How Can Truck Auto Inspection Save You Money?

Truck auto inspection is something that you do to ensure that your truck is roadworthy or conforms to emission requirements. A regular truck auto inspection is beneficial to you as a truck owner. Performing a regular inspection will save you huge amounts of money you could have spent repairing your truck. After reading this guide, you will understand how truck auto inspection will help you save money. 

Truck Auto Inspection Lets You Fix Minor Problems

With time as your truck is serving you, its parts will start to wear out and become damaged. If you fail to discover the wear out in time, such parts can be badly damaged. You will spend more cash on replacing the broken parts. 

Regular truck auto inspection will let you identify and fix such problems early before they escalate into major problems.

Increases Fuel Economy

When performing a truck auto inspection, you can identify engine issues that make it less fuel-efficient. When the fuel or air filter is clogged, your engine will work hard to generate the necessary power for your truck. In such a case, it will consume more fuel.

If the oxygen sensors are faulty, more fuel will be injected into the engine. Faulty ignition sparks can also negatively impact your fuel economy. It is not easy to notice such problems. As a result, you will be spending more on fuel for your truck. Running a truck auto inspection will help you identify and fix issues related to poor fuel economy. 

Truck Auto Inspection Improves Its Resale Value

Trucks are not assets that appreciate value. When you buy a new truck, ignite the engine and drive it home, its value will start going down. Never expect to sell it at the same price you bought it or more. 

Several factors can make your truck depreciate very fast. When looking forward to selling your truck, its auto inspection report will play a greater role in proving that it is well-maintained and in perfect working condition. Buyers will believe you go the extra mile to ensure that your truck is in perfect working condition. 

Your Insurance Cost Will Be Down

Truck auto inspection will help you identify factors that can put your truck at risk that can compromise its safety. You will never pay higher insurance premiums when you have good safety records.

Various insurance companies perceive that safe vehicle results in fewer accidents, and thus less will be paid as compensation. 

Extends the Service Life of Your Truck

Major truck problems usually start gradually and develop. Performing truck auto inspection will enable you to identify such problems and fix them before they become major. Doing this extends the service life of your truck. Apart from extending the service life of your truck, you will realize that you will be spending less on maintaining your truck.

Conclusion,

Truck auto inspection is an activity that every truck owner should consider practicing more often. Trucks are prone to wear and tear. Several truck issues start gradually, auto inspection enables you to identify such problems at an earlier stage and fix them. Truck auto inspection will therefore help you save money.

Does Your Truck Needs Servicing? How To Know When To Do It

With your truck, commuting from home to work or running personal errands can be smooth, but do you know when your truck needs servicing? It is thus essential to take care of it by not assuming the warning signs it will give you.

Upon reading this comprehensive guide, you will understand and be able to know when your truck needs servicing among some common problems your truck will encounter as a sign. When you experience the below signs, never continue driving your truck, but take it to the nearest service shop.

Starting Problems

It is never easy to wake up in the morning and start your daily routine. You will take some time to regain. However, this should be different from your truck. 

If your truck is in good shape, it will start without hesitating. When it fails to start, it has a problem you should not assume. If you try for the second time but it still does not start, your battery or any other part can be faulty. Consider visiting an expert for check-ups and repairs.

Your Truck Starts To Stall

Sometimes, your truck’s engine can stop functioning in the middle of a busy road. This is a good sign that your truck needs servicing. Sometimes if you push the accelerator pedal, your engine might sputter. When you experience stalls, it indicates a serious problem with your truck. Consider taking it to a professional for servicing and check-ups.

The Appearance of the Engine Check Light

The engine check light indicates something is wrong with your truck. If it starts to blink on the dashboard, it indicates serious engine problems, and you should fix your truck before taking it to the road. When the engine check light blinks, you will feel you are driving differently. If you are an experienced mechanic, you can diagnose such an issue alone, but the best option is to take your truck to the professionals for a thorough servicing and check-up.

Exhaust Smoke

Your truck should not produce smoke, but if you start experiencing colored smoke from your exhaust, it indicates a problem. Various engine issues, such as oil leaks and colds, can lead to smoke production in your truck. In case of cold, the smoke is normal since it will disappear as soon as your engine and the exhaust system warm-up. However, if the smoke is colored and has an odor, consider taking your truck for servicing. 

Leakages

Yet another reason that your truck needs servicing is when you experience leakages. You can easily spot leakages from your truck, especially if you park it for a while. During summer, you will notice a small quantity of water under your truck. Such is not leakage but a result of the AC, so you should never worry.

But if you notice green or black liquid from your truck, it might be coolant, engine oil, or even the transmission fluid leaking. In such a case, consider taking your truck for servicing to determine what is leaking and the cause.

Conclusion,

Your engine has various parts, and all these parts work jointly to offer a smooth and reliable ride. For your truck to serve you better, you need to service it. Suppose you forgot the actual date to take your truck for service. The above signs will remind you that the truck needs servicing.

Signs Your Truck Suspension Needs Repair & Maintenance

Driving on roads with potholes or rough roads increases the rate at which your truck suspension system wears out. Shocks usually have a service life of 50,000 miles before they wear out. Whenever your suspension becomes faulty, you will experience a poor-quality ride as well as strange noises. Your truck might become stiff and bouncy when speeding.

It is easy to take the truck suspension system for granted when performing regular truck maintenance and this is due to the long life span of service they offer to depend on the nature of the terrain of your regular driving. Consider servicing your suspension system for comfort, stability, and a safer ride. 

The suspension system wears out with time, and you will notice it based on the quality of ride your truck will offer. Upon reading this guide, you will understand some signs that your suspension system needs repair. 

Nose Dives When Stopping

When your shock absorbers are worn out, you will experience the body of your truck having a forward lurching or its nose diving whenever you firmly apply brakes. Nose diving makes it difficult to stop your truck abruptly and can expose you to accidents.

Uneven Tire Wear

Tires are the best indicators of the condition of your truck suspension system. A bad suspension system will make it hard for your tires to have uniform contact with the road, and as a result, you will notice uneven tire wear. You will realize balding spots, indicating that your suspension system is not holding your truck uniformly and exerts uneven pressure on your tires. 

Oily Shocks

When checking your shocks, sometimes you will note that they are greasy or oily. When you note this, it indicates that your suspension fluid is leaking. If this happens, your suspension will not work effectively. Consider replacing your shocks as soon as they start to become oily. 

Your Truck Pulls When Turning

When your suspension starts to fail, your truck will either pull or drift whenever you make a turn. When this happens, it indicates that your shocks cannot prevent the body of your truck from the centrifugal force. Pulling or drifting exposes you to the risk of rolling over. If you experience this when turning, consider checking the condition of your suspension system.

Rough Rides

The design of the truck suspension system enables it to prevent and absorb the shock from road bumps. Such a function lets you have a quality ride even on rough terrains. When driving over bumps and you start to feel each bump on the road, it indicates that your suspension system is wearing out, and you should consider replacing them. 

Conclusion,

The suspension is an essential system for your truck. It protects the body and other parts from damage when driving on rough surfaces. The suspension has various parts that work jointly to offer a quality ride. It becomes faulty with time and will give prior signs before failing. The above are some common signs that will warn you to check and replace your truck’s suspension. 

Increasing the Life Of Your Truck Brakes

You will need your truck brakes to slow down or even stop when there is a need to while driving. In heavy traffic, brakes will assist you in controlling your truck. Therefore, brakes are essential when it comes to safety. The braking system has various parts that work hand in hand to give you full control of the speed of your truck. 

In the driver’s cabin, there is a brake pedal whose primary role is to initiate the braking mechanism when pressed. The brake booster controls the pressing mechanism, whose primary role is to regulate the pressure necessary for the driver to operate the brakes. 

There are various braking components on the wheels, such as the disks, drum, brake shoes, brake pads, and master cylinder. The main focus of this guide is to give you some essential tips for increasing the lifespan of your truck brakes.

Flush Your Brake Fluid When Necessary

The heat from braking usually wears the brake fluid, which releases moisture that can cause rust the braking system. With time, the brake fluids get contaminated with debris, rubber, and metallic contaminants. Therefore, it is essential to flush out your brake fluid. 

The process of flushing out brake fluid requires keenness for the truck brakes to function properly, but a professional mechanic will do it within seconds. Here is what happens during the brake fluid flushing.

  • The draining out of the old hydraulic fluid.
  • Cleaning the braking system to remove debris.
  • Inspection of the braking system for rust.
  • A new brake fluid is fed into the system.

Rust and corrosion damage the braking system, leading to expensive repairs. It is thus essential to flush your brake fluid after covering 30,000 miles or driving for two years, depending on how often you drive your truck. 

Ensure your Truck Brakes Disc, and Drum are Clean

Rust and corrosion cause your truck brakes, discs and rotors to wear out prematurely. Cleaning the discs and rotors can be done during routine service, and this procedure helps eliminate dust and other debris that can corrode your disc and rotors. You can clean your disc and rotors if you have basic brake maintenance skills and the necessary tools. 

Avoid Braking At High Speeds

When driving at high speed, never brake instantly. Trucks usually have brake drums and discs. Inside the drum, there are brake linings whose contact with the drums initiates friction to stop your truck. The discs also have pads that perform a similar role. 

The lining and the pads are made of materials that wear out. Instant braking causes tremendous wear out of such parts and can lead to brake failure. When such happens, you will note that your truck shakes when you brake at 60 mph. To avoid premature wear out of the brake lining and pads, it is essential that you gently apply pressure on your brakes to stop your truck gradually. 

Conclusion,

Taking care of and increasing the life span of your truck brakes is a simple task. How you drive your truck will mostly contribute to your brakes’ life span. Be gentle when braking at high speed, ensure you flush out your brake fluid, and regularly clean your brake discs and drums. Practicing what is covered in this guide will improve the lifespan of your brakes. 

How Low Temperatures Can Affect Your Truck Regular Use

Do you know the impact of low temperatures and how it can affect your truck’s regular running? During winter, everything suffers right from animals to various machines that make work easier. The cold temperature strains various parts under your truck’s hood, which can interfere with the driving condition. Whenever you leave your truck at the parking, you should understand the adverse effects the winter weather can cause to it. As soon as you are through with reading this guide, you will understand how low temperature affects your truck’s regular use. 

Corrosion

During winter when there are low temperatures, salt is used to melt snow on the roads and the streets. When driving, your truck comes into contact with the melted snow with salt. The salt sticks to various parts of your truck such as the brakes, wheels, and undercarriage. The accumulation of salt in these parts leads to corrosion.

During winter, it is essential to wash your truck regularly, paying more attention to the parts that come into contact with the salt. Avoid wiping salt, as this can scratch the paint of your truck. 

Poor Traction

Low-temperature results in the reduction of the tire pressure. After driving your truck for a while, it will generate heat that will increase the tire pressure. If you use the all-season tires, they will harden the moment temperatures go below 45 degrees. 

The deflation and inflation of truck tires during winter results in loss of traction. You can prevent this by fixing winter tires that will remain soft and offer a good grip on the road during the cold season. 

The Engine Block Can Crack

During the winter low temperatures, your coolant is likely to freeze. When this happens, the coolant becomes hard, which can crack your engine block. Cracks on the engine block lead to various performance issues. To prevent this from happening, use the right coolant during winter. Never mix the regular, green 2-year anti-freeze with long life-life coolant. Doing this reduces the lifespan of the coolant itself. 

Thickening of Fluids

Your truck depends on various fluids such as motor oil, transmission fluid, suspension fluid, and coolant. The extreme cold during winter leads to the thickening of these fluids. They thus will not move smoothly within their respective hoses, when such happens, your truck can malfunction anytime. 

Before the winter season starts, there are signs that you should be aware of. Whenever you note such signs, consider checking the level of all the fluids within your truck and top them up.

Increase In Fuel Consumption

During the low temperatures of winter, trucks usually struggle to function, due to less road grip your truck will move slowly and consume more fuel. Leaving your truck idle for a longer duration in winter also increases the rate of fuel consumption. 

Conclusion,

Winter can be devastating to your truck, it is during this time of the year you might experience emergency breakdowns and other mechanical issues. It is, therefore, necessary to know some of the effects of the cold temperature on your truck and how you can prevent them. All you need to know about winter and the effects it has on your truck has been covered in this guide. 

Truck Repair And Maintenance – Top Reasons Never To Skip Them

How regularly do you do your truck repair and maintenance? This guide will take you through all you need to know about that. Owning a truck is the best thing in your life. It is a privilege since many long to, but they have limited budget. However, you have to take care of your truck for it to give you top service. Being consistent and fulfilling the maintenance recommendations of your truck is the only secret to maintaining it. 

Regularly maintaining your truck is beneficial to you and the truck itself. Changing the filters and oil and regularly checking the levels of the fluids is a game changer when it comes to regular truck maintenance. Here are the top reasons why you should never take for granted truck repair and maintenance. 

Identify The Problem Early

Just like other vehicles, trucks gradually develop mechanical problems. Sometimes you might notice your truck has mechanical issues when it is too late, and you cannot avoid the problem. Which becomes damn expensive to fix at this point.  

Regular truck maintenance will enable you to identify and address such problems earlier and take necessary action before they develop into major issues. 

Improves Your Mileage

Performing regular truck repair and maintenance helps in improving your gas mileage. For example, driving with low tire pressure for a long time can cost you up to 3% fuel mileage. The percentage might not be significant but accumulates into more cash with time. It is thus essential to perform regular tire rotation and ensure your tires have the right pressure.

Regular truck maintenance will also enable you to identify and replace dirty air, oil, and fuel filters, which interferes with fuel economy. 

Keep Your Truck High Value

Several factors such as value comes into consideration when planning to sell or trade-in your truck. Truck evaluation is essential, and it is aimed at determining what your truck is worth. During the evaluation, your truck is checked to see if it has mechanical issues. If found, the value of your truck will go down.

When you perform regular maintenance on your truck, it will have fewer mechanical issues and it will fetch the high resale value.

Saves Money

Regular truck maintenance and check-up will help you keep more cheques in your bank account. In trucks, small problems gradually develop into major issues. An oil leak repair can cost you $100, but if you ignore it, you might use $4000 or more to perform a major repair to your truck. 

Increases Your Safety

Several issues can expose you and your passenger to risk when on the road. Driving on balding tires with tiny visible wires inside the rubber is dangerous. Your tires can easily blow when this happens. Several road accidents result from tire blowouts. 

Many truck owners never pay attention to their tires, and thus they fail to know that their tires are in bad condition. During regular truck maintenance and servicing, the technician will check on the condition of your tires and advice you accordingly. 

Conclusion,

Trucks have several advantages and help in running many errands. Like other vehicles, they need regular truck repair and maintenance for them to run smoothly. The above are the top reasons why you should refrain from assuming truck repair and maintenance. Always listen to your truck and take seriously the early warning signs it gives before breaking down.  

Truck Maintenance That Needs An Expert To Handle

The knowledge of basic truck maintenance enables you to save hundreds or thousands of dollars you could spend when a professional does it. Such basic maintenance includes changing the oil and the filters. Some truck repairs are complex for you and require an expert. It is, therefore, essential to know when you need help from an expert. 

Taking care of your truck and ensuring that only the experts handle complicated repairs ensures that minor problems do not emerge and develop into major issues. Here is the truck maintenance that requires only an expert to handle. 

Repairing the Air Conditioning System

The AC in the truck is one of the complex parts to repair. Parts such as the compressors usually wear out, and the Freon can leak as well as breakages of the fun. When such parts develop mechanical issues, Your AC will not function effectively. 

The AC has chemicals, so it is not advisable to repair it alone. When you realize your AC is not functioning properly, consider taking your truck to a specialist with the special tools to restore it. 

Replacing the Windshield

Your truck’s windscreen may seem easy to fix when broken. Replacing it requires a professional to work on because it is a highly specialized job that needs special tools which you may not have. 

Wheel Balancing & Tire Mounting

Changing truck wheels is basic truck maintenance that anyone can handle. But performing wheel balancing or fixing new tires on the rims is a challenge and will require a professional. This procedure requires special tools. You can experience uneven tire wear when you fail to perform tire rotation. 

Transmission System Repairs

The transmission system has various complex parts and plays the crucial role of linking the wheels to the engine. The complexity of this part requires a highly professional to handle it. 

The Electrics

Before handling your truck’s electrical system, you should be sure of your ability. Modern trucks have a complex electrical system with complicated wiring that is computer controlled. Performing diagnosis and finding a repair solution requires a skilled truck electrician to perform the task. 

The Cooling System

When the engine is running, it generates heat. The cooling system ensures that the engine has an optimum operational temperature. When the cooling system wears out, you will notice leakages, and your engine may also heat up. Consider taking your truck to a professional for fixing in such a situation. 

The Suspension

The suspension plays a vital role in protecting the body of your truck and other parts from damage when driving in harsh terrain. The suspension has various parts, such as the shock absorbers, the arms, and the leaf springs. When any part of the suspension becomes faulty, it will be difficult to handle your truck. 

Conclusion,

A truck has various parts, some of them are simple and you can easily maintain, while others are complex and require only a professional to handle. The timing belt, bodywork, and engine tune-ups are some areas that need a professional to handle. 

Transmission Failure in Trucks – Knowing Before Its Too Late

How do you know about transmission failure in trucks before it is too late? The primary role of the engine in your truck is to generate power which is essential in the rotation of the wheels. The power from the engine reaches the wheels through the transmission system. The transmission is thus an essential system in your truck. 

Efficient transmission is essential for the performance of your truck. It converts torque into power, which is essential for rotating the wheels of your truck at various gear ratios. The transmission is the most expensive part of your truck because it is having various parts, like the gearbox. 

The cost of repair and the replacement of the transmission is relatively high. It is thus essential to be aware of the signs your transmission will show when it is almost failing. Such knowledge will aid in extending the lifespan of your transmission and avoiding costly repairs. 

Early Signs of A Transmission Failure

The transmission does not fail abruptly. It will have to give you some signs that it is soon failing. Here are the early signs you will experience. 

Weird Noises

Truck noises vary depending on the make and model. Whenever your truck produces a strange noise, consider taking time to know where the noise is coming from. Consider noting the nature of the noise if it is whining, clunking, or humming. 

The transmission has various components, and your truck will produce weird noises if any fail. The common noises related to the transmission are whining, clunking, buzzing, and humming. If your truck uses the manual transmission system, it will produce clunking noises. In contrast, the automatic transmission truck will produce a humming, buzzing, or whining noise when faulty. 

Leakages

Transmission relies on the transmission fluid to function effectively. The fluid reduces the friction and lubricates the transmission parts, preventing them from overheating. The fluid also aids in engaging the gears.

When your transmission failure occurs, you will see leakages of the transmission fluid from your truck. When this happens, friction within the transmission’s inner parts will lead to heat generation. As a result, your transmission will completely break down. Whenever you note that your transmission fluid is leaking, consider taking your truck for a thorough mechanical check-up. 

The Engine Check Light

The appearance of the engine check light is another early sign that your transmission is failing. The light appears when the sensors pick up irregular information from the transmission. When it appears, consider taking your truck for diagnosis to determine if the transmission is the cause. 

Shaking, Jerking, or Grinding

Primarily, when your transmission starts to develop problems, your truck will be jerky, shake or grind. Gear grinding is dominant in manual transmission trucks. In contrast, automatic transmission trucks will hesitate when you shift the gears. Commonly, you will hear truck owners referring to it as slipping gears. When you ignore this, your truck will tremble or shake whenever you change gears. 

Conclusion

The transmission is an essential and the most expensive part of your truck. It is exposed to the regular stress of transmitting the engine torque to the wheels. It, therefore, wears out. Before wearing out, you will experience the above signs. Never take these signs for granted. 

Common Truck Air Conditioning Problems

Summer season is extremely hot, and staying in the cabin of your truck can be unbearable. It is during this time that you will require the air conditioning system. The A/C provides comfort and prevents heat-related health risks like stroke. 

When you realize your air conditioning system is not working perfectly, it is essential to have it checked. Here are some common air conditioning problems you should be aware of. 

Faulty Compressor

The air conditioning system has various parts, such as the compressor, that circulate the refrigerant throughout the system. Thus, it ensures that cool air flows in your cabin. The compressor sometimes fails due to several reasons. If it stays for a long without functioning, it is likely to malfunction. 

To avoid this, consider running your AC system full blast at least once a week for up to 18 minutes despite the weather.

Broken/Blocked Condenser

When your AC blows hot instead of cold air, there is a high probability that your condenser is faulty. The condenser plays the role of cooling the refrigerant. The debris, as well as gunk, can block the path of the airflow. When this happens, the refrigerant will not cool down properly, and as a result, your AC will blow in hot air. 

It is simple to fix this problem. First, you need to locate and identify the condenser that is on the front grill and check for blockage or if it is broken. 

Damaged Fan

When your condenser is functioning properly, but your AC still blows hot air, there is a high probability that your fan is faulty. It is easy to check if your fan is faulty. First, you need to open the hood of your truck, start the engine and turn on your AC. 

If you note that your fan is not running, its age can contribute to this. As the fan serves you, it starts to crack, which can lead to its failure. Blown fuses are also another reason that can make your fan stop functioning. 

Wiring Problems

The electrical wiring within your truck can become faulty. Too much heat can melt down the copper or loosen its ends. Exposure to elements can also corrode the wires. You can visually inspect your wires to identify a faulty wire and fix it. If there is a better solution than this, consider taking your truck to a professional for a check-up.

Truck Overheating

If your AC stops to give cool air, check if your truck is overheating. Several reasons can lead to truck overheating and make it difficult for the AC to function effectively.

When you note that your truck is overheating, stop driving immediately and call a professional for help. 

Conclusion,

The air conditioning system is an essential component of your truck. You might not understand its importance during the cold season. But the summer weather will compel you to turn it on, especially when the temperatures of your cabin are extremely high and you need some cooling. Like other parts of your truck, the AC is prone to failure. The above are some common problems related to the AC of your truck. 

Preventing Radiator Leaks In Your Truck

Do you know how you can prevent radiator leaks in your truck? It is never appealing to see leaking under your truck. It does not matter whether the leakage comes from the radiator, water pump, or the cooling system, but it is a sign of something serious worth not ignoring. Fortunately, there are ways you can use to prevent leaks without spending much or performing repairs. The radiator stop leaks flow inside the hoses without narrowing down their sizes. 

The radiator stop leaks are either liquids, pellets, or powder. They are usually poured into the radiator to flow with the coolant. When flowing, it seals the leakages along the cooling system. They also lubricate your water pump together with the seals. Stop leaks are cost-effective in avoiding the headache of taking your truck for a mechanical check and repairing the damages expensively.

The Best Radiator Stop Leaks

Here are some of the best ways to stop radiator leaks you can buy to service your radiator.

K-Seal Coolant Leak Repair

K-seal coolant leak repair works in seconds in offering a tight seal to your cooling system. Using this product is easy and does not require professional intervention. Just buy it and apply it to your cooling system. You can add it when your engine is hot or cold. This feature of working under any temperature makes it time-saving. When adding it to a hot engine, be cautious of hurting yourself. 

The K-seal repair freely mixes with any anti-freeze in your cooling system. Therefore the brand of your truck is not an issue when buying it. When the need arises, it is easy to flush it from the cooling system.

Bar’s Leaks Liquid Aluminum 

Bar’s leak is famous and the best aluminum stop leak. It is a product of various compounds that work jointly to seal leaks and condition your engine. Bar’s leaks are durable and stop leakage in different parts of the radiator made of multiple materials such as aluminum and plastic.

You do not need to flush out your anti-freeze when adding this stop leak. And it is compatible with all kinds of coolants. The downside of this product is applying it, your engine has to idle for at least 20 minutes to seal all the leaking parts.

Blue Magic Radiator and Block Sealer

Blue magic radiator and block sealer is a liquid glass and copper radiator stop leak that permanently repairs all the leaking parts of your cooling system. If you have a heavy-duty truck whose radiator is leaking, this is the best radiator leaks consideration. It is easy to use. Just pour it directly into your radiator, and it will offer a solution within 5 minutes.

The disadvantage of this product is that it works perfectly in big engines and is never clear dry, making it less attractive.

Conclusion

The radiator is a vital part of the cooling system and acts as a point where heat exchange occurs. The hot coolant gets cooled and travels back to the engine. Radiator leaks are common, and it is essential to avoid them as early as possible. Some DIY solutions, such as using radiator leaks solutions, offer a cost-effective solution. The above are some of the reliable radiator leaks solutions to consider.

Defensive Driving Techniques For Truck Drivers

What are some of the defensive driving techniques for trucks? Getting involved in an accident is something that no one anticipates, even safe drivers. So many vehicles use the roads, and you must know what can cause an accident. It is challenging to control the action of other drivers, but defensive driving can protect you from other drivers. Defensive driving reduces the cases of road accidents. Here are some defensive driving techniques worth knowing.

Always Predict Danger

Predicting danger does not put you in a state of anxiety when driving. Being part of defensive driving, it means that you are always prepared in case an accident occurs.

The only way to be prepared is by knowing everything happening before and after you. For instance, if the vehicle in front of you is not consistent in keeping lanes, consider keeping a safe distance. If the vehicle behind you is too close without showing any signs of overtaking, consider widening the gap.

Avoid Distractions When Driving

The only way to drive safely is by avoiding distractions from the cabin of your truck. The distractions you should keep off from are receiving your phone, texting, and chatting while driving.

Listening to music or chatting with your passengers when driving is healthy, but ensure it does not interfere with your concentration on the road.

Be Very Careful in Heavy Traffic

Managing heavy traffic is challenging for both new and experienced drivers. During a traffic jam, people become anxious and angry. However, you must be extremely careful and alert in a traffic jam. Ensure you are safe from the vehicle in front and behind you. Stick your eyes on the road constantly. When you notice any slight motion on the vehicle in front, cover that space by moving.

Never Be Close to Semi – truck

It is relatively difficult to drive large vehicles and trucks, and it is hectic even for professional drivers. Therefore, it is essential to ensure that when in traffic, you are not close to such kinds of vehicles. Never cut them off, but take your time before overtaking them. Be extremely careful with large vehicles during bad weather.

Have Both Hands On the Wheels

Driving using one hand is appealing to most drivers, and they might think it is cool. For proper safety, it is essential to have both hands on the steering. When controlling your steering wheel, you need to have your mind settled and only think of the part of the road you are.

Keep Your Truck In Good Condition

Keeping your truck in good condition might seem out of the topic of discussion. But ensuring your truck works perfect will save you from highway breakdowns. 

Conclusion

Truck drivers and other drivers should know that defensive driving is a lifesaving technique. Defensive driving reduces the chances of occurrence of accidents. Although no one plans for an accident, and even professional drivers get involved, learning defensive is about enhancing road safety. Consider doing it despite how long you have been driving. 

The techniques in this guide are helpful and lifesaving. Consider practicing them to enhance road safety.

Common Power Steering Problems In Trucks & How To Fix Them

Power steering problems are not very common, but they exist. Here we will go through ways of fixing them. Driving a truck is fun only when everything is working perfectly. If you realize an issue with your truck’s handling, taking it for a mechanical check-up as soon as possible is essential. As a truck owner, one area you should always pay attention to is the power steering. It is a mechanism that enables you to handle the steering wheel easily. 

All modern trucks have a power steering system. It comprises a pump, a special fluid, and most definitely hoses. Sometimes the power steering system develops issues such as leakages. This guide discusses some power steering problems and how you can fix them.

Common Power Steering Problems & Their Solution

Here are the common power steering problems worth knowing as a truck owner.

Low Power Steering Fluid

The power steering system has a special fluid that aids in the power transmission to the steering. Sometimes the levels of this fluid go down. If such happens, the power steering pump will make a whining sound. 

To solve this problem, check the level of your power steering fluid. Check the manufacturer’s guide to follow the laid down procedure. If the need arises, consider topping it up yourself or seek the services of a professional mechanic. 

Fluid Leakage

The power steering fluid is the most important part of the power steering system. When you realize that the frequency at which you are topping up the power steering fluid increases, there may be leakages in the system. A common sign of leakage is the presence of fluid under your truck. You will note this when your truck is parked for a while. 

You can fix this by taking your truck for a mechanical check-up to determine the exact cause of the leakage and fix it.

Worn–Out and Loose Belts

When the belts within the power steering system are old and worn out, your truck will produce a screeching sound whenever you turn the wheels. 

When the belts are loose, visit your mechanic for tightening or repositioning. But if they are worn out, you can replace them to restore the perfect working condition of your truck.

Cracks on the Hoses

The hoses play the role of transmission of the power steering fluid. These hoses are made of rubber, and they will develop cracks with time. The power steering fluid will start leaking when the cracks advance and become bigger. 

To prevent this, consider performing a regular inspection to check on the condition of the hoses. If you note any cracks on the hoses, replace them as soon as possible.

Slippage On The Hose Coupling

The hoses and other parts of the powering steering system are joined with the coupling. This coupling may slip with time.

It is easy to see this problem, but it is essential to let a professional mechanic work on it as soon as you note a slippage. 

Conclusion

The power steering system makes it easy to control your truck’s steering wheel. The system has various parts that wear out or experience mechanical problems independently. When such happens, the entire system will not function effectively. It is, therefore, necessary to know the common causes of the power steering systems and the possible solutions, as illustrated in this guide. 

Choosing Paint Sealant For Your Truck

Protecting your truck with a paint sealant will give it an appealing look and stay shiny and clean for a long time after cleaning. It feels good to have a nice-looking truck. When your truck’s paint is exposed, it will start to fade with time, but if you apply paint sealant, your truck will look new every day.

Are you thinking of using a paint sealant for your truck? This guide will give you detailed information starting from what a paint sealant is and how to choose the right one for your truck. 

What is A Truck Paint Sealant?

A truck paint sealant can either be colored or a clear coating that, if you apply to the exterior of your truck, it will repel water and other debris that can make the body of your truck rust. Paint sealant gives the painting of your truck a long lifespan.

A paint sealant’s primary role is to protect your truck’s paint from fading, weathering, or oxidation. It will also protect your truck’s paint from scratches or unnecessary marks. You can apply the paint sealant with your hand or use a machine. After washing your car, adding a paint sealant is the best option.

Choosing Paint Sealant For Your Truck

When choosing the suitable paint sealant for your truck, there are a few things you should put into consideration. Here are some of them.

Time

Before buying the best paint sealant for your truck, ask yourself how much time you are willing to invest when applying it. A cleaner wax is the best option for those who always have a limited time. Traditional waxes and spray coatings are the best for those with reasonable time, as you will need a little preparation to apply them.

Environment

When considering using paint sealant, your environment will play a more significant role in the frequency at which you will apply the paint sealant. If you are living in areas that experience harsh weather conditions, you will need to reapply the paint sealant more often to maintain the paint protection for your truck.

Finish

The final look you want to achieve after applying the paint sealant will be another deciding factor. Some sealants offer a wet look or high gloss, giving your truck an attractive and shiny finish.

Some truck owners love it when their trucks have a mate look since it is not that attention-grabbing and attractive. But still will protect the paint of your truck. It is necessary to consider the kind of look you want to achieve before choosing the right sealant paint. 

Budget

When buying a paint sealant, consider the amount you want to spend. Sealant paints vary depending on the prices. High-quality sealants are relatively expensive, and great chemistry sealants, too, are expensive. Apart from the high quality and great chemistry sealants, other sealants in the market offer great protection at a relatively lower price.

Conclusion

The paintings on your truck can fade or become oxidized. When such happens, your truck will no longer have that attractive look unless you repaint it. Paint sealant protects your truck’s paint from any damage and gives your truck an attractive look. Before choosing a paint sealant, consider the above factors. 

When Should Spark Plug Coils Be Changed?

The ignition system of a truck has various parts, but the spark plugs are popular. Spark plug coils are another essential part worth knowing. The spark plug coil has two coils, and it is this part where the electrical energy from the battery passes through to the spark plugs. The primary role of the spark plug coil is to transform the electrical energy from your truck’s battery into high voltage. It temporarily saves and emits the high voltage current to the spark plug.

The spark plug coil, just like other parts of the engine, also faces tear and wear. At some point, you have to replace them. Knowing when to change the spark plug coil is essential. This guide will let you know when to do it as you read.

When to Change Spark Plug Coils

The spark plug coil should serve you for 100,000 miles. When this mileage is exceeded, you will start experiencing the below signs.

Power Loss

When the spark plug coils cannot transform and supply the required voltage to the spark plugs, combustion in the cylinders will not be effective. In such a situation, your truck will become sluggish and pick up slowly whenever you press the gas pedal. Power loss also results from irregular sparks within the cylinders. 

If you experience power loss and other parts, such as the fuel system, air system, and spark plugs, are working perfectly, consider checking if your spark plug coils need a replacement.

Engine Check Light

The engine of modern trucks has various sensors. The primary function of these sensors is to ensure that the entire system runs smoothly. When the spark plug coils become faulty, the sensors will take this information to the engine control module, which will light an engine check light on the dashboard.

If the engine check light shows on your dashboard, consider taking your truck for a computer check-up to read the error code. If the spark plug coils are the cause, consider replacing them.

Low Fuel Economy

A faulty spark plug coil will not supply inadequate voltage to initiate combustion but also reduce your engine’s performance. When your engine’s performance is poor, your feet will rest on the gas pedal, resulting in high fuel consumption. 

Engine Misfiring 

Your engine will misfire when you press the gas pedal once the spark plug coils become faulty. Engine misfire result from one of the cylinders not functioning effectively or dead.

Engine misfires indicate that your spark plug coils need a replacement. 

Hard Starts

For your engine to function effectively, all processes must be done promptly. For example, when igniting the engine, the fuel and air should get into the cylinder, and spark plugs should cause combustion. All these are timed processes, and if one does not happen within the required timeframe, your engine will become hard to start and sometimes even stall.

Conclusion

The spark plug coils, like other parts of the ignition system. Although they have a longer lifespan, they also wear out. After covering more than 100,000 miles, your spark plug coils will start becoming exhausted and faulty. When such happens, you will experience some of the above signals. When such signs start to develop, consider fixing new ones.

How To Use a Torque Wrench For Spark Plug

Spark plugs need to be firmly held in their place to function effectively and at times you may need a torque wrench to achieve that. When correctly tightened, you can avoid engine performance issues. A common tool when installing and removing spark plugs is a torque wrench. 

Are you removing your spark plugs for the first time? Here is how to do it using a torque wrench. But first, you need to know a torque and torque wrench. 

What is Torque?

You have come across this term before. When buying your truck, two things attracted you, horsepower and torque. So what is torque? It is the measure of the force on an object that will make it rotate. Torque has various SI units, such as newton meter (N.M), pound inch (Ib.in), and pound-foot (Ib.ft)

What is a Torque Wrench?

A torque wrench is a common term you will hear more often when you take your truck for routine servicing or read various guides about performing a given procedure in your truck. In simple terms, a torques wrench is a tool for tightening bolts and nuts. It enables the user to achieve the necessary tension when tightening bolts or nuts. 

A spark plug is a vital part of the engine, and it is essential to apply the correct torque when fixing it. Doing this will let it give you optimum performance.

Using a Torque Wrench For A Spark Plug

The spark plug has to perform effectively for your truck to get adequate horsepower and torque. It is, therefore, essential to tighten it to a given degree to offer the best performance.

There are various brands of spark plugs in the market. And these different brands have multiple specifications about how to fix a new or serviced unit. For example, a given brand may outline the torque necessary when installing a new spark plug and when fitting a serviced unit.

Spark plug manufacturers give different directions regarding fixing a new spark plug and fixing a serviced one because these units differ. One is new, and the other has been in service.

Removing the Spark Plug

When removing your spark plug, a torque wrench is an essential tool. How do you use it? Place the socket of your torque wrench around the spark plug and turn it in an anti-clockwise direction. If done correctly, the spark plug should quickly come out. Sometimes you might experience difficulty when removing your spark plug. The spark plug might be too tight in such a scenario. Stop before breaking it.

Installing a New Spark Plug

First, you need to hand-twist the spark plug in a clockwise direction until it becomes firm. Fit your torque wrench over the spark plug and screw it as per the manufacturer’s specifications.

Never over-tighten the spark plug, as this can damage the engine. Spark plugs need to be firmly held in their place to function effectively and at times you may need a torque wrench to achieve that. head and other parts. In some engines, using a torque wrench is essential for proper indexing.

Conclusion

The spark plug is a delicate part of the engine. One needs to be cautious when working on it, especially fixing it. A torque wrench is essential for fixing and removing a spark plug. When fixing a spark plug using a torque wrench, go through the specifications. 

What is a Sequential Gearbox, & How Does It Work?

High-performance race cars have unique gearboxes that enable them to pick up quickly and is called sequential gearbox. This kind of gearbox is similar to the manual gearbox with some slightly different features and functionality. This guide will teach you what a sequential gearbox is and how it works.

What is a Sequential Gearbox?

Have you ever ridden a motorcycle? In a motorcycle, you shift gears by slightly pressing the gear lever, either up or down, depending on the type of motorcycle. Slightly pressing up and down or clicking the gear lever is the fastest way of shifting gears. A sequential gearbox will let you change gears by clicking the gear level up or down. 

In a sequential gearbox, you will shift gears manually. Though there is an order you must follow, it does not allow you to skip gears like the manual gearbox. The gear selection is unique to the transmission type. You can either up or downshift.

How a Sequential Transmission Works

You understand how sequential transmission works better if you have a basic understanding of how manual transmission works. The five-speed manual transmission gearbox is popular in the automotive industry. 

You will realize that the manual transmission has three forks controlled by three rods. On the outer part, you will see a gear shifter lever connected to the three rods. It is the gear lever that engages the three rods whenever you shift. 

When you look at the shift rod from the top, you will tell what the gears look like in neutral, reverse, first, and second gear. From this is an ‘H’ pattern that enables you to shift smoothly between the control rods of the three forks. You can thus move the rod freely back and forth.

The sequential gearbox works similarly. It has gear selector forks moving the collars to engage and disengage the gears. The difference comes in the manipulation of the control rods. Instead of the ‘H’ pattern, it has a different motion.

In race cars, you can shift the lever by pushing it forward or pulling it backwards and Up or down. Pushing the shifter forward lets you move to a higher gear, for example, from 2 to 3. If you want to drop the gears from 3 to 2, you only need to pull the gear lever backwards.

The formula One car has two paddles on both sides of the steering wheel. The left paddle shifts up while the right pedal shifts downwards. A motorcycle has only a single shifter that you can pull or push to change gears. The difference is that you will do everything with your foot. 

The up and down or pull and push motion aims to rotate the ratcheting drum. Moving the lever increases the rate at which the drum rotates. The rotation initiates the rods to move as per the grooves in the drum as you change the gears.

Conclusion

The working principle of a sequential gearbox is almost similar to the manual gearbox. In both, you will shift the gears by touching the shifter. The difference is that you can skip the gears in the manual gearbox, but this is impossible in a sequential gearbox. You have to move from one gear to another. Such a sequence is the origin of the name sequential. 

Symptoms of Overtightened Spark Plugs

What are the effects and symptoms of overtightened spark plugs? Truck maintenance is a balancing act and might develop serious issues when it goes past the service date. Also, overdoing maintenance can lead to other financially draining problems.

Trucks are complex engineering art. Thus, you must be extremely careful when replacing or fixing a new part. If whatever you are installing fits the wrong way, the performance of your truck can go down.

Spark plugs as part of the ignition system and electrical component. It is partially inside the cylinder and partially outside. It means it occupies a hole for better anchorage and is tightened at the top of the cylinder. Upon reading this guide, you will be able to know some notable symptoms of an overtightened cylinder.

When your truck has an overtightened spark plug, it will not respond even if you try to loosen it using a wrench. 

Some spark plugs have specific guidelines for installation and re-installation. If you do not adhere to the guidelines can over-tighten the spark plug. 

Signs of Overtightened Spark Plugs

The spark plugs can be a little tight to function effectively. But it would be best if you exerted a little pressure for it to be held firmly on the head of the engine. 

Hard To Remove

It is not easy to remove overtightened spark plugs. But sometimes, it completely fails to come out. This might give you a feeling that the spark plug has been plastered on the cylinder head. When rusty or having debris, it will be hard to remove.

Destroyed Cylinder Head

The bolt hole on the cylinder head that lets the spark plug in the cylinder should be intact. In case of stripping or deformation, you can’t install a new one. Overtighted spark plugs can destroy the bolt hole if you try to remove it. This will lead to expensive repairs. Substantial damage on the cylinder head indicates that pulling the spark plug will not be easy.

Debris In the Cylinder

Apart from valves, a cylinder has two openings on the top and the bottom. The bottom opening is sealed with the pistons, while the top is sealed with the sparkplugs. These are the main areas that can allow debris inside the combustion chamber. A plug insulator or electrode is the typical junk that gets into the combustion chamber. 

When such debris is in the cylinder, it can harm the surrounding parts or the surfaces they hit against. Spark plugs are some of the parts that can face damage. When such happens, it will be challenging to remove your spark plugs.

The erratic motor will warn when your spark plug is poorly installed. When it gives a warning, you might find your spark plug loose. In such a case, tightening it will be helpful. But it becomes tricky when you realize that there is an ovetightened spark plugs on your truck.

Conclusion

When installing or servicing an existing spark plug, it is essential to know some guidelines for tightening it. Various brands have unique ways of tightening a newly installed spark plug and a serviced or preinstalled unit. Failure to adhere to the specifications can lead to overtightened spark plugs.

Brake Maintenance Tips For Truck Owners

In this guide, we will go through some tips on auto brake maintenance. Truck brakes are essential life-saving components. Although they are life-saving, brakes usually wear out more often. It is thus necessary to learn simple ways to maintain your brake system and troubleshoot any part-developing problems as early as possible. 

Truck Brake Maintenance

When your brakes are in good working condition, they function without making any noise or squealing sound. But brake maintenance is something you need to have in mind. You will also stop effortlessly without pressing the brake pedal to the floor. 

Whenever you hear a grinding sound when pressing your brake pedals, it indicates that they are in critical condition. In such a situation, your brakes are worn out, and you should immediately head to the auto repair shop

Consider troubleshooting the issue when your brake pedal feels soft, or you hear noises when braking. 

You will need to check your brake fluid. If it is low, it might be the cause and the solution to this topping it up.

If it still needs to be fixed, take your truck for a test drive and pump the brake pedal while driving. Doing this will fix the issue. 

If pumping the brakes does not solve this, consider driving down the block and stopping your truck. Listen for noises and vibrations on the steering wheel or even a drift when braking. Doing this will enable you to describe the issue to the mechanic, who will fix it. 

Replacing The Brake Pads

As pat of regular brake maintenance, you need to conside replacing brake pads. Brake pads are part of the braking system prone to wear and tear. When they are worn out and old, your truck will not be able to brake properly. It is thus essential to replace them when they show signs of wearing out. 

If you can replace your tires, replacing the brake pads should not stress you. 

Walk to the nearest auto parts shop and purchase the brake pads that fit your truck make and model. Lift your truck using a jack to remove the tire lug and pull out the wheel. Doing this will give you an easy time working on your brake caliper. Remove the bolt from the brake caliper and push it up. Doing this will expose the brake pad.

The brake pads are held firmly in place with the retaining clips. You can remove the clips and pull out the brake pads. 

Push the new brake pads and press the retaining clips to hold them firmly. The pads usually snap when they are in the correct position. Grease the brake pad clips to prevent squeaks. 

Push the brake pistons into their place, then fit the brake caliper on the brake pads. The pistons should be past the brake pads, and you can achieve this by using hard objects to push them past the brake pads. After doing this, attach the brake caliper and bolt. After ensuring everything is in the right place, consider reattaching the wheel. 

Conclusion

As a truck owner, you must know some brake maintenance tips. The braking system is not complex, and you can easily troubleshoot and fix most of its parts without the help of a professional mechanic. This guide has the essential information to service and maintain your brakes. Servicing your brakes will keep your truck at its peak performance and efficiency. 

Is It Necessary to Torque Spark Plugs?

Do you know why you may need to torque spark plugs of your truck? The spark plugs are a vital part of the ignition system for petrol engines. It plays two main functions, ignition to initiate combustion and moving away heat from the combustion chamber. Installing spark plugs is relatively easy, but only for skilled technicians. Applying the correct torque when changing spark plugs might take much work. Upon reading this guide, you can tell if it is necessary to torque spark plugs.

Why Torque Spark Plug Matters

While working on your truck, you will find yourself rushing the process. You will want to finish very fast so that you do other activities. But you can’t rush more because this can land you into problems that will drain you financially. When working on spark plugs, taking time and being cautious are essential. 

You will need to be careful when tightening the spark plugs, and failure to do so can give birth to severe issues. Consider using your fingers to tighten the spark plugs before using a torque wrench. In case you have no torque wrench, tighten it according to the manufacturer’s guide. If your spark plugs are too tight or loose, you will experience several issues. 

Too Loose Spark Plugs

You will notice immediately if your spark plugs need to be well-tightened. The cylinder with the loose spark plug will die. Why? The fuel-air mixture in the cylinder will receive a lower voltage necessary to initiate combustion. 

You will experience pre-ignition issues, engine misfires, and weak acceleration. The worst that can happen is an engine knock. When you feel any of the above problems, check if your spark plugs are loose and tighten them. 

Too Tight Spark Plugs

Tightly tightening your spark plugs can also result in various issues. When overtightening your spark plugs, remember you will need to remove them in the future. Spark plugs will stick and become hard to remove when you overtighten them, which can cause damage to the cylinder as you struggle to loosen them. 

The spark plugs can also break if tightly tightened. A foreign object will find itself in the combustion chamber if they break. Such an object will knock and damage the cylinder walls and other components. 

Do you Need to Torque Spark Plugs?

It is necessary to torque your spark plugs as long you do not over-tighten or loosely attach them. It is difficult to determine if you have not over-tightened your spark plugs. This is the reason why most people prefer using a torque wrench.

When installing spark plugs without a torque wrench, consider having the ½ turn measurement in your mind. After tightening the spark plugs using your hands, adding ½ turn is enough to tighten your spark plug.

You will require more torque and effort during the uninstallation of the spark plugs. This is because the spark plug wires sustain minor damages that tighten them.

Conclusion

Spark plugs are a delicate part of the ignition system, but you must handle them. You will have to torque spark plugs when removing or installing them. Most people prefer using a torque wrench when handling spark plugs. Remember the ½ turn rule during installation if you do not have a torque wrench.

How To Stop Power Steering Box Leak In A Truck

Every truck owner with basic automotive experience knows the power steering pump’s reaction when the power steering fluid level drops due to leakages. When your power steering fluid leaks, the power steering pump will be the first to react to the low levels and let you know. 

When a power steering is functioning without enough power steering fluid, your truck will suffer serious damages that are costly to fix. It is, therefore, essential to react very fast whenever the power steering pump warns that the power steering fluid is running low.

Stopping Power Steering Leaks

Consider doing the following to stop your power steering fluid from leaking.

Take Your Truck for a Drive

Drive your truck while paying attention to the way it is steering. When your power steering is faulty, you will notice it when driving at lower speeds, especially in the parking area. Turn your steering to the right and left sides as you listen to whining sounds. Sometimes, the wheel might be hard to turn at low speed, or you can feel a mini-burst from the steering rack.

Clean the Power Steering System

Consider cleaning the power steering lines, steering rack, and reservoir. Doing this is the simplest way of identifying leaks within the system. Wipe all the surfaces using a cloth, go for a short drive and check for leaks. The power steering circuit will never leak when the engine is off. Driving activates the system and enables it to function under the required pressure.

Check the Fluid Level

Every manufacturer has specific instructions to check the levels of power steering fluids. Consider going through such instructions before you start checking the level of the power steering fluid. The simplest way of checking the power steering fluid level is by removing the reservoir cap and using a dipstick to determine the levels. Maintaining the steering fluid level is essential because many vehicles have a smaller quantity of steering fluid.

Most power steering system in trucks does not need servicing. Ensuring the level of the liquid is correct is important. Whenever you realize that your power steering fluid is dropping very fast or note leakages, never tense. The power steering system is unique because it will need a physical repair on rare occasions. So in case of leakages, use products that prevent it from leaking.

Take an Immediate Action

Automotive fluids play an essential role in your truck. Experiencing leakages is common. When you notice your power steering system is leaking, never wait for all of it to leak out but take immediate action. Such leakages can lead to damages that are costly to repair when ignored. 

Conclusion

It is essential to do a regular check-up on the levels of the transmission fluid. Doing it is not complex and takes the minimum time possible. You will note a problem with the power steering when driving your truck at low speed. The power steering only functions when the engine is on. The tips in this guide will let you determine and stop power steering leakages.

Symptoms of A Faulty Mass Airflow Sensor

The mass airflow sensor is one of the critical components of the electronic fuel injection system of your truck. It is between the air filter and the intake manifold of the engine. In some trucks, the intake air temperature sensor is within the mass airflow sensor. 

Various types of mass airflow sensors require different types of maintenance. The digital sensors send frequency output. On the other hand, the analog mass airflow sensors produce variable voltage output. Both frequency and voltage output are sent to the engine control module that aids in regulating the air-fuel mixture.

Mass airflow sensor measures the air mass that flows into the engine intake of your truck. Such measurement is essential in calculating the necessary fuel for proper combustion in the cylinders. A faulty mass airflow sensor makes it difficult for the engine control module to calculate the fuel injection correctly. When such happens, your truck will experience various issues.

Signs of a Failing Mass Airflow Sensor

The mass airflow sensor degrades and becomes faulty with time. The degradation is because it is constantly exposed to moving air, full of exhaust fumes, dust, and debris. Such makes it too dirty to keep working flawlessly. When the mass airflow sensor is faulty, it will likely show a code B1479. And below are some of the common symptoms. 

Check Engine Light

The appearance of the check engine on your dashboard is adequate evidence that something is wrong with your mass airflow sensor. The sensor can either be faulty or dead. Consider taking your truck to a professional to determine the issue in such a scenario.

Emission of Black Smoke

The emission of black smoke is evidence of an imbalance of the air mass in your engine. When your mass airflow is faulty, your engine will receive inadequate air, leading to excess fuel burning. 

Engine Missfire

When inadequate air flows into the combustion chamber, your engine will misfire or rough. Such results from the power train control module needing to know the much-required fuel to keep your engine running. Such creates uneven combustion that leads to engine misfires.

Hard Start

An imbalance in the air-to-fuel ratio makes it difficult to start your truck. When such happens, you will experience a hard start, or sometimes your truck will not start until you fix the problem. Therefore, seeking a professional’s services is essential to fix the faulty sensor. 

Poor Fuel Economy

If you realize that the rate at which your truck consumes fuel has recently gone high, it could signal a serious issue. A faulty mass airflow could send inaccurate information to the powertrain control module, making your truck burn too much fuel.

Conclusion

Monitoring the air that flows to the combustion chamber is essential, enabling the engine to determine the right amount of fuel for adequate combustion. The mass airflow sensor measures the fuel flow into the engine’s combustion chamber. 

When this sensor becomes faulty, your truck will experience several issues, such as the ones discussed above. If you note any of them in your truck, take it to a professional to check and fix your mass airflow sensor.

The Effects Of Cold Temperature On Your Truck

What are the effects of cold temperature on a vehicle? The extreme winter cold strains most parts of your Truck, such as the engine and also creates hazardous driving conditions. In case you have parked your truck in the garage or on the street, it is essential to know the extreme effects cold weather has on your engine. Here are some of the effects of severe colds on your truck. 

Effects Of Cold Temperature On Your Truck

Even though most truck owners live in areas that experience winter, not all of them know the adverse effects of cold on their trucks. Therefore, changing and giving your truck proper care during winter is essential. Doing this will protect your truck from damages related to cold weather. After reading this guide, you will understand the effects of cold weather on your truck.

Corrosion

The metallic body of your truck can get serious damage from the salt used to melt snow on the roads during winter. As you keep driving during winter, more salt accumulates in the brakes, wheels, and undercarriage. 

To avoid rust, consider washing your truck regularly with an emphasis on the abovementioned parts. Never wipe the salt and scratch your car.

Little or No Traction

When the temperatures are low, tire pressure goes down after driving for a short while. Similarly, during summer, the tires warm up and gain pressure. All-season tires become hard when the temperature drops. The constant deflation and inflation and the freezing of tires interfere with them, leading to loss of traction. Winter tires are the best to guard against this since they are soft and stick on the road during winter.

Reduced Fuel Economy

During winter, trucks usually struggle, and the engine finds it hard to function normally. For this reason, you will realize that the fuel you will be spending will go high. Loss of traction makes your truck move slowly and thus consumes more fuel. Leaving your truck to idle also leads to an increase in fuel consumption.

Thickening Fluids

During winter, fluids like engine oil, transmission fluid, and antifreeze will thicken. Thickening makes such fluids not flow freely during winter, which can lead to engine malfunction. Consider topping up fluids before winter starts.

Cold Can Crack Your Engine Block

The frozen coolant can easily cause cracks in your engine block. Use a float-ball tester to check the freeze–up protection. Using the right coolant can save and protect your engine from cracking. Avoid mixing the regular green 2 – year antifreeze with long–life coolant since this solution results in a shorter lifespan. 

Conclusion

Living in areas experiencing winter is normal, but you never know the effects of cold temperature on your truck. Once you own one, it is essential to know the possible effects all seasons have on it. Cold season is the toughest and you should take care of your truck to give you a reliable and long service span. Consider following the tips in this guide, so you spend less to maintain your truck during and after winter. Another golden tip, let the experts handle and take care of your truck during winter. 

Car Tire Safety Tips & Maintenance

In this guide, you shall learn tire safety tips and maintenance. Tires are an essential part of a car, and the tires anchor the entire weight of your car. It is also the part that is in constant contact with the road. It is thus essential to ensure that your tires are in perfect working condition.

Tire Wear

Tires have a lifespan, which can be affected by poor maintenance that can lead to tire blowouts or even flat tires. It is thus essential to perform a regular visual tire inspection to ensure tire safety. During this process, watch out for the below signs.

Over Inflation

Too much pressure in the tires indicates that the middle part of the tires comes into contact with the road. The central tread thus wears out very fast compared to the edges of your tire.

Under Inflation

When there is inadequate air pressure, the edges of your tires will come into contact with the road. More wear will be on the edges of your tires.

Tread Wear on a Single Edge

A tread wear on a single edge indicates poor wheel alignment.

Inconsistent Tread Wear

Did you know that something as simple as tire treads can improve tire safety? Uneven wear is called cupping, indicates a poor balance, and calls for replacing your suspension system.

When Driving, Watch Out For These Signs.

A Sideways Pull

Driving constantly and feeling your car pulling on one side indicates underinflation and bad wheel alignment.

Thumping Noises or Vibrations

When driving and feeling vibration, your tires might be poorly balanced, or the treads might be flat on a section of the tires. 

How To Check Tire Pressure

  • Locate the valve cap on your wheel and remove it.
  • Put the gauge over the valve stream of your tire and press it until you don’t feel any escaping air.
  • Make necessary adjustments when you feel the pressure is low or high. 
  • Place the tire valve cap back.
  • Perform this procedure on all your tires.

Tire Maintenance

There are various maintenance procedures you can perform on your tires. All these should be done by a professional since it involves special skills. These are the essential activities involved in tire maintenance.

Tire Rotation

Any vehicle’s rear and front tires do not operate identically due to their precise braking and steering functions. The wearing patterns of the wheels of your vehicle will never be similar.

It is thus essential to perform tire rotation for maximum lifespan and performance. Consider performing tire rotation after covering at most 7,000 miles.

Tire Balancing

Tire balancing will reduce uneven tire wear and increase your car’s life span and performance. Well-balanced tires do not vibrate when turning. It is essential to perform tire balancing whenever you remove your tires for minor and major repairs. 

Conclusion

Tires are the foundation of your car. When the foundation is poor, you will experience many issues with your car. It is thus essential to know some of the visible signs of tire wear and the signs you will experience when driving. When buying new tires, consider checking their expiry date and always install the right tire for the season. 

What Are Diesel Additives & Should I Use It?

Various innovations such as the use of diesel additives have taken place in diesel engine technology, making it more efficient. Such an efficient engine requires high-quality diesel fuel that can withstand the high demands of the latest diesel engines to offer the best performance and fuel economy. Reducing diesel engine emission emissions has led to the production of low-sulfur diesel fuel.

The refining and modifications made to the diesel fuel have made it lose its ability to lubricate your engine naturally. To restore the lubrication nature of diesel fuel, you have to use sophisticated additives to improve the performance of your engine.

Should I Use it?

Many people believe that diesel additives improve your diesel engine’s performance and fuel economy. But, in reality, diesel additives offer a wider range of benefits. When deciding about the benefits of using diesel fuel additives, consider the issues that can result from substandard and the use of untreated diesel. These are the most common issues worth knowing.

Corrosion and Contamination

Diesel fuel degrades when it sits in your fuel tank for a long. When this happens, it leads to the accumulation of excess water in your system—the moisture within your fuel results in the accumulation of contaminants such as dirt particles and bacterial microbes. 

The contaminated fuel interferes with the combustion rate in the cylinders and can also damage your engine. Excess water in the fuel leads to rust and corrosion in your fuel system.

Engine Vibration and Wear

Untreated diesel fuel triggers excess abrasion and wearing of the engine parts. When this happens, the operation cost of your engine goes up as you will need to replace the parts more often.

Starting Issues

The initial ignition of heavier fuel is difficult compared to a lighter one. Although all engines experience starting problems, they become rampant when using untreated diesel. Incomplete or poor combustion in the engine leads to high fuel consumption, low power, emission of much smoke, and deposit formation on various engine parts.

Cleanliness

The excess deposits from untreated diesel can clog the fuel line, interfering with the fuel flow from the tank to the engine. When this happens, your engine will wear out, leading to costly and time-consuming repairs. Fuel additives reduce the accumulation of deposits and prevent diesel fuel from becoming thick when it sits in the tank for longer periods.

Using untreated and substandard diesel fuel has the above drawbacks to your engine. Consider using diesel additives as a preventive method instead of spending time and money repairing damages resulting from untreated diesel fuel. Diesel additives enhance the quality and aid in the following.

  • Additives reduce the cost and time wastage on engine repairs.
  • Keeps your diesel clean and efficient.
  • It improves combustion and prevents problems related to starting your engine.
  • It reduces the wear and tear of the engine components.

Conclusion

Diesel fuel is popular due to several advantages in comparison to petrol fuel. It can generate much energy and also offer protection to the engine. When using diesel fuel, it is essential to use a treated one. Untreated diesel exposes your engine to various risks worth avoiding. 

Top Reasons To Monitor The Engine Of Your Truck

Do you monitor the engine of your truck? If so, why do you do that? The engine is the powerhouse and the brain of your truck. It is where combustion takes place, and a number of sensors are within the engine. Its temperature can sometimes fluctuate depending on the conditions under which it is operating. However, the temperature of the engines should be roughly between 195 degrees and 220 degrees. The temperature gauge needle should maintain a stand in the middle. 

Causes of High Engine Temperature

High temperatures are risky for your engines, and it is thus necessary to monitor the engine temperature of your truck. Here are the common causes of the rise in your engine’s temperature.

Coolant Leakage

When the truck’s coolant leaks, you will feel a sweet smell and see a colored fluid from your truck. Leakages reduce the quantity of the coolant, and as a result, your truck will heat up.

Less or Old Oil

Engine oil plays two significant roles, lubricating all the moving parts within the engine and cooling the engine. When its quantity goes down, it will not perform these roles. Besides combustion, too much friction will exist in the engine leading to an increase in the engine temperature.

Faulty Radiator

The radiators cool the hot coolant from the engine. When the radiator fan is faulty, it will not cool down the hot coolant from the engine.

 Faulty Thermostat 

The truck thermostat regulates the temperature, just like the thermostat in a home. However, when the thermostat fails, it causes harm to the engine since the coolant doesn’t flow effectively.

Effects of High Engine Temperature

Engine knocking

Engine knocking is a result of premature engine combustion inside a cylinder. It adds a lot of strain and stress to the engine. It is risky to continue driving when the engine detonates as it may damage the rings, piston, and rod bearings. Thus, regular checking may reduce the rate of engine detonation.

Cracking of cylinder heads

When the engine is overheated, cylinder heads expand and may crack with time. In the case of Aluminium, a common material for making cylinder heads, it swells three times faster than cast iron when exposed to high temperatures.

The Explosion of The Radiator

When the engine temperature is high, the coolant boils. Hot coolant can lead to the explosion of the lead of the radiator tank. Hoses can blow off their clamps and even burst. When such happens, your radiator will be ruined, and you might end up replacing the entire cooling system.

Cracks On the Engine Block

The cylinder heads cause the engine, gaskets, and pistons to expand and contract. Cracks form as a result of the contraction and expansion of the machine as it overheats for an extended period. They lead to fluid leakage and loss of compression. 

Conclusion 

It is essential to monitor the engine temperature. For this reason, modern engine trucks have a temperature sensor that monitors the engine’s working temperature and notifies you when it is high or low. When it is high, consider checking if the abovementioned areas work perfectly.

The engine temperature drops, especially during winter. When this happens, fluids within the engine might freeze. During cold seasons, it is necessary to turn on your truck and let the engine warm up.

What is a Bobtail Truck & Is it Dangerous?

What is a bobtail truck and is it dangerous? The 26-wheelers usually have the head and trailer in heavy commercial trucks. The two are separable. Therefore, if you commonly spot a particular truck with various trailers such as containers, tankers, or even dumpers on different days, this is why. Bob tails trucks are common on the roads and vital for the economy of the transport industry and other sectors. But bobtail trucks possess much risk on our roads.

When a bobtail truck is involved in an accident, it is deadly and catastrophic. Due to this, drivers need extra training and enlightenment to maintain road safety. Although truck drivers undergo special training, road accidents involving trailers are common, especially when the truck is bobtailing.

What’s truck Bobtailing?

When a truck is not towing any trailer, it is in bobtailing mode. Such trucks are common when the drivers are going for cargo or after delivering the cargo to the destination. Trailers have mighty engines to tow heavy trailers in any terrain. When it has nothing to pull, the power only drives the head. The excess power makes such trailers relatively harder to control as compared to when it is loaded. 

Deadheading is another common term, and it is different from bobtailing. Deadheading refers to hauling an empty trailer.

Dangers of Bobtail Trucks

Bobtail trucks are dangerous on the roads, and it is not easy to control and brake when driving a bobtail truck. Therefore, drivers need to be extremely cautious.

Right from the industry, trucks are made to tow heavy trailers. For this reason, most of their braking power lies in the rear axle under the trailer. The rear axle has no weight when a trailer is in bobtail mode, reducing braking power.

A better percentage of the weight of a bobtail truck lies on the front axle, and the sole purpose of the front axle in a truck is steering, not braking. The bobtail trucks, therefore, are vulnerable to skidding in sharp bends or if the driver makes a sharp turn.

Bobtail trucks have a longer braking distance despite the reduced weight. When you spot such trucks, never follow them closely, and do not allow them closer to your car. The longer braking distance makes them vulnerable to collision whenever the driver applies brakes.

As much as the safety of truck drivers is a priority, no state prohibits bobtailing. The truck must drop and go for cargo. Therefore, a truck has to travel without a load.

Truck drivers usually undergo special training, but training only becomes efficient when you regularly put into practice what you have learned. Several drivers have less experience when it comes to handling bobtail trucks, and this is the reason why most truck accidents involve bobtail trucks.

Conclusion

Bobtail trucks are common on the roads. Most of them are either going for cargo or are from cargo delivery. Trucks carry heavy loads, and as a result of this, their braking power is at the trailer’s rear axle. A bobtail has no trailer. As a result, it has lesser braking power. This makes bobtail trucks relatively tricky to handle.

When Should You Change Paint Sealant For Your Truck?

Nobody out there is using paint sealant on their trucks, and they are just looking fine. So, is it necessary to do it? Your truck’s paint will never fade out if you do not wax the truck. But, it will age quickly in the next 5 to 10 years. It is, therefore, essential to protect the paint of your truck. Here is why your truck needs paint protection.

Defense

The clear coat on your truck is very thin and measures about 1.5 to 2 microns thick. It is easier for the clear coat to get scratched. Being thin, the scratches also reach the underneath coat. When this happens, you will need to repaint your truck to restore its original look. 

Besides scratches, dangerous ultraviolet rays can crack your truck’s paint, making it fade or oxidize. If it’s long since you took your truck for cleaning, tough stains will react to the sun, which will burn the clear coat.

With time, dirt accumulation, scratches, and UV rays from the sun will fade the color of your truck, and it will no longer shine. What’s the solution? Paint protection is the solution. The paint sealant forms a layer of barrier on the surface of your truck. This layer will protect the clear coat from damage. Apart from protection, your truck will look as new as it was when you bought it.

Cleans Up Nicely

Paint sealant not only protects your truck from external or environmental damages. But it also makes it easy to rinse or wash off dirt from your truck.

The sealants create a slippery surface that makes it difficult for dirt to stick to the body of your truck. When tough stains like tar or bird droppings come in contact with the body of your truck, you will only need soap and water to wipe them off.

Most products used as sealants repel water. After washing and rinsing your truck, no water will stick on the surface, giving your truck a spotless dry. 

When to Use Paint Protection On Your Truck

Consider applying paint sealant after washing and drying your truck. Before using paint protection, ensure the surface is sparkling clean. Doing this will remove the abrasive soil and other debris that the sealant might seal on the surface of your truck.

First-timers should take between 5 – 10 minutes to apply the paint sealant. Using spray waxes is easy. Make 1 to 2 sprays, then wipe them using a microfiber cloth. If you want to create a deeper shine, consider learning how to use DA polishers.

Ensure you regularly use the type of paint sealant you have chosen. Natural waxes have a lifespan of three months, so it is necessary to reapply after every three months. The ceramic coatings and graphene waxes have a lifespan of 1 year.

Conclusion

Using paint sealant gives your truck extra protection and maintains its fresh minty look. When applying any sealant, you must wash and let your truck dry. Applying a sealant on a dirty surface will trap the dirt, which will not give your truck an appealing look.

How To Save Fuel in The Winter

Winter season is challenging for most truck drivers but would you like to know how you can save fuel during this period? It is during this time that fuel efficiency drops drastically. The drop-in fuel efficiency is a result of temperature decreases. Gasoline-powered trucks experience a 12% drop in gas mileage whenever the temperatures drop to 20 degrees. 

Here are some of the reasons that you may want to save fuel in winter.

  • After ignition, the engine will need more time to reach its optimal-efficient temperature. 
  • The reduced tire pressure during winter reduces the traction of your tires, and this increases road resistance which leads to an increase in fuel consumption.
  • The gasoline at the filling station during winter provides less power per gallon compared to regular gasoline.
  • The cold air causes drag at higher speeds, referred to as aerodynamics, affecting your truck’s fuel efficiency.
  • During winter, you will rely on heated seats and a defroster. These two features draw much power from the engine, thus interfering with your truck’s fuel efficiency. 

Despite all these reasons for the drop in fuel efficiency during winter, there are several practices you can adopt as a driver to save fuel for your truck. Here are some tips worth putting into consideration.

Combine All Your Trips Rather Than Taking Several Trips In a Day

During winter, the engine takes time to reach its fuel-efficient temperature. If you have several errands to run, your engine will use much fuel to heat up during stops. Consider combining these trips to reduce the stops and unnecessary wastage of fuel. 

Check Your Tires

The correct tire pressure during winter can help save fuel. Always use a gauge check to ensure you have the right tire pressure and tread depth for maximum traction. Always fill up your tires with the recommended pressure to boost fuel efficiency. 

Reduce The Features That Reduces Air Resistance

If your truck has a rack, it is of great importance during summer, it can be one of the causes of a drop in fuel efficiency during winter. A large rooftop cargo box can reduce your fuel economy by 2 – 8%, depending on its size. Consider removing your rack and rooftop cargo box during winter to increase fuel efficiency.

Reduce Your Idling

If you love starting your truck and letting the engine run for 10 minutes before leaving, drop this habit during winter if you want the best fuel efficiency. Most drivers understand that the engine warms up when idling. It sounds true, but most truck manufacturers say it is not necessary. Instead, start your engine, and within 30 seconds, it shall have gained the optimal operational temperature.

Check the Type of Engine Oil

Your engine will need different motor oil when the season changes. During winter, consider using engine oil the best engine oil that will not become thick. Synthetic motor oil is the best during the extreme winter season. Synthetic engine oil will protect your truck from a cold start and increase fuel efficiency.

Conclusion

During winter, the cost of running and maintenance usually go up. The amount you will spend at the filling will also skyrocket. The increase in fuel consumption rate is due to weather changes that make your engine demand more to perform. But you can save fuel by putting into consideration the above practices. 

Why Big Trucks Use Diesel Engines

The invention of diesel engines can be traced back to the industrial revolution. An engineer who invented the refrigerator came up with the diesel-powered engine. To date, technology has gained popularity, especially in the motor industry. Big or heavy-duty trucks rely on compression to tow and haul heavy cargo, and most use diesel engines.

Despite the popularity of diesel engines in the automotive industry, many people need to understand why big trucks use diesel engines. Diesel and petrol are both fossil fuels that are hydrocarbons. But what is the difference? One is denser than the other.

Diesel is denser than petrol. To know more about why big trucks are diesel-powered. Keep reading this guide.

Diesel Engines Have a Higher Life Expectancy

Big trucks carry heavy loads and travel for longer distances. Therefore, they require high maintenance. Diesel engines are preferred because they do not require regular maintenance like gasoline-powered engines. You only need to stick to the service maintenance. Since diesel-powered engines emit less heat than gasoline-powered engines, this causes the metals in the engines not to wear out faster, leading to a longer lifespan.

Diesel Engines Are More Efficient

Big trucks need a quicker ignition achieved by higher temperatures. In the case of a diesel-powered engine, its size does not determine its efficiency. Even though the diesel engine is small, it still can provide a more significant efficiency. In big trucks, slow-combustion diesel is more efficient and can burn at a moderate temperature producing the needed efficient power to run a loaded truck.

Diesel Engines Are Cleaner 

As opposed to decades ago, when diesel fuel was seen to be a significant pollutant of the environment, technology has now improved the consumers’ demand by introducing cleaner fuel. Initially, diesel fuel had higher levels of sulfur, and the emission of sooty fumes was common in diesel trucks. Today diesel fuel has a lesser sulfur concentration and minimal soot. It has helped big trucks powered by diesel engines to minimize and prevent pollution.

Diesel Engines Achieve a Higher Torque

Big trucks require a greater force to turn the engine, even at slower speeds. However, this is advantageous for a diesel-powered engine since it can achieve a higher torque at a low speed. The combustion of diesel fuel is slower than that of petrol. Diesel being heavy and burns at a lower rate makes diesel-powered trucks economical in fuel consumption, but it produces massive energy necessary for towing heavy loads.

Diesel Engines Give The Best Compression Ratio

The vibration and compression levels are ideal when fitting engines in cars. However, the invention of advanced engines has lowered the harshness, vibration, and noise in trucks. In trucks, the vibrations are evenly distributed due to their bulkiness and huge nature. Their higher compression ratio helps in self-ignition without spark plugs.

Conclusion 

It is best to use diesel-powered engines in big trucks since they are more reliable and durable than gasoline. Still, failure to keep up with regular maintenance leads to a mechanical breakdown, which is very costly. The diesel mechanics are too expensive.

However, the advantages outshine the disadvantages. Thus, making diesel-powered engines ideal for heavy trucks.

When Do Spark Plugs Need To Be Changed In a Truck

Most truck owners believe that the problem lies with the battery when they have starting difficulty but the reality is that spark plugs could be the cause. At the same time, this can be the case, but there are other reasons for starting issues. A faulty spark plug can also make it hard for your engine to start and run effectively. 

The spark plugs are small but perform an elephant role to start and run the engine. It is the role of the spark plug to initiate the combustion of gasoline and air in the cylinders. Internal combustion engines greatly depend on this to generate power to cause motion.

The spark plugs, therefore, need to be in good condition to offer a reliable performance. These signs show an ideal time to change the spark plugs.

The Check Engine Light

Modern engines have several sensors that monitor how they function. It is the responsibility of these sensors to give a warning if a specific part of the engine becomes faulty. When the spark plug of your truck is faulty, the sensor will take the information to the engine control module, which will, in turn, show an engine check light on the dashboard of your engine.

When an engine misfire accompanies the check light, it is evident that your spark plug is faulty. A lashing engine check light signals a severe issue worth not ignoring. 

Troubles When Starting Your Truck

The spark plugs provide the spark that initiates the combustion in the engine. When they are old or worn out, it becomes hard for them to generate a spark that initiates combustion. You will experience difficulty when starting your engine, and sometimes your truck can stall on the highway. When this happens, consider checking and replacing your spark plugs.

Poor Fuel Economy

When the spark plugs are in their last stages of failure, your truck will consume a lot of fuel. Worn-out spark plugs will not generate the adequate spark to burn fuel in the engine, therefore, the excess fuel will move to the exhaust system.

Rough Idle

It is essential to let your truck idle, and when idling, you will quickly notice if your engine is healthy or if something is amiss. If your spark plugs become faulty, your truck will develop a rough idling. The engine will produce rattling or pinging sounds. When you notice this, consider checking and replacing your spark plugs.

Slow Acceleration

When your spark plug is faulty, you will note your truck is taking time to accelerate whenever you press the gas pedal. A faulty spark plug will not be able to generate sparks to cause combustion in the cylinders. An internal combustion engine depends on the combustion of gasoline and air in the cylinder to generate power.

 When you press the gas pedal, more gasoline moves to the combustion chamber, and equally, the air supply also goes up. If your spark plug is healthy, it will effectively generate a spark to burn all the air-fuel mixture. 

Conclusion

The role that spark plugs play categorizes them as the part of an engine that needs regular inspection and maintenance. The above are the signs you will note when your truck needs new spark plugs. Manufacturers also recommend changing spark plugs after 80,000 miles.