A historic and dangerous heat wave has swept over the US already this summer and word has it, it’s not over yet. If your commercial work truck is not taking to the sweltering temperatures too well, read on to find out what you can do about it. And if you’re lucky enough that trouble hasn’t started yet, check out some excellent preventative measures to take.

Most Common Heat-Related Truck Issues

Vehicles notoriously have problems when the weather is extremely hot or cold. The five most common truck woes for summertime are:

1. Overheated Engine

Engines generate a good bit of heat but with grueling hot outside temperatures, trucks tend to experience overheating even quicker. It’s easy to ruin the entire engine if you let it get too hot so be sure to check for leaks and keep a watchful eye on your coolant levels. Motor oils levels remove heat from the engine so check it regularly too.

2. Tire Blowouts

Hot weather makes hot pavement which in turn begats tire blowouts. Heat increases pressure in tires and places an incredible strain on them. Underinflated tires tend to blow out quicker.

3. Leaking Fluid

Fluids become even more important when the weather is extreme. Intense heat can lead to fluid evaporation. From gasoline to transmission fluid, lack of proper fluid levels are huge summertime culprits. 

4. Air Conditioning Problems

You may not even notice your air conditioner isn’t working in the spring, winter, or fall but once summer rolls around, you’ll certainly take note. Frequent use of the ac makes for more issues to surface. Periodically checking the freon and refrigerant levels and cleaning and changing the fans and filters help too. 

5. Windshield Wipers. While you might not think of windshield wipers being one of the main summertime truck issues, it is. Many locations, like southwest Colorado experience monsoons. Furthermore, hot, dry air causes windshield wipers to crack and wear out sooner than normal. 

Preparing Your Truck for Summer Heat

Foresight is better than hindsight when it comes to tending to your work truck’s hot weather needs. It’s best to do a little preventative maintenance sooner rather than later such as:

• Oli and fluid – don’t just fill them, change them out
• Coolant check – be sure your coolant is fresh and full
• Hose and belt inspection – check the timing belt, radiator and heating hoses, drive belt, and timing belt
• Air conditioning check – see the condition of air compressor belt and freon
• Tires – Spot check tires for any cracks, bubbles, or exposed threads
• Rinse – give the underside of your truck a rinse to remove mud, rocks, and salt
• Windows – look for cracks and chips

Preparing Yourself for Summer Heat

Summer is a dangerous time to be driving a work vehicle when temperatures soar. Here are some precautions to take:

• Keep the air conditioner running when possible. If you are stalled for a time, roll the windows down to prevent overworking your ac. 
• Always park in the shadiest spot possible. 
• Bring along plenty of water and keep a supply of back-up water as well.
• Watch out for overly heated.
• Be aware of the weather.

MJ Truck Nation

At MJ Truck Nation, we are here not only to make sure you get behind the wheel of an excellent commercial truck, but to help you maintain it too. We have on-site servicing to keep you safe. Give us a call today at (561) 840-9800.