Own A Big Rig? What You Should Be Doing To Keep It In Good Condition
If you have just purchased a big rig for the first time, you need to make sure you understand what type of maintenance that it needs. This will ensure your truck will last you a long time. Below are three things to help you get started setting up your maintenance plan.
Keep it Clean
Keeping your truck clean is not only for cosmetic reasons, it should be a part of your maintenance plan. This is because you are able to see dings and scratches much easier when your truck is clean. If you do find scratches or dings, you can repair them much more quickly, which will prevent rust from forming on the truck. Keeping the truck clean also helps the paint last longer. You can clean your rig with a pressure washer, but make sure you do it correctly or you could cause damage.
Use Correct Fluids
It is important that you put the right type of oil in your truck. The brand does not matter but the viscosity grade does. You should use the grade that the owner's manual specifies. If you use the wrong oil, it can cause reduced lubrication in the engine, which will shorten the engine life.
The type of fuel you use is also important. Most semi trucks use diesel fuel. This is because diesel fuel has more energy per gallon, and they require less maintenance because there is no spark system. Diesel engines also give more torque when at lower speeds, which is important when driving a truck, such as if you are driving uphill at a low speed.
Change the Air Filter
Keep an eye on the air filter, and when it becomes dirty, you need to replace it. With most diesel engines, the air filter setup is the same as with gasoline powered engines. Your semi truck likely has two fuel filters, however. One filter is the primary filter that is located between the engine and the fuel tank. This filter is what keeps the fuel clean before it flows to the fuel transfer pump. The other filter is known as the secondary filter. This filter is near the engine, and gives the fuel another cleaning before it gets to the fuel injectors.
If you are unsure if you are doing these things properly, contact a mechanic to help you. They can also give you other advice on how to keep your truck in good condition. For more information, contact a company like Big Rig Fleet Air Filters.
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