Performing basic truck repairs yourself can mean the difference between a well-run fleet and a fleet that sits idle for days on end.
The cost of an unplanned vehicle off road can run up to $5000 per day for civil engineering companies. How much would it cost your firm if you had to take a truck or two off road for repairs?
The good news is that downtime can be avoided by performing basic repairs on the vehicles. This can save money by not having to rely on mechanics and can extend the life of your vehicles
Here are 5 simple tuck repairs you need to know about that are sure to save you some cash and headache.
1. Tighten or Replace a Drive Belt
Drive belts or serpentine belts need to be adjusted or replaced when the car starts to squeal when you start it up.
You should inspect the belt frequently for wear and tear. If you find cracks, chips or tears, you should replace the belt.
2. Battery Replacement
A battery replacement is another simple truck repair you can do without a mechanic.
When changing the battery, take the cable from the negative battery terminal first. It also helps to wrap the cable in a cloth to prevent it from contacting the terminal.
You can recycle your truck batteries throughout Washington County.
3. Change Your Brake Pads
Some truck repairs require more steps. Changing brake pads is one of them because you have to jack up the truck and remove the tires.
Once you do that, you can see the rotor (or disc) and caliper. You can then easily change the brake pad or you can remove it and clean it with a wire brush to remove some dirt or debris.
4. Change Hoses
Truck repairs that involve hoses can be complex. It depends on what hose needs to be changed.
The most common is the radiator hose. The radiator hose is crucial to maintaining the right temperature in your vehicle. The radiator hose distributes coolant between the radiator, the water pump, and the engine.
Any leaks within this system must be dealt with immediately.
5. Perform Basic Regular Maintenance
There are some preventative measures you can take to ensure your truck runs smoothly and extend the life of the parts.
- Change the oil
- Check tire pressure
- Change fuel filters
- Replace spark plugs
- Flush the cooling system
It helps to create a maintenance calendar for every vehicle in your fleet. Having this calendar will also help you plan ahead to minimize downtime while the vehicles are being maintained.
Tools to Have for Truck Repairs
There’s nothing worse than having to wait for parts on order. You’re going to want to have a stock of tools and parts on hand to repair your trucks on the spot.
You can order parts in advance of repairs and keep a stock of common parts.
Minimize Vehicle Off Road Time
By performing basic truck repairs and maintenance on your own, you’ll save your organization time and money!
Thinking bigger than just maintenance? Contact us for all your fleet upfitting and customization needs.
