to catch issues early.
Contact RDI Power
When you notice noises, black smoke, and other issues with your diesel engine, contact RDI Power in Brooksville, FL, for an appointment for diesel pickup truck repair at (352) 433-3800. Our experienced diesel techs will diagnose and repair your truck and get you back on the road again.
If your diesel truck won’t start and you need diesel engine repair service, have the tow truck driver drop your truck off at RDI Power. We are conveniently located at 1665 Donto Way, Brooksville FL 34601.
