Box truck repair and maintenance should be a priority for all truck drivers. Understanding what it takes to do preventative maintenance and who to call for the more intrusive repairs is crucial when operating a box truck. Here are some recommendations and tips to follow when you are trying to do preventive maintenance on your truck or need help knowing if you need to call a repair shop.
What is Preventative Maintenance for Box Trucks?
Preventative maintenance is performing regularly scheduled maintenance to help postpone and prevent failures of the vehicle in the future. In simpler terms, it simply means fixing things before they break and making sure everything is running as smoothly as possible. Having a schedule and checklist for preventative maintenance is important if you want to postpone a trip to a box truck repair shop.
Why is Preventative Maintenance Important?
Without preventative maintenance, you are more likely to have more frequent trips to a box truck repair shop. This is because without doing the upkeep, systems in the truck are more likely to fail. Another reason is how it helps fuel efficiency. Box trucks require diesel and that can get expensive. Doing what you can to save on fuel should be a priority when trying to make a better profit from your truck. Burning less fuel is also helpful in reducing your pollution. Whether your priority is reducing your cost or pollution, doing these steps in maintenance will help you achieve both. Keeping a healthy truck will help postpone any of the serious repairs you may need if you don’t do the maintenance regularly.
Here is a checklist that can help you know what to look for when maintaining your truck.
- Changing Spark Plugs: The majority of spark plugs tend to last for about 60,000 to 70,000 miles. While this may seem like it would last forever, think about the amount of miles you drive during a trip. Many box truck drivers travel for at least a couple hundred miles a day. Keep in mind how far you are traveling and make note of it. An old spark plug may result in loss of engine power or failure, rough idling, and trouble accelerating. Changing your spark plugs will also result in your engine running better which will help improve your gas mileage.
- Regular Oil Changes: Motor oil becomes thick over time so making sure you stay on top of your oil changes is imperative. Having old thick oil will result in your engine working overtime creating more fuel use. Oil changes are one of the quick and simple options when trying to do your checklist of preventative maintenance
- Exhaust System: Inspecting the exhaust system regularly for any leaks or damage can help out your engine. If there is any damage then your engine will work slower,
- Tires: Checking tire pressure and tread is crucial for the safety of everyone, including you, on the road. Be sure to change out your tires if you notice any leakage or loss of tread.
- Brakes: Another key factor in safety when operating a box truck is inspecting your brakes. Checking the brake pad, rotors, and calipers for wear and tear often can prevent accidents.
- Coolant Levels: Low coolant can result in overheating of the engine, head gasket failure, and engine damage. Keeping a watch on your coolant level and making sure the coolant stays clean can help prevent this type of damage.
- Filters: Dirty air filters can result in poor engine performance and reduce fuel efficiency. Dirty fuel filters can cause misfires and reduce fuel economy. Keeping up with your filters and changing them regularly can help with your fuel efficiency tremendously.
- Battery: One of the main reasons for low fuel economy is having an eroded battery. Battery cables wearing down can result in high gas consumption and when your battery is not charged, that can lead to your mileage being reduced. Checking your battery often is crucial when you are thinking about your fuel and mileage.
- Belts and Hoses: If a belt or hose breaks it can cause engine failure. Keeping an eye on your hoses and belts and replacing them when necessary is important for keeping a healthy engine.
When to Call in A Box Truck Repair Mechanic
While you can prevent and postpone damage, sometimes it is inevitable. Box trucks are constantly being driven which will cause some wear and tear. Heavy-duty repairs should always be done by a professional heavy-duty mechanic to ensure the best outcome and to keep everyone safe. Special tools and equipment are used for heavy-duty trucks so sometimes going to a box truck repair shop is necessary. Large repairs and things like bodywork are examples of when you might need to call someone with more expertise. Another example is if you have a breakdown on the side of the road.
Roadside Service
In the occasion you break down or need to pull over to the side of the road because of damage, you must call a box truck repair shop. Mechanics will come to your truck, put out safety measures, and work on your truck. In some instances, your box truck will have to be towed back to a shop and have the repairs done there. Picking out a reliable box truck repair mechanic will ensure that your truck is taken care of and repaired efficiently while staying high quality.
A Reliable Box Truck Repair Shop Located in the Dallas Fort Worth Area: Massey Towing and Truck Repair:
At Massey Towing we offer several different services and cater to your needs here in the Dallas Fort Worth Area. Whether you need late-night roadside repair, towing, or maintenance we have you covered. Let us help you maintain your truck and do any repairs you may need in the future. Schedule an appointment with us today so we can help you stay safe on the drive ahead! We offer 24/7 services because we know anything can happen no matter the time!
