There are over 181,000 heavy truck drivers in Canada alone, and they’re all working hard and driving for long hours. Are you one of them?
If so, you know how important it is to keep your heavy trucks in good condition. When problems arise, you put your safety (and your income) at risk.
We’re here to talk about some common engine problems that heavy truck drivers experience as well as how you can avoid them. Keep reading to learn more.
1. Coloured Smoke
This is one of the most obvious signs that heavy trucks have engine problems, and it’s difficult to miss. It means that the problems have been going on for a while.
Pay attention to the colour of the smoke to diagnose the problem. White smoke tends to be the result of weak engine compression, blue smoke results from worn valves and cylinders, and dirty air filters and low fuel results in grey smoke.
2. Vehicle Won’t Start
Everyone has experienced this at least once, whether it’s in their heavy truck or in their personal vehicle. They go to start the car, and nothing happens. The engine may turn over, or you hear nothing. Why is this happening?
While there are several potential reasons this might be happening (including a bad battery), it may be the result of engine problems.
If your fuel filter is clogged, it’s possible that your engine won’t respond well. It’s also possible that your starter’s connections will get looser after a long trip (especially over uneven pavement that will jostle the truck).
3. Overheating Engine
If your engine is overheating, you know that there’s something amiss. You may notice steam, a red temperature gauge, a ticking sound, or several other ominous signs.
In other words, you’ll notice.
Usually, this is the result of a cooling system failure or a blockage. In rare cases, it may also be due to high temperatures outdoors, though this is uncommon in Canada.
4. Unusual Noises
Have you been hearing strange noises either while driving or when you start the truck? While it can be more difficult to hear unusual noises while driving heavy trucks than it is in standard cars, you should always be listening for potential problems.
Oil problems are often the cause of unusual noises, but this isn’t always the case. That said, getting routine oil changes may prevent your issue.
H2 : How Can You Prevent Engine Problems?
Not all engine problems are completely unavoidable, but you can prevent most of them with routine preventative maintenance.
Heavy trucks are complicated pieces of machinery. Regular vehicle maintenance is essential for keeping you safe and keeping your truck running.
Don’t wait for engine problems. You should get a maintenance check every 10,000 to 20,000 miles depending on your driving habits.
H2 : Are You Experiencing Engine Problems?
If you’re experiencing engine problems, or if you’re trying to get ahead of them, it’s time to schedule service for your vehicle. Keep yourself safe on the road and avoid missing out on work.
At G Force Diesel Service, we strive to keep our customer’s trucks in the best condition possible. Contact us to schedule service today.