Four Signs You Need Truck Maintenance
For many businesses and drivers, their truck is central to the success of their company, and we rely on these vehicles for deliveries and haulage all across the country. An issue with your fleet can be highly inconvenient, and unplanned maintenance or roadside breakdowns can cost your business a great deal of time and money.
Being aware of the warning signs to look out for is one way to help avoid costly repairs and you may be able to prevent a lot of damage if you catch an issue early. With this in mind, read on to learn more about four telltale signs your truck needs maintenance.
Warning lights
A flashing check engine light can indicate a number of issues, both major and minor, but you should never leave it to chance. Unfortunately, looking at the engine isn’t enough to tell you what’s wrong, so call a professional truck diagnostics company to give your vehicle a once over.
Unusual engine noises
Most car owners will be familiar with the small noises their vehicle makes, but if you notice loud banging, knocking or clicking sounds coming from your engine, this is a good sign that it’s not functioning as it should. A squealing sound while accelerating could indicate a loose belt, or a knocking sound usually means that the bearings are worn out.
Poor performance
If you’re driving a truck on a regular basis then you’ll know how it handles, so a poor change in performance is something to get checked out straight away. If your vehicle is using more fuel than usual, not driving as smoothly or taking longer to start up, you should book in for a check before the engine suffers any further damage.
Exhaust issues
Excessive or strangely coloured exhaust smoke is never a good sign, and different colours indicate different problems with your engine. Blue smoke suggests an oil leak, plumes of black smoke indicate that the truck is burning too much gasoline, and white smoke is a sign that the coolant system isn’t functioning efficiently. Any of the above require some attention, so book in for a maintenance test as soon as possible.
If you’ve noticed an issue with your fleet and need professional maintenance support, get in touch with the experts at Transcare. We’ve got everything you need for complete truck trailer service, repairs and maintenance, plus emergency breakdown cover and fully equipped mobile workshops. For more information about how we can help you get back on the road, give us a call today or visit our website.
