How To Prepare Your Commercial Vehicle for Summer
With summer travel just around the corner, there’s no better time to make sure your vehicle is ready to hit the road. While longer days present the perfect opportunity to enjoy the best trucking routes across America as you move cargo, make deliveries, and get work done, the hot and stormy weather can be tough on vehicles. From increased engine strain to the toll that high heat takes on tires and batteries, summer brings its own set of challenges for owners and drivers.
Here are some tips to ensure your vehicle performs at its best and keeps you safe on the road. Below is a comprehensive vehicle maintenance checklist to help get you started.
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Check and Maintain the Cooling System
The most common cause of summer breakdowns is an overheating engine. This is why it is essential that you make sure your cooling system is properly working. Before peak heat hits, inspect your radiator, coolant level, and hoses for any signs of wear or leaks. Coolant should be flushed and replaced according to your vehicle’s manual, but a general rule is to replace it every two to five years.
Make sure the radiator cap is properly functioning, and check that the coolant mixture is at the adequate level. Check the owner’s manual to see if your vehicle requires a specific formula. A low or improper mix can lead to engine damage when temperatures climb.
Inspect Your Tires
Tire care is essential in summer months when pavement temperatures can exceed 120 degrees Fahrenheit. Heat causes tire pressure to increase, which heightens the risk of a blowout if your tires are overinflated or have significant wear. Purchase a tire gauge so that you can regularly check your tire pressure. The recommended PSI for your vehicle tires can be found on your door jamb and the owner’s manual.
It is also recommended that you inspect tread depth. A simple trick is the “penny test.” Insert a penny into the tread with Lincoln’s head down. If you can see all of it, it’s time to replace the tire. Don’t forget to check your spare tire and tire-changing tools to ensure that they are in good shape in the event of a flat tire.
Test the Battery
Heat can cause battery fluid to evaporate, which leads to corrosion on terminals, shortening your battery’s lifespan. Make sure your battery is securely mounted, that the terminals are clean, and that the cables are tight. If your battery is more than three years old, have it tested or consider replacing it. A dead battery can leave you stranded, so ensure that you also have a good set of jumper cables and a battery jump box.
Check Belts and Hoses
Rubber components like serpentine belts and coolant hoses degrade quickly in excessive heat. Check these components for cracks, fraying, bulges, or soft spots. These are all signs that these parts might be close to failing and are in need of replacement. A broken belt can disable your power steering or alternator, while a burst hose can cause your engine to overheat.
Change Your Oil and Oil Filter
Summer driving often involves extra strain on your engine when towing heavy loads. Make sure to change your oil and oil filter before you get going on summer travel, especially if you’ll be adding extra weight to your vehicle. The heat combined with the added travel and hauling will require a little extra TLC prior to hitting the road. Use the oil type recommended by your vehicle manufacturer, which may suggest a higher-viscosity oil for summer.
Ensure Proper Air Conditioning Function
A properly functioning AC system is critical during the hot summer months. If your AC isn’t blowing cold air or doesn’t seem to be pushing the proper amount of air, have a mechanic check the refrigerant level and inspect for leaks or compressor issues. Your AC system needs to be inspected early in the season before temperatures start to climb so you can keep the cab cool during the summer.
Replace Windshield Wipers and Refill Washer Fluid
Summer storms can hit unexpectedly, and you don’t want to find out that your windshield wipers need replacement during a thunderstorm on the interstate. Additionally, sun exposure can cause rubber wiper blades to crack and deteriorate in the hotter months. If your blades are streaking or skipping, you’ll want to replace them.
In addition to making sure your wiper blades are cared for, your washer fluid reservoir should be full, and consider a bug-removing formula to deal with increased summer insect splatter.
Inspect Lights and Signals
Summer travel might mean long drives at night, which is why it is essential that your vehicle’s lights are in good working order. Test all interior and exterior lights to see that they are working correctly. This includes headlights, brake lights, turn signals, and hazard lights. Replace any burned-out bulbs.
Keep an Emergency Kit On Hand
Being prepared will save you a lot of headaches, so you should always have an emergency kit in your vehicle. This kit should include water, non-perishable snacks, jumper cables, a flashlight, a first-aid kit with up-to-date provisions, flares, and sun protection. It’s also a good idea to have a tire repair kit and portable air compressor in case of a flat tire.
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Making sure that your vehicle is prepared for the summer will support your safety and peace of mind. Many of these suggestions are simple and inexpensive, plus they can help prevent major breakdowns or costly repairs down the road. By taking the time to properly maintain your vehicle, you can enjoy a stress-free summer behind the wheel.
Anna Cecilia Tozzi
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