Tag: truck maintenance

How Long Should an Air Filter Last?

How Long Should an Air Filter Last?

All internal combustion engines require air to function. The fuel cannot burn on its own to generate energy, oxygen supports combustion, and it is not easy for air to access the cylinders unless injected. The engine is very delicate, and any percentage of impurity can damage it. The air getting into the engine has to be clean. If not, all the debris and dirt accompanying the air will come into contact with the engine resulting in reduced engine performance and an increased rate at which your engine will wear out. How long should an air filter last before needing to be replaced? Here is a guide to that and how to go about it.

The engine strains a lot when it does not receive adequate air, the fuel in the combustion chamber will not burn effectively, and the cooling system will not be able to function effectively. The air filter ensures the engine’s air is free from dirt and other impurities. When you start your engine, the air filter works until you turn it off. It will deliver the required quantity of air into the engine, preventing trapping impurities carried by the air from reaching the engine. However, even the best air filter will not serve you forever. At some point, it has to be clogged and become faulty.

How Long Should an Air Filter Last?

The frequency of replacing the air filters solely depends on the nature of the places you regularly drive your truck. When you drive primarily on rough and dusty roads, making many stops, and going on city driving, you must replace your filters more often. 

Consider changing your air filter after covering 10,000miles. It is ideal for changing the filters whenever you do an oil change. You must regularly check the condition of your filter. Doing this is the only way to ensure they are in good working condition or need a replacement. Doing regular check-ups will save you from performing expensive repairs.

Regardless of the above guidelines, the rate at which your air filter will wear out may vary. You must be conversant with the symptoms associated with faulty air filters. The following signs indicate that your air filter is defective, and you should consider replacing it.

  • The rate at which your truck consumes fuel starts to be higher than usual. You will note the rate at which the fuel gauge drops even after covering a shorter distance will increase. 
  • You may experience problems with the ignition of your truck. It may take time or fail to start. The ignition problem usually results from the combustion chamber not getting adequate oxygen to initiate combustion. 
  • You will experience a rough engine idling.
  • The engine check-light will appear on your dashboard.

These are signs you will experience when your truck needs a new air filter.

Conclusion,

The engine is the most delicate part of a truck. As much as it is fragile, it will need air to function properly. Air carries many impurities that should not get into contact with the engine. The engine filter traps dirt and other contaminants and delivers pure air to the engine. The role the air filter plays makes it clog and with time could become faulty. This guide has elaborated on when to replace and how to know the air filters need a replacement. 

t get confused about when to change the brake fluid. Here are signs you need to change your truck brake fluid.

Signs You Need To Change Your Truck Brake Fluid

Your truck needs many fluids for it to work efficiently. Among these fluids is the brake fluid, which we usually ignore. This fluid is necessary for your brakes to work efficiently. Many truck manufacturers have set a specific mileage and time when to replace the brake fluid, but it would be good if you regularly check the condition of the brake fluid. If you do not know what a healthy brake fluid looks like, you might get confused about when to change the brake fluid. Here are signs you need to change your truck brake fluid.

Signs You Need To Change Your Truck Brake Fluid

What is Brake Fluid?

Brake fluid is a hydraulic fluid whose primary role is to transfer pressure to the braking system parts in the wheels when you step on the brake pedal. The brake fluid works in a sealed system, meaning it can never get exposed to the environment. The lines that carry this fluid might get damaged, leading to the exposure of the fluid to the environment. If the brake fluid is exposed, it gets contaminated and becomes less effective. Besides problems with the brake fluid lines, the fluid can wear out and become less effective with time. As a truck owner, you must know how your brake fluids perform. Let us look at some signs that your brake fluids need to be changed.

When the ABS Check Light Shows On The Dashboard

If you see the Anti-Lock Braking System check light showing on the dashboard, it indicates that it is high time you check the condition of the brake fluid. You can consider topping it up or draining and filling a new liquid. Before performing the top-up, consider checking the state of the tubes. If you note any breakage, consider repairing it. Older trucks may not show the ABS check light, but all modern trucks with effective ECU will show the ABS check light as soon as the brake fluid becomes ineffective.

Problems With The Brake Pedal

If you step on the brake pedals, but they are not as responsive as they used to be, an indication that the level of your brake fluid is low or no longer effective. However, if the pedal is hard to press, the brake fluid might be contaminated. If it is soft, then there is a decrease in the brake fluid level. 

Noisy Braking

Your brakes will start producing funny sounds when the brake fluid levels are low, or it is contaminated. When you hear a noisy braking sound, consider taking your truck for a mechanical check-up as soon as possible to avoid damaging other essential braking parts.

Burning Smell

Another sign that you need to change your brake fluid is a burning smell you feel after using your brakes for some time. The smell is a result of overheating brakes. Consider parking your truck to let the brake cool down if this happens. If assumed can lead to brake failure.

Conclusion

Consider taking your truck for a brake check-up when you notice your braking system is not functioning effectively. Brakes are life savers on the road, and a slight issue with them needs an urgent response.

what causes trucks to lose brakes

What Causes Trucks To Lose Brakes?

Trucks are heavy vehicles that depend on brakes to stop and control their speed. When they experience brake failure, it might be fatal to other road users and the driver himself. Most common truck accidents result from the failure of the brakes. Let us look at some of the things on what causes trucks to lose brakes?

What Causes Trucks To Lose Brakes?

Poor Lubrication

When winter is approaching, you should thoroughly lubricate parts of your brakes, such as the caliper pins, clips, mounting tabs, and the back sides of the brake. Winter weather is harsh, and most roads have salt to reduce ice and snow. The salt is corrosive to the brake parts. Proper lubrication will prevent salt from getting into contact with the parts of the braking system. 

Brake Imbalance

Brake imbalance is a scenario where some parts of the brake apply more or less pressure than others. Mismatching brake parts or errors in the pneumatic system resulting in an uneven air pressure supply is the common culprit of brake imbalance. If you note that your truck is jackknifing, your brakes are not balanced. 

Overheating Brakes

When brakes become hot, and you fail to stop your truck for them to cool down, they might fail. Poor driving techniques when going down the hill is a common cause of brake overheating. When your breaks regularly heat up, their life span will be short and can lead to break malfunction, making it difficult to control your truck at high speed.

Faulty Suspension

The suspension system provides stability for the truck while on the road, and brakes enable the truck to adjust speed according to the traffic. When your suspension is faulty, it becomes hard to handle your truck when braking. Your truck might nosedive or swerve. When this happens, you will try as much as possible to stop your truck which will cause severe damage to the brakes.

Leakage on the Hydraulic System

Leakages in the hydraulic system interfere with the fluid pressure. The build-up created by the brake fluid initiates the braking of the wheels. If your brake fluid leaks and reduces in level, your truck will not effectively break or might even fail to brake. The problem of brake fluid leakage requires immediate attention.

Excess Load

Most trucks can carry only a specified amount of load. If the load is too much for your truck, it will consume more fuel, and braking might be difficult. The brake fluid might generate inadequate pressure to stop your truck. When the truck is overloaded, it will need a greater breaking distance which will stress your braking system. Apart from excess weight, another issue that might lead to braking failure is load distribution in your truck. If the load is not evenly distributed, you might find it hard to apply brakes.

Conclusion

Trucks use either the drum or disc braking system. You will find the discs on the front wheels and the drums on the rear wheel. Brake failure is common in trucks. The above are some of the possible causes of brake failure. Whenever your truck loses brakes, consider taking it for a mechanical check-up.

Remove Scratches From Truck Windshield

How to Remove Scratches From Truck Windshield

When the truck is in motion, it gets opposition from the wind, and the streamlined shape enables it to cut through the wind. The windshield is a vast glass in front of the truck, which protects the driver from being destructed by excess wind, injured by debris in the air, and rain. In this guide, we will delve into tips on how to remove scratches from truck windshield.

Trucks will always experience both minor and significant scratches on a windshield. Minor scratches on a truck windshield can be removed easily using various methods, and each way is suitable for certain scratches depending on their nature. But fixing significant scratches can be costly and might compel you to replace the windscreen. 

How to Remove Scratches From Truck Windshield

It is necessary to inspect your windshield more often to ensure it is in perfect condition. Regular inspection will enable you to identify minor scratches you might not see while driving. Minor scratches can develop into significant scratches if you ignore them. Buffing scratches from your windshield is not difficult. All you have to do is to try doing any of the following. 

Polishing Compounds

Various spare parts shops have commercial-grading polishing compounds like Meguiars Ultimate Compounds, which removes scratches from truck windshields the same way toothpaste does. These substances are more abrasive, and more attention is required while using them.

For minor truck scratches, less abrasive glass cleaning compounds are preferred for the significant restoration of a truck windshield. Such polishing compounds include 3M or Griot’s Garage. This process is done repeatedly until good results are achieved.

Seek the Services of a Professional Scratch Repair

You can seek the services of a professional scratch repair when you have tried home-based remedies, but all are in vain. Various companies repair various scratches that might develop on the windshield of your truck. Before contacting a professional glass repair, consider consulting your insurance provider first. 

Use a Clear Nail Polish

A clear nail polish removes minor scratches from your windshield. Apply the nail polish over the scratches to prevent them from advancing. The nail polish will harden and fill the dents preventing dirt and water from eroding the scratches.

Use a Windshield Repair Kit

The windshield repair kit has various tools for the maintenance of the windshield. You can buy this kit from different auto dealers. The kit has cerium-oxide buffing compounds, which, when applied, react to bond the glass surfaces. It is ideal for filling scratches on the windshield. 

Use Toothpaste

The toothpaste that is not gel works perfectly well as light-duty buffing compounds, which you can apply to fill scratches on the windshield. Before applying toothpaste, clean and leave the windshield to dry. To apply the toothpaste, use a fiber cloth and apply it in a circular motion. The circular motion will level the region around the scratch and give it a uniform and restored look.

Conclusion

Scratches can interfere with visibility when driving. Whenever you identify even the smallest ones, try the above methods to eradicate them from your windscreen. Most of these methods you can do alone since you can acquire the needed tools locally. 

Let us now look at some reasons that can lead to your truck steering wheel shaking.

Reasons Why Your Truck Steering Wheel Is Shaking

It is common for the steering wheel to shake when driving on a rough road, but when it shakes as you cruise on a smooth surface, then you should become worried. The engineering work behind a truck is complex and interjoined. You might feel your steering shakes if any part linked to the steering wheel develops a mechanical problem. Let us now look at some reasons that can lead to your truck steering wheel shaking.

Wheel Bearing Problems

It is not typical for wheel bearing to wear out, but under some circumstances, it might. If you regularly run the front tire of your truck over the curb as you make a U-turn, there are high chances of the front wheel bearings getting damaged. If this happens, you will feel your steering shakes as you drive, and the entire truck might also shake. 

Unbalanced Wheels

Have you ever witnessed how a ceiling fan out of balance behaves when put on? The same happens when the wheel of your truck is not balanced. You will feel your truck bouncing and shaking when driving. You will feel the truck shaking even if you go at low speed. Consider taking your truck to an expert for a check-up and wheel balancing when this happens.

Warped Rotors

Regular servicing of the brakes makes them function effectively, but even a well-maintained braking system might fall victim to warped rotors. Rotors are shiny metallic brake parts, which you will see when you look through the spaces between the wheels. When you step on the brake pedal, the brake pads use the hydraulic system to clamp the rotors. The brake rotors might develop spots due to regular braking on busy roads. You feel your truck shaking when the brake pads press against these spots. If you note this problem early, your mechanic can resurface the rotors, but the long-term solution is to install a new rotor. 

Axle Problems

When the front axle goes wrong, you notice it before your steering wheel starts shaking. Sometimes, a lousy axle can make your steering wheel shake. Your axles balance the same way the wheels do. Sometimes the rear axle might have balance issues. If this happens, your steering wheel and the entire truck will shake as you drive.

Suspension problems

Suspension is a common cause of a shaky steering wheel, and the problem is common with trucks bought from unauthorized dealers. The suspension problems develop with time as you drive your vehicle, and you will notice it when it has become severe to the extent of causing your steering wheel to shake. At this point, the loose tie rod ends, and ball joints will start making noise as you drive. The rod ends, and the ball joint is some parts that connect to your truck’s steering wheel and the wheels. You will feel them on the wheels and the steering wheel if they develop issues. 

Conclusion

When you feel your truck’s steering wheel start to shake, never assume but take your vehicle for a mechanical check-up to establish the cause. It might be a sign of a severe issue with the truck.

How To Clean A Truck’s Throttle

How To Clean A Truck’s Throttle

The throttle in a truck plays the role of controlling the air intake into the engine. When your throttle body is clean, your engine will run smoothly. Cleaning the throttle is one of the ways of keeping it clean. Cleaning your truck’s throttle is easy and will take 10 to 15 minutes, and you will do it without bothering your mechanic. Keep reading this guide on how to clean your truck’s throttle at home. 

Park Your Truck in an Open area and Open the Hood to Locate the Throttle

You require much air when operating the throttle. You must park your truck in an open space to achieve this. Open the hood to locate the throttle. It’s usually made of aluminum and situated between the intake manifold and the air cleaner.

If you do not know what a throttle looks like, have a helper press the gas pedal, and you will see the throttle shaking because it is connected to the accelerator.

Remove the Ground Terminal

For safety measures, when handling your throttle, ensure your truck engine is off, locate the negative terminal from your battery, and then disconnect it. There is a nut on the negative terminal. Use a wrench to loosen it.

Label All Hoses

The throttle has various hoses, which might confuse you. To avoid confusion, mark these hoses using masking tape and create unique tags, which will help you identify the hoses. You can as well use a specially designed masking tape on each duct.

Pull the Air Duct from the Throttle Body

First, you have to detach the air duct from your throttle body. The air duct remains in its place, thanks to a horse clamp. Pull and twist this horse clamp until you can detach the air duct safely. When doing this, be keen not to disconnect any electrical wire. 

Spray the Throttle Body

After the throttle body has been exposed, spray it with a throttle body cleaner and use a brush to scrub it to remove all the dirt on it gently. After scrubbing, use paper to wipe all the residues. Continue spraying and scrubbing the inside of your throttle until it becomes sparkling clean.

Apply a Drop of General-Purpose Oil to the Throttle Shaft

Locate where the throttle shaft is entering the body and use a cotton swab to apply oil to this area. Oiling will make the blades of your throttle rotate smoothly. Never apply too much oil to the throttle shaft.

Clean the Throttle of Your Truck Every 75,000 Miles

There is no universal rule about the cleaning of your throttle. To keep it clean, consider cleaning it after covering 75,000 miles. It is believed that after covering this mileage, it becomes dirty and may start to malfunction.

You will know that your throttle needs cleaning when your truck starts shaky idling, and when the engine check light appears.

Conclusion

Cleaning your throttle increases your engine’s lifespan as more air will freely flow into your engine. If it is clogged, your engine will be deprived of air and reduce the performance of your engine.

Steps For Cleaning A Truck Air Filter

Steps For Cleaning A Truck Air Filter

The engine requires air and fuel for it to generate energy. It gets air from the surrounding, which goes into the combustion chamber through the intake valves. Air entering the engine might carry harmful substances, such as dirt, and the air filter traps all the toxic substances that might damage your engine. As the air filter performs its functions, dirt piles up on it, which later makes it difficult for the air filter to function effectively. Here we will cover the steps for cleaning a truck air filter easily.

Whenever your truck shows signs of a bad air filter, consider checking if you will need to buy a new one or clean the one you have. Most truck manufacturers and professional mechanics recommend that you should replace your air filters after covering 15,000 miles. To enhance the performance of your truck, consider checking the air filter system. A bad air filter will interfere with your truck’s performance and fuel efficiency. To restore your air filter, you need to clean it. 

Steps For Cleaning A Truck Air Filter

The air filter is made of cotton, paper, or both. Before cleaning the air filter, look at your manufacturer’s guide or filter guidebook. These two sources will give adequate information on what to use and how to clean the air filters. If your air filter is coated with oil, never use soap to clean it. Instead, consider using other cleaning agents. 

To clean your air filters, have the following. A bucket, Microfiber cloths, Screwdriver, Vacuum, liquid soap, warm water

Cleaning a truck’s Air Filter Step-by-Step

Step 1. Remove the Air filter

Check under your hood to locate the air filter. The air filter housing is located in a box at the top of your engine.

Use a screwdriver to unfasten your air filter and remove it. After successfully removing it, use a microfiber to wipe it. Doing this removes all the debris on the air filter.

Step2. Vacuum Your Air Filter

After wiping it using a cotton cloth, gently tap it to remove all the visible debris. Use a duster or a soft brush and press it firmly to trap the dirt. Never apply much force, as this might warp your filter.

Step 3. Wash Your Filter

Pour little liquid soap on the trough, fill it with water, and swish the air filter. After washing it, rinse it using running water. When rinsing it, consider using tap water in your kitchen since the one in the garden may come with much pressure. Tap your air filter to remove the excess water on it.

Step 4. Fix Back Your Air Filter

After washing your air filter, consider exposing it to the sun so it might dry. You should leave it for 24 hours so that it might dry completely. Consider installing it in the filter housing when it is dry, and tighten the clamps, stress nut, and wing nuts.

Conclusion,

Cleaning the air filter is one of the ways of maintaining and increasing the life span of your air filters. Before deciding to clean your air filter, inspect it to see if cleaning might give it a longer lifespan or if it is damaged, consider replacing it.

In this guide, we will go through how to save money on trucks spare parts.

How To Save Money On Truck Spare Parts

Trucks are fantastic vehicles that help their owners in various aspects. Their off-roading and hauling ability make them one of the world’s best vehicles. However, as you use your truck, its parts wear out. You will need to maintain the truck, replace the worn-out parts so your truck can effectively run. Purchasing spare parts might be hectic and expensive. Some of the parts are not having price regulations, and you can find they are expensive in some places and cheap in some places. Inflation is hitting hard the world economy, and everything is becoming expensive day in and day out. We all need ways of minimizing our expenses. You can save some cash when buying spare parts. In this guide, we will go through how to save money on truck spare parts.

How To Save Money On Truck Spare Parts

Here is how you can spare some money when shopping for spare parts for your truck.

Take Time to Do Some Window Shopping

Buying truck spare parts are as easy as buying groceries. You can shop for truck spare parts online or visit the available local dealers. As aforementioned, some parts do not have price regulations. Take your time visiting various dealers to compare their prices. You will realize that some dealers sell their parts more expensively while others sell them cheaply. The reason of the price variations depends on where the dealers are sourcing these parts from. Never forget to check online. Ensure you know the price when buying online, including the total shipping and taxing fees. 

Knowing your truck’s make, model, year, and trim will be very important when shopping around because various truck models and trims use different spare parts. After finding the dealer with friendly pricing, you can then consider buying the part you want. 

Consider Offers and Promos

When buying spare parts for your truck, consider buying them on offer. Offers will enable you to buy the part at a relatively lower market price. To achieve this, ensure you know some of the dealers who have various offers on the parts they sell. Promos exist in various online markets, take time and research the online markets that offer their clients promo bonuses. Such promos may include the quantity of the parts bought and reduced or zero shipping fees. There is competition among dealers and online stores. Spend some time getting to know various online sites and dealers with offers, and consider buying from the dealers with mouth-watering offers. 

Consider Buying Used Parts 

Never overlook the used truck spare parts. It is a way of saving money. When buying a used part, consider shopping from accredited dealers. Such dealers sell used parts with a warranty. You can buy a part that is as good as a new one at a subsidized cost. The used parts may not be as shiny as the new ones but are cheaper and better. Another advantage of buying a used part is that they are locally available and will save you time while waiting for delivery from an overseas dealer.

Conclusion,

Every truck owner always wants to buy affordable spare parts. Shopping for truck spare parts might not be an easy task following the high rising cost of living as a result of inflation. Consider the above tips to save money when buying truck spare parts. 

Remove The Wheel Lock A Without Key

How to Remove The Wheel Lock A Without Key

If your truck has a wheel lock and you do not know where the wheel lock key is, this guide will teach you how to remove the wheel lock without a key. The primary function of wheellocks is fastening your wheel firmly on the vehicle, it functions the same as a wheel nut, but it has a specific key lock to tighten or remove it. The wheel lock key usually gets lost in many instances. If you cannot trace yours, do not worry because you can remove it manually. Let’s now focus on what to do. 

How to Remove The Wheel Lock A Without Key

As you prepare to remove the wheel lock, ensure your truck is parked on a flat surface and engage the emergency brakes. You will need a 12-point socket, Breaker Bar, Hammer, Torque Wrench, and a lug nut, preferably a new one.

You will spend approximately five minutes performing this procedure for every wheel.

Step 1- Determine the Size of the Socket and Ensure it is a 12-point

You will determine the socket size by trying a few sizes until you find one which fits. After finding a perfect socket, hummer it to fit in well. For better biting, you will require a 12-point, which will be good because the shape you are trying to deal with is irregular. Extra teeth will give better traction to the lug nut. 

Step 2 – Use a Hummer to Smash the Socket onto the Locking Lug Nut

After putting the socket on the locking nut, hummer it so it can firmly hold the lug nut. You will enjoy doing this part. You will need a regular hummer to perform this task. Heat it straight until it firmly holds the lug nut.

Step 3 – Apply Leverage

After the socket has firmly held the lug nut, you need a breaker bar. It is a metal rod that holds the sockets. The long breaker bar enables you to leverage your strength uniformly as you turn the socket. The uniform application of strength will facilitate the loosening of the lug nut. You will be surprised how you use minimal energy to move the nut to break. 

Step 4 – Inspect the Stud

You are almost done at this point. Inspect the threads on the wheel stud. A stud is that thing which the lug nut has come out of. Check if it has been damaged and replace it. Replacement is another demanding task. If the studs are okay, insert a new non-locking lug nut and torque it as per the manual guide of your truck. 

Step 5 – Remove the Locking Lug Nut from the Socket

The locking lug nut will stick in the socket. Remember you hammered the socket. You can remove the lock lug nut from the socket by wriggling it using a breaker bar.

Conclusion

The wheel lock keys usually disappear, and in case you have misplaced yours, do not waste much time looking for it but think of how you can remove the lock nuts with the key. You can remove it without a key. This guide has elaborated procedures you can use to achieve your objective.

Best Synthetic Oil for Diesel Trucks

Best Synthetic Oil for Diesel Trucks

Engine oil protects the engine against wearing out due to friction and absorbs the heat from the engine as it is running. Diesel-powered engines require high-quality oil to give you the best performance and run smoothly. When buying diesel engine oils, you will get two categories in the market, conventional and synthetic oils. Conventional oil is cheap, wears out very fast, and might fail to do its job correctly. In this guide, we will go through tips on buying the best synthetic oil for diesel trucks.

Synthetic oil has chemical compounds which are made artificially. It can be made from chemically modified petroleum components and synthesized from other raw materials. What the synthetic oil is made from makes it lubricate properly and last longer than conventional oil. Therefore, synthetic oil is the best for diesel-powered trucks. Diesel engines are heavy-duty. Here are some of the best synthetic oil you use for your diesel truck.

Motul 8100 X-Cess Synthetic Engine Oil

Motul has been famous for manufacturing high-quality 100% synthetic oil since 1971. The Motul 8100 X-Cess is a product of experience and quality which can serve both the diesel and gasoline engines that are turbocharged or naturally aspirated. 

The oil is suitable for both diesel and direct injection gasoline. Heavy duty trucks can rely on o this oil for better performance. It might be expensive but worth investing your money.

Shell Rotella T6 Heavy Duty Diesel Synthetic Oil

A product of a shell company, the Rotella T6 oil is a 100% synthetic oil for diesel engines. It does some of the below roles.

  1. It offers an enhanced fuel economy for your truck due to the advanced technology in its manufacture.
  2. It increases engine protection against harmful wear as the engine is running.
  3. The combination of synthetic base oil and the advanced multifunctional dispersant prevents the build-up of harmful substances such as soot in the engine.
  4. It is heavy-duty and absorbs and breaks down the heat from the engine.
  5. It resists the viscosity loss through shear and maintains the optimal pressure of the diesel engine. 

Lucas Oil CJ-4 Synthetic HD Motor Oil

When using Lucas Oil Cj-4 Synthetic HD Motor oil, the rate your diesel engine consumes oil and wearing will reduce. It’s a blend of premium base oil and “Lucas” additives, enabling it to maintain your engine and control its emissions. With this oil, your engine will comply with the requirements of the emissions control system. It functions properly in heavy-duty diesel engines of trucks as well as gasoline engines.

Schaeffer SynShield Synthetic Plus Engine Oil

This synthetic oil is resistant to oxidation, gives the engine extra protection from wear, and prevents the engine from soot accumulation. Use the Schaeffer synshield with diesel fuel with low Sulphur levels.

Conclusion

Many trucks run on diesel engines that are heavy duty, so it is necessary to use the kind of engine oil which will not wear out very fast but has features that enable it to withstand the pressure and the high temperature from the diesel engine. Synthetic oil best performs this role. This guide has highlighted just a few synthetic oils on the market. It is necessary to consult with your mechanic about the best synthetic oil available in your locality.

Improve Gas Mileage

How Regular Services Help Improve Gas Mileage of A Truck

What do you do to improve gas mileage of your truck? Improving fuel economy is something that most truck owners are not sure of. Sometimes you might think there is nothing much you can do to make your truck consume less fuel. Inflation is on the rise, with the prices of fuel skyrocketing throughout the world. We can’t do anything about it but devise some survival techniques to make our trucks not consume too much fuel. After going through this guide, you will be able to know some of the crucial things that will assist you in improving your truck’s gas mileage, and this will save you time at the pump and money.

Maintain a Routine Maintenance To Improve Gas Mileage

Every morning before you start driving your truck, you must inspect its condition first. Walk around the truck as you check if there is any leakage, open the hood and check whether the engine is in good condition, and check the level of coolant and the state of your battery. Doing this will help you identify any truck problems and fix them earlier. Fuel economy solely depends on how healthy your engine is. If it is not in good condition, then be assured of consuming more fuel.

Check Your Tire Pressure

The air pressure is what supports the entire weight of your truck. Correct pressure is necessary for your safety and the performance of your truck. If your tire is not correctly inflated, the rate of tire drag as you drive will increase, leading to high fuel consumption. If your tire is 10% underinflated, the rate at which it consumes fuel will go high to 2%. The lesser pressure in your tire, the more fuel your truck will consume.

Tire pressure is affected by the temperature, whenever the temperature rises, there is an increase in tire pressure, but when the temperature drops, there is a decrease in tire pressure. It is necessary to regularly check your tire pressure before you start driving your truck. 

Replace the Air Filters

As the air filter works, it traps dirt accompanying air, and the dirt gets trapped on a media made of paper and fibers. The more the air filter serves you, the more it traps dirt that clogs it. A clogged air filter forces the engine to work hard and use more fuel.

How will you know that your air filter is dirty? A clean air filter allows light to pass through when held against a bright light source. If your air filter does not allow light to pass through, then know it is dirty and needs a replacement.

Do not Skip Scheduled Maintenance.

It is necessary to take your truck for a check-up after covering the required mileage per the manufacturer’s guide. It is believed that you should change your oil and do an engine overhaul at the specified mileage. Regular maintenance keeps your truck’s engine in good health, extends its life, and increases fuel efficiency.

Conclusion

Regular truck maintenance helps in increasing your fuel efficiency. Your truck will consume more fuel when you fail to replace components such as air filters and engine oil. Never forget to check the tire pressure. You should review the pointers shared above to improve your fuel consumption.

How to Replace Your Truck Air Filter

How to Replace Your Truck Air Filter

Fuel and air are essential for your truck and are the primary raw materials necessary for internal combustion. The engine is a very delicate part of your truck. If any foreign object comes into contact with it, it can be costly to repair. The air which gets into the engine passes through the air filter. Here is how to replace your truck air filter.

How to Replace Your Truck Air Filter

The air filter traps all the dirt and other impurities, letting pure and clean air pass through. As the air filter performs its roles, it traps more dirt and becomes clogged with time. During regular maintenance, the air filter is some of the components which are checked and replaced. This guide will elaborate on how to fix a new air filter.

Source the Correct Air Filter

There are various air filters on the market. Spend time researching and purchase that which fits your truck. You can visit multiple auto shops and do some online research as well. Try to buy an air filter similar to that which came with your truck to boost its life span. 

Secure Your Truck

Park your truck on plain ground and apply the parking brake. If it is a manual truck, shift into the first gear or park for automatic transmission, then turn off the engine.

Locate the Air Box

Before locating the air box, you need to open your hood so that you can easily access the air box. The airbox housing is located near the engine. The airbox is protected with a round, bulky plastic cover for carburetor trucks. The new trucks have air box protected by a square or rectangular housing. 

Remove the Air Filter Cover

The air conduit is sealed with hoses. Consider loosening the hoses. Loosen the screws which hold the air filter cover firmly in its place. After removing all the screws, keep them safely until you need them. Pull the cover from the air conduit while lifting it so it might come with the lower casing. If you are unsure how to raise the cover, consider mechanical support.

Remove the Air Filter

Removing the air filter cover will leave the air filter exposed. You will see a round or rectangular filter made from cotton, paper, or gauze. The rubber rim seals the interior parts of our air filter. Consider lifting the filter from the casing.

Clean the Housing of Your Air Filter

You can clean the air filter housing using a vacuum cleaner to suck the accumulated dirt. When doing this, seal all the conduits using adhesive tape to prevent dirt from getting in.

Install the New Air Filter

Fix the new air filter in the housing. When doing this, ensure the rubber rim faces up and seals all the edges.

Fix Back the Cover

Fix the cover back into the air conduit carefully and press it down. Tighten all the screws and clamps, then ensure everything is in place. 

Conclusion

The role played by the air filter makes it become clogged. When this happens, consider replacing it. This guide has highlighted some steps to replace your air filter. If you are unsure of any actions, consider help from a professional mechanic.

Truck Maintenance Myths

Truck Maintenance Myths That Are False

Every truck owner will be keen on listening for advice about the best practices for keeping their trucks healthy. This advice ranges from fuel economy, engine, and overall vehicle maintenance. The myths you will hear are about how to improve your truck’s economy. Most of what you will hear as a truck owner will sound very practical. Here, you will be able to know some truck maintenance myths which are false.

Fueling in the Morning Saves Money on Fuel

We all know that fuel expands with an increase in temperature, and when you pour warm fuel into your gas tank, there is a high possibility of it evaporating, and less fuel will get into your tank. Theoretically, when you pump fuel into your tank in the morning, the fuel will be cooler and more will get to the tank at a lesser cost. 

On the contrary, fuel is stored underground under controlled temperatures. The environmental temperature does not affect the fuel temperature underground because they are insulated from harsh temperatures.

Roll Down Windows instead of Using Air Conditioner to Boost Fuel Economy on a Hot Temperature. 

Rolling down windows to allow cool air in the truck and using AC makes no significant difference in fuel consumption. Your truck will indeed consume more fuel when you switch on the AC. But when you roll down your windows, the air resistance will increase. The increased air resistance makes your truck burn more fuel to compensate for the disrupted aerodynamics. 

The effect of AC and rolled-down windows on fuel economy is minimal, and none of the practices reduces fuel consumption.

Flushing the Transmission Fluid After Every 50,000 Miles

Changing your transmission fluid after covering 50,000 miles is recommended, but modern trucks are engineered to last with transmission fluid oil after 100,000 miles. The life span of transmission fluid varies among vehicles, so you must check the recommended mileage from your manufacturer’s guide.

The Battery Starts to Charge After Jumpstarting When You Drive Shortly

In the real sense, a battery that has been jumpstarted takes a couple of hours to charge fully. If you have just jumpstarted your engine in cold weather, other truck accessories such as the heated seats, radio and lights take more power from the alternator leaving little power to charge the battery.

It would be best to drive for several hours for your car to charge fully. Sometimes, your battery might remain dead even after driving for a long time. 

Replacing All the Four Tires at the Same Time

You can replace each tire so long as they are of the same brand, size, and model. However, you must keep rotating them to improve and maximize their life span.

You don’t have to buy new tires whenever you get a puncture. Your mechanic will mend it if the puncture has interfered with the side wall. The patch will restore your tire’s airtightness.

Conclusion

As long as you own a truck, you will come across various myths about maximizing your truck’s performance. These are just myths. No facts are tied to them.

truck tires wearing out on one side

Truck Tires Wear Out On One Side – What Is The Problem?

When you use your truck more often, the tires will wear out, and there will be a need to replace them. As you remove the old tire, you should examine the tire you are removing. Check the pattern of its wearing out. A tire should have a uniform wear out, but if it does not wear out uniformly, there might be a problem with your truck, not the tire itself. Let us focus on the issue of truck tires wear out on one side and what might cause it.

Choosing the Wrong Tire

Always ensure you choose the right tire for the right job and driving terrain. It will help to consider your driving terrain and the tread when buying a tire. If you have highway tires, but you run more off-road, or in case you have the wrong tread design, your tire is likely to wear out on one side. Wrong tire choice not only causes uneven tire wearing but can also interfere with the rate at which your truck consumes fuel. It is necessary to have highway tires, off-road tires, and winter tires. A variety will ease your time as all you will do is change depending on where you intend to drive.

Under-inflating Tires

The leading cause of tires wearing out on the side is either over or under-inflating the tires. If you never inflate your tires correctly, they will wear on the shoulders, and their side walls will be fragile. An underinflated tire also reduces your mileage. If you want to increase the lifestyle of your tires, ensure you give them the correct air pressure. 

Road Debris

Road debris like nails, broken glasses, gravel, and other objects on the road can cause the wearing of the side of tires. If you regularly drive on roads full of debris. Always check your tires and remove any foreign object stuck on them to prevent this. If your tire has a puncture, consider sealing it. It is necessary to be careful of where you drive. If you realize where you want to go is full of debris, checking if the garbage can damage your tires is essential.

Poor Wheel Alignment

Poor wheel alignment causes tires to wear on one side. If you realize that your tire is wearing out on one side, check if your alignment is straight. If your alignment is improper, your wheels might be pointing inwards or outwards, and they feel more pressure on one side. In such a scenario, consult your mechanic to do alignment by adjusting the axles and the suspension. 

Mechanical Issues

Uneven wheel alignment is a sign that your truck has mechanical problems. Loose wheel bearings, broken suspension components, worn-out ball joints, damaged tire rods, or bent axles are some of the mechanical issues that can make your wheels wear out on one side. In case of this, perform a thorough truck diagnosis to determine the cause. 

Conclusion,

Sometimes it is common for tires to wear out on one side. Do your truck tires wear out on one side? If it happens, the above are the possible causes. 

Truck Care

Truck Care Tricks To Save Money

Increasing inflation is making individuals think of ways to save a little. But what if your truck is your means to move and work? Sometimes, it tends to drain your pockets and make you suffer silently. Did you know that you can reduce expenses on your truck? Some tricks will help you cut the maintenance cost and fuel expenses. A trick in reducing cash expenses is the nature of the service you give your truck. Maintaining regular engine checks will save your engine from severe damage and reduce fuel consumption. Let us look at some of the truck care and tricks to save your money. 

Accept Assistance

If you find yourself in a situation where work, family, and other issues have tightly held you, consider assistance from others. A busy schedule might not allow you to take your truck to a mechanic. You can always call your mechanic to assist you or seek towing services. Accepting help will enable the truck to be fixed in time, improving your engine’s life span and saving other parts from getting severe damage caused by late servicing. 

Change Regularly the Cabin Air Filters

Many truck owners assume that when their trucks heat up, they presume the heat build-up results from the low coolant. The HVAC circulates coolant through a sealed system in your truck. The coolant is different from engine oil because it does not wear out with time unless there is a severe problem with the cooling system. Finding and repairing leakage within the cooling system takes time. Dirty cabin air filters commonly damage the HVAC. 

A clogged air filter strains to pass air through, damaging the HVAC system. Always clean your cabin air filters to save you from costly HVAC repairs.

Maintain the Routine Oil Change

The appearance of an oil check light on the dashboard indicates that there might be a problem with the engine oil. Oil performs the role of lubricating the moving parts of the engine. It also cools the heating parts of the engine. As oil does its function, it wears out and stops being effective. 

You should change your oil after covering a specific mileage. A healthy oil gives your engine power and long life. Failure to replace engine oil leads to severe problems like friction or heating. Using an old engine oil can cause serious problems that might lead to an engine overhaul or swap. Performing engine overhaul or swapping is expensive. You must change your oil to avoid overspending.

Keep a Proper Tire Maintenance

Tire maintenance is one of the tips for reducing your truck’s expenditure. Driving with a flat or tire with inadequate pressure will likely increase fuel consumption. If you fit bigger tires for your truck, you will probably spend more on fuel. In case you want to reduce expenses.

Conclusion

Taking your truck for a mechanical checkup at the right time, regularly changing your engine oil, performing tire maintenance, and taking care of the oxygen filters are some tricks that will save you money. Doing all of these will save you from severe mechanical repairs that might be costly.

Fuel Gauge Is Not Working

The Fuel Gauge Is Not Working – Troubleshooting Truck Fuel Gauge

When you fill your tank, the fuel gauge should indicate the quantity of fuel on your dashboard. Sometimes, the fuel gauge might show a full tank even if you have driven for more than 300 miles. If your fuel gauge fails to indicate completely or is stuck at the full fuel tank, it signals that the fuel gauge is not working as it is supposed to be and that you should replace it.

How a Fuel Gauge Works

There are fuel sensors that aid the fuel gauge in functioning effectively. It measures the voltage recorded by all sensors to determine the amount of fuel. The driver will be able to read such data in their dashboard. Fuel sensors have various components, such as the float switch, variable resistor, and a wiper. 

The sensing system is located in the fuel tank of your truck. It floats within the fuel tank, and the variable resistors are the crucial part that measures the correct amount of fuel.

What To Do When Fuel Gauge Is Not Working

A faulty fuel gauge will not give accurate readings of the amount of fuel in your tank. Consider doing the following. 

Self-Test

Self-test is the easiest step you should consider first. If your truck is the latest model, check the manufacturer’s guide on performing a self-test.

To succeed, consider undertaking a series of steps, such as turning on your headlights as you hold down the odometer button at the beginning. Doing this will test all the instrument panel gauges.

For older versions, you will have to perform a different procedure, like turning the ignition key on and off for three cycles. 

When performing this procedure, the fuel gauge should be moving. If it doesn’t move, conclude that there is a problem with your fuel gauge.

Fuses

Locate the fuse box cover and check the fuse condition for the fuel gauge. If you find the fuses are blown, consider replacing them. If the fuel gauge fuses are in good working condition, consider the condition of the fuel-sending unit.

Before checking the fuel gauge and the sending unit, perform a general check-up for your truck. You will find the fuel-sending unit under the security of four screws at the trunk of your truck. 

Sending Unit

To measure the fuel sending unit, you must fill your tank first and use a multimeter to test the resistance. For older truck models, you have to know how the gauge works. If the resistance reading is off by some ohms, then you have found the source of the problem. 

Gauges

It is simple to check the voltage of your gauges. Check your repair manual and follow the steps indicated to pull off the gauge. After pulling off the gauge, reset the multimeter to 20v direct current and test the wiring moving to the gauge to see whether it is receiving 12 volts. If the voltage is okay, then the gauge is having a problem.

Conclusion

It’s disappointing that your fuel gauge cannot give you the correct reading on the amount of fuel in your tank. Such a scenario might disappoint you, especially when your truck stalls in the middle of nowhere. Consider doing the above to troubleshoot fuel gauge issues. 

Air is one of the coolants in the cooling system. So, what are the symptoms your air pump filter is failing? Here we cover more on this.

Symptoms Your Air Pump Filter Is Failing

The air plays a vital role in your truck. It is oxygen in the air that mixes with fuel in the combustion chamber to initiate combustion. As the engine functions, the explosion and friction between the moving parts cause friction which produces heat. Heat is hazardous to your engine and can cause severe damage. It is the cooling system that plays the role of reducing the engine’s temperature. Air is one of the coolants in the cooling system. So, what are the symptoms your air pump filter is failing? Here we cover more on this.

What is an Air Pump Filter?

The exhaust system needs air to function. In the combustion chamber, only oxygen is necessary, and other components of air that do not support combustion become part of your truck’s exhaust gases. The air pump filter filters the air, which moves to your truck’s exhaust system. The role of the air pump filter is similar to that of the engine and cabin air filter in picking dirt and dust. 

Symptoms Your Air Pump Filter Is Failing

As much as the air pump filter performs similar roles to the engine air filter, its location makes it difficult to access and inspect as compared to the engine air filter. The air pump filter is part of the exhaust system, and if it becomes faulty, your truck will develop emission issues and might also affect the normal operations of the engine. When the air pump filter becomes defective and requires attention, your truck will exhibit some symptoms to the driver. You will notice these three symptoms.

High Fuel Consumption

Several factors increase the rate at which your truck consumes fuel, not to forget your driving habits. A faulty air pump filter is another culprit which will increase the rate at which your truck consumes fuel. When the air pump filter is clogged with dirt, the rate at which your truck will consume fuel will increase. When the filter is dirty, the engine will burn more fuel to move the same distance compared to the amount it would burn when the air pump filter is not clogged.

Rough Idle

Idle is when your engine is running, but the gears are not engaged. During this time, you should focus on the sound coming from your engine. When your air pump filter is faulty, you will feel the engine is not producing the usual sound it does. Mostly its sound will be accompanied by some degree of shakiness.

A filthy filter will block airflow, leading to a surging idle engine. When the clog is more extensive, it will interfere with the idle mixture, which might make your truck stall when driving.

Reduced Engine Power

A faulty air pump filter will make your engine operate sluggishly, and the rate at which air flows in will be restricted. You will realize that your truck will accelerate slowly and might fail to accelerate at some point. A dirty filter will make it hard for air to flow effectively, making your truck very slow when taking off. 

Conclusion

A faulty air filter will interfere with your vehicle’s emissions and performance. The air pump filter is one of the components of your truck’s exhaust system. It is, therefore, not easy to access. Consider replacing it the moment you observe any of the above symptoms. 

Tire replacement and keeping an eye on them is very important and something that should never be ignored.

When Should You Make Tire Replacement For Your Truck?

Trucks fall in the commercial vehicle class, and such vehicles help their owners run errands. Delivery businesses solely depend on trucks to make deliveries to various places. For your truck to efficiently serve you, you must give it adequate servicing. Many truck owners do an exemplary job in vehicle maintenance but fail regarding tire servicing and maintenance. Tire replacement and keeping an eye on them is very important and something that should never be ignored.

The extent to which your truck will serve you depends on the condition of the tires. Remember, it is the tires where the entire weight of your truck rests. The state of the tires can enhance or limit the extent to which your truck will deliver. If the tires are not well aligned, your driving will be worse. If they are old and worn out, the chances of your truck causing an accident are high. We change tires due to different reasons.

When Should You Make Tire Replacement For Your Truck?

When the Treads Expire

As the rubber hits the road, the tire treads wear out, and their thickness lessens to a minimum tread mark. In the United States, the department of transport has outlined the minimum tread depth to be 2/32. The performance and safety shall go down if the tire tread depth decreases. When the treads expire, it becomes difficult to stop, and the truck will slide when the roads are wet. For safety, replace your tires when they reach the minimum tread thickness.

The Age of the Tire

The tire’s lifespan is 6 – 10 years, but how you use it determines its lifespan. Sometimes, your tire will expire before you attain the minimum tread thickness. The compounds and the resins that facilitate the proper functioning of the tire degrade with time, making the tire ineffective. If you do not drive your truck regularly, protect your tires from direct sunlight, reduce the rate at which the tire compounds wear out, and never let your tires sit in one position for long.

Changes in Season

When the season changes, it is necessary you change your tires. If snow starts to fall, ensure you fix winter tires for your truck. Such tires are made to give you proper truck handling on snow and ice. Changing tires with the seasonal change will increase your truck’s performance and offer you maximum safety.

Cabin Comfort

The cabin comfort and noise of the road can be significantly impacted by the nature of your truck’s tires. The types of tires you use will influence the environment of your cabin. Various sets of tires give a varied climate in the cabin. When driving and you hear too much road noise and are uncomfortable, consider changing your tires with the ones that absorb road noise to give you a silent ride.

Truck Performance

How your truck operates in terms of hauling heavy weight depends on the tires. The way your vehicle performs solely depends on the kind of tires your truck runs on. If your 4WD is not performing as expected, consider changing the tires.

Conclusion

Knowing when to change your tires is necessary and is a routine service requirement for your truck. This guide has highlighted some of the reasons why we change our tires.

In this guide, we will delve deep into things that should lead you to know when you need to do a brake pad replacement.  

Signs That You Need Brake Pad Replacement In Your Truck

Many people who own cars maintain a regular engine service but oversee the braking system until it becomes faulty. It will be helpful if you never ignore the braking system. A series of activities happen any moment you step on the brake pedal. Such activities strain most parts of the braking system, such as the brake pads. In this guide, we will delve deep into things that should lead you to know when you need to do a brake pad replacement.  

What is a Brake Pad, And How Does It Work?

Behind every wheel, especially the front wheels, there is a metallic disc. The disc has a caliper that squeezes it from both sides when you press the brake pedal. Brake pads are the size of palms that the calipers use to squeeze the rotors to stop the vehicle.

The pressing on the brake disc creates friction which wears out the brake pads. Due to friction, the brake pads get worn out. If you notice they are worn out, you can replace them. 

Signs That You Need Brake Pad Replacement

If You Feel Vibration When You Step on the Brake Pedal

A binding resin binds the two brake pads. As they wear out, this rasing spreads and gets smeared on the rotor forming a layer on the disc’s surface. The resing may not be evenly distributed on the disc’s surface, which makes your brake pedal vibrate.

The Vehicle Pulls Sideways When Braking

The rate at which each brake pad wears out is different. Mostly one side will wear out fast compared to the other. If this happens, you will feel a sideways pulling when you step on the brake pedal. If you ignore the pulling, you will stress your steering. Sideways pulling is not only a sign of worn-out brake pads but can also occur if the pressure in your tire is uneven or the wheel bearing has a problem.

Your Vehicle Takes Time To Stop

Brake fade is a situation where you press the brake pedal, but your vehicle never stops instantly. Brake fade is typical when driving on a winding or down a hill. The persistence of this problem indicates that your brakes cannot generate adequate friction to stop the vehicle. 

Clicking Sound When Pressing the Brake Pedal

Various vehicles have different ways of holding the brake pads in places, such as clips, bolts, or pins. The flexible brake pads produce a clicking sound when you press the brake pedal. As the brake pads wear out, they become loose and rattle.

Squealing Noise

The brake pads have a wear indicator. The wear indicator is metallic and located on the brake pads. As the pads wear out, they come in contact with the rotor. The contact between the wear indicator and the rotor produces a squealing sound. The squealing noise is an unpleasant sound that warns you that the brake pads are worn-out.

Conclusion,

The braking system is life-saving and an integral part of your vehicle. Many road crash result from a faulty braking system. It is necessary to listen to your brake pads and if you feel any signs that they are wearing out, consider replacing them as soon as possible.

Symptoms of bad IAT Sensor

Symptoms of bad IAT Sensor in A Truck

The latest trucks come with several sensors we might not know all of and their functions. It is tough to recite all these sensors and their specific roles in your truck. Every function in your truck is supported by a sensor that gives feedback. There is a vehicle Engine Control Module (ECM) that does the role of comprehending messages relayed by the sensors. The ECM does the role of qualifying the number of equations that are vital in supporting the efficient operation of your truck. Here, we will cover the IAT sensor in a truck.

Symptoms of bad IAT Sensor in A Truck

The modern internal combustion engine is a house to several sensors. One of the sensors is the Intake Air Temperature (IAT). Let us go through some basics of IAT sensors and also the symptoms of a bad IAT sensor.

What is an IAT Sensor?

An IAT is a sensor that monitors the temperature of the air getting into the engine’s intake tract. Every cylinder requires air(oxygen) to complete the process of combustion. IAT performs similarly to a thermometer monitoring the air temperature, which gets into every combustion chamber. The IAT does not use mercury to provide accurate temperature, but it gives the ECM/PCM feedback regarding voltage.

The ECM then interprets the voltage presented from the IAT and gives the temperature in terms of readable figures. 

Symptoms of Bad IAT Sensor

There are various symptoms that your truck will show when the intake air temperature is failing. The guide will enlighten you on some signs you will experience when your IAT starts to fall. 

Engine Check Light On the Dashboard

The engine check light symbolizes several issues with the engine. In case your IAT is faulty, the ECM will not be able to interpret some codes from the IAT. The ECM will initiate the engine check light when it cannot store the incorrect code. In such a case, when the engine check light appears, think of IAT as one of the causes.

Rough Idle

Idle is a situation where the engine runs, but the gears are not engaged. The air-to-fuel mixture in the combustion chamber initiates idling. When the IAT malfunctions, the engine cannot determine the accurate air-to-fuel ratio for effective combustion. As a result, you will experience erotic idling.

Difficulty in Starting Your Truck

You will note that your IAT starts to fail when your truck becomes challenging. Your truck might not start because the ECM will take time to determine the correct fuel quantity necessary to mix with the air in the combustion chamber to initiate combustion. 

Engine Misfire

Engine misfire is evidence that your IAT is starting to become faulty. Your truck cannot read the accurate temperature of the air entering the combustion chamber. The ECM will find it difficult to determine the proper amount of fuel to be delivered to the combustion, which leads to engine misfire when you ignite your truck.

Bad Fuel Economy

When your IAT fails, the rate at which your truck will consume fuel will go high—the higher fuel consumption results from the ECM’s inability to specify the intake air temperature values. 

Conclusion

The intake air temperature sensor determines the temperature of air getting into the combustion chamber. If it becomes faulty, the ECM finds reading the codes it receives challenging, leading to some of the above signs. 

Boost Fuel Economy

Truck Services that Will Boost Fuel Economy

If your truck consumes more fuel, stop wasting money at various filling stations and do some maintenance and servicing. There are a number of known ways that can help you achieve better fuel efficiency. In this guide, we will go through some ways to boost fuel economy which will help reduce fuel consumption. Let us look at these services.

Truck Services that Will Boost Fuel Economy

Here are some of the services that will help you to boost the fuel economy of your truck.

Change the Engine Oil More Often

The engine oil lubricates the engine, enabling the moving parts to move freely without rubbing against each other. New and clean oil improves the performance of your engine, and an improved engine performance reduces the rate of fuel consumption. As oil lubricates your engine, it gets exhausted and contaminated, and its efficiency decreases. Inefficient engine oil reduces your engine’s performance, making it consume more fuel. To maintain your engine performance, consider changing the engine oil more often per the manufacturer’s guide. 

Service the Fuel Injector Regularly

The fuel injectors deliver fuel into the combustion chamber in controlled quantities. It injects the right amount of fuel at a specific angle and at the right time. With time the injectors become clogged, and if such happens, your truck will likely consume more fuel, the combustion chambers will receive too much or less fuel, and the engine might misfire. 

Always service the fuel injection whenever you perform the general engine service. Doing this will improve fuel delivery into the combustion chambers. 

Check the Tire pressure.

Adequate tire pressure increases fuel economy. Riding a bike with no tire pressure is challenging compared to riding a bike with sufficient pressure. The same concept applies to trucks. Driving a truck with depleted tires strains the engine to burn more fuel to produce energy. It is easy to fix a low tire pressure once you know the required pressure for your tires. 

Service Regularly the Catalytic Converter

The catalytic converter treats the harmful carbon monoxide into eco-friendly emissions such as hydrogen. Initially, truck owners removed the catalytic converters to improve fuel efficiency and horsepower. But, the new catalytic converters increase the fuel economy. A failing catalytic converter impacts oxygen sensors which reduces fuel economy. If your catalytic converter is not functioning or was stolen, consider replacing or servicing it. 

Replace Malfunctioned Oxygen Sensors

The oxygen is necessary for burning fuel in the combustion chamber. For effective combustion to take place, there must be a balanced air ratio.

When oxygen is less, the other gases will come out through the exhaust, and combustion will likely not happen. Such a condition is gas waste.

When there is too much oxygen, the engine might develop performance issues leading to increased fuel consumption.

The oxygen sensor determines the correct quantity of fuel to send to the combustion chamber to achieve the proper oxygen to fuel mixture. Ensure you replace the oxygen sensor if it is not correctly functioning. Doing this improves fuel efficiency. 

Conclusion

The standard fuel consumption of a truck depends on the number of cylinders and the displacement capacity of the engine, abbreviated as CC. More cylinders will require more fuel to burn if you note that your fuel consumption is becoming abnormal. Check if all the wheels have adequate pressure and if other engine components such as oil and oxygen sensors are in the proper condition.

Symptoms of Bad Air-Fuel Ratio Sensor

Symptoms of Bad Air-Fuel Ratio Sensor

The air-fuel ratio sensor is one of the areas where many people have little knowledge. It is this small equipment that facilitates the smooth running of your engine. It is necessary to make you understand the air-fuel ratio sensor and some of the symptoms that are not functioning correctly. In this guide, we will cover some of the symptoms of bad air-fuel ratio sensor and how to go about it.

What is the Air-Fuel Ratio Sensor

Air-fuel ratio sensor is a device located right inside the engine of your truck. Its primary role is to measure the amount of oxygen in the exhaust gas and pass the information to your truck’s ECU. The air-fuel ratio sensor is necessary for maintaining the health of your engine. For the engine to run in optimum condition, it has to have the same air-to-fuel mixture ratio. 

If there is a change in the air or fuel ratio level, the sensor will detect and send the signal to the ECU. The ECU will later interpret the sensor’s signal and deliver the information through the check engine light, which will appear on your dashboard. Once the engine check light appears on your dashboard, you must take your truck for a mechanical check-up. 

Symptoms of Bad Air-Fuel Ratio Sensor

Rough Idling

Rough idling is a situation in which your truck goes up in RPM, sputters, and then goes back to normal. You will feel rough idling on the floorboard of your truck when the gears are not engaged, and the engine is on.

Rough idling is uncomfortable, and you will feel your truck rumbling. Whenever this happens, think of doing air-fuel ratio sensor checks. 

A Pinging Engine

When your engine pings, you feel a metallic or rattling sound whenever you accelerate from zero to some miles per hour. The rattling sound signals a bad air-fuel ratio sensor. When the combustion cycle is incomplete, then your engine will ping.

Incomplete combustion occurs when there is more or less air in the combustion chamber. The result of incomplete combustion is the release of toxic gases into the atmosphere. 

Poor Fuel Economy

Most truck owners pay attention to how their trucks consume gas. If your truck consumes more, you will spend more money to quench its thirst. Poor fuel economy is a sign that there is a problem with the air-fuel ratio sensor. This sensor detects if the air and fuel getting into the combustion are inadequate or less adequate. 

Too Much Exhaust Fumes Emissions

If you note a lot of fumes when starting your truck, the production of pungent exhaust fumes or your truck generally produces more fumes than usual. All these are indications that the air-fuel ratio sensor is not functioning perfectly. In such a scenario, take your truck for a mechanical check-up to determine the cause is your air-fuel ratio sensor. 

Conclusion

Modern trucks have several sensors in their engine. They play the role of gathering and relaying information to the ECU. The air-fuel ratio sensor monitors the quantity of oxygen available in the exhaust gases. If this sensor malfunctions, your truck might develop mechanical problems. If you notice these signs, seek a mechanical check-up.

Vacuum leak comes with various additional symptoms, depending on their severity. 

How To Know When You Have a Vacuum Leak In Your Truck

Trucks usually face various issues in their lifetime. You should be able to understand such issues and how to repair them. Such knowledge brings the difference between minor and significant truck issues. A standard vacuum leak is one of the typical truck problems which is complicated to understand as a truck owner. Vacuum leak comes with various additional symptoms, depending on their severity. 

What Is A Vacuum Leak?

The engine’s combustion chamber requires air in a given quantity to mix with a given amount of fuel for effective combustion. Sometimes, the airflow into the cylinders might be unlimited, referred to as a vacuum leak. Vacuum leaks might result from damaged hoses, gaskets, or other components.

Unmetered air in the engine hinders combustion as it interferes with the average air-to-fuel ratio that facilitates proper combustion. To properly understand vacuum leaks, you must first understand the engine vacuum.

Complete combustion occurs in four strokes. Before the intake stroke, the cylinder pistons are usually on the upper side. These pistons move downwards, creating a vacuum that facilitates air sucking into the cylinder through the intake valves. The engine’s throttle body measures the correct amount of air necessary for every cylinder. If metering does not happen is what brings the vacuum leak.

Symptoms That Your Truck Has a Vacuum Leak

Check Engine Light

The check engine light indicates the existence of a diagnostic fault code in the ECM. Such codes result from issues within the engine, such as vacuum leaks. The codes P0171 and P0174 are common when you have vacuum leak issues.

Strange Engine Sounds

Whenever you hear whistling, squealing, or hissing sound from your engine, relate it to vacuum leaks—the sound results from air pulling through small cracks on the gasket or hoses.

Rough Engine Operations

Your engine will misfire or even backfire when it has vacuum leaks. Such problems result from your engine receiving an unlimited amount of air, interfering with the required air-to-fuel ratio for proper combustion. 

Engine Hesitation or Stall

The worst of all symptoms of vacuum leaks is engine hesitation or permanent stalling, which results from the engine’s inability to receive the standard amount of air-fuel ratio, which hinders proper combustion in the cylinders. 

Stalling is not only a symptom of vacuum leaks but can also be dangerous to other road users, depending on where stalling occurs.

Erratic Idling

Idling is a situation where your truck’s engine is running, but the gears are not engaged. It is advisable to ignite your truck and leave the engine to run for a while after staying at the parking yard and every morning during cold seasons before driving. When your truck has vacuum leak issues, you will experience a higher-than-normal engine idling. Your truck’s tachometer will fluctuate between 300-400 RPM in seconds. Erratic idling is a sign of significant air leakage.

Conclusion

From the above symptoms, your engine will suffer from vacuum leaks, but you might not realize it until it escalates to a more significant issue. Always be a friend to your truck so you can understand some slight changes in how they operate.

In this guide, we will go through steps on how to fix the fuel gauge reading incorrectly.

How to Fix Truck Fuel Gauge Reading Incorrectly

Resetting fuel gauges are some basic skills you should have as a truck owner. The fuel gauge is a significant component of your truck which gives you the actual amount of fuel in your tank. This component enables you to understand the rate at which your truck consumes fuel, and it will also help you to determine if the remaining fuel can sustain you up to the next filling station. In this guide, we will go through steps on how to fix the fuel gauge reading incorrectly.

Fuel Gauge Reading Incorrectly

A fuel gauge can be either digital or LCD, while others are analog. The fuel gauge has an indicator and sending units. When your truck’s fuel gauge is inaccurate, attribute it to a faulty sending unit. Here is an insight into what to do if your fuel gauge does not give accurate readings.

Steps To Follow When Resetting Fuel Gauge

Software or an electric malfunction makes your fuel gauge not give accurate readings of the fuel in your fuel tank. To solve the inaccurate fuel gauge reading problem, you have to revert it. The manufacturer’s guide usually gives the procedure for resetting your fuel gauge. But the reverting method is universal in all trucks. 

Follow the below steps to reset your fuel gauge. 

Turn On Your Ignition

Before performing this procedure, ensure your truck is parked on a plain surface and the handbrake is engaged. Please turn on the engine and let it run.

Put the Odometer Into ODO Mode

You will do this by pushing the trip/Odo button, the location of this button varies depending on the type of truck you have, but it is commonly located on the dashboard.

Turn the Ignition Off

You will have to perform this procedure several times, so you do not have to remove your key from the ignition. 

Press and Hold the Trip/Odo Button

While doing this, turn your keys on as you hold the button for around 2 seconds before releasing.

Press the Trip/Odo Button 3 times

Hold the Trip/Odo button on the third press for about 5 seconds. Release your hands as soon as the odometer displays the truck leveling information.

Press and Hold the Trip/Odo Button

At this point, only release your hand from the Trip/Odo button when the odometer says 1, which means that the resetting process has started. Keep holding the button as your fuel gauge resets. The resetting procedure comes to an end when the odometer moves to normal. At this point, you can release the Trip/Odo button and turn off your engine. 

Conclusion

Your truck fuel gauge is as equally important as other parts. You should ensure it is adequately maintained whenever it starts to malfunction. In a nutshell, it is necessary to know how to reset your fuel gauge.

When your fuel gauge functions correctly, you can know the exact quantity of fuel in your tank. A bad fuel gauge can give you wrong figures, and you might get stranded in a place where it is difficult to fuel your truck. 

To avoid inconveniences, consult your mechanic to help you fix a faulty fuel gauge. Troubleshooting fuel gauge issues on your own is cost-effective. You will only need to follow the above procedure.

Pick Up Truck Maintenance Tips

Pick Up Truck Maintenance Tips

The pick-up trucks are a darling to people because they can fit any work perfectly. You can use them to commute to work; they look very official when parked next to SUVs. After work, you can use them to transport hay to your cows; the bed behind can carry several kilograms of hay. In this guide, we will be delving into some pick up truck maintenance tips that are worth looking into.

Pick Up Truck Maintenance Tips

Pick-up trucks can also humble a rugged and rough terrain. Check on these maintenance tips for your truck to achieve its potential and serve you better.

Buy the Right Tires

When shopping for tires, buy the correct one. Good tires will protect your shock absorbers and bearing from wearing out regularly. Good tires reduce road accidents, hence offering you the necessary protection.

Buy the tire that can survive your daily driving terrain. Before buying a tire, you should know the nature of the surface you regularly drive on. For example, pick-up truck tires for offroad are different from the ones designed for highways. If possible, buy tires for all terrains and consider changing depending on where you are going.

Give Your Diesel-Powered Engine a Special Attention

The diesel-powered pick-up trucks require regular fuel filter replacement compared to the petrol-powered ones. Their fuel filter gets clogged faster, and a clogged fuel filter can lead to engine starvation. To prevent your engine from starving, replace the fuel filters every 15,000 miles.

Consider using an engine oil with anti-wear additives on your diesel engine because it absorbs more carbon than petrol engines.

Do A Regular Brake Check-up

Brakes are life savers, especially if you use your pick-up truck for towing or carrying heavy loads. Do a regular check-up on your brakes and replace them if you notice they have started to wear out. Uneven wear on your brakes indicates that your braking system is not balanced. Balance them to increase the performance of your brakes.

Perform a regular Gearbox and Clutch Check-up

Pick-up trucks have high-torque engines that mostly carry heavy loads, meaning more stress and pressure goes to the clutch and the gearbox whenever you are driving. Regularly inspect your gearbox and clutch to ensure they are in good working condition.

Inspect the Levels of the Fluids

Your pick-up truck has engine oil, coolant, transmission, power steering, and brake fluids. Always check the levels of such fluids. If you realize their levels have gone down, consider topping them up. Reduced levels of fluids signal a leakage somewhere. Try to find out the leaking part and fix it.

Check Your Lighting System

Turn on your lights and walk around your pick-up truck to confirm if all the bulbs are operating perfectly. If you realize that some are burnt, consider replacing them. When doing this, never forget that the brake, signal, and hazard lights are functioning properly.

Conclusion

Maintaining a pick-up is the best way of giving it a long lifespan. Never wait for your truck to signal you that something is not right with it. Take the initiative of doing a regular check-up on your pick-up and do minor fixings. Minor fixings escalate to major problems if you ignore them.

How then does someone go about troubleshooting a truck not starting? Well, here are some of the pointers and tips on how to go about just that.

Troubleshooting a Truck Not Starting

Sometimes your truck’s engine might fail to turn on when you ignite it and might signal a slight problem or a significant issue. Troubleshoot your truck to determine and fix the problem in such a case. How then does someone go about troubleshooting a truck not starting? Well, here are some of the pointers and tips on how to go about just that.

Troubleshooting a Truck Not Starting

Low Battery

Your truck’s engine might fail to start because the battery has no power. It is the most common cause of the engine failing to start. Your battery might fail to start the engine if your truck has stayed in the parking yard for a long time. If you leave your dome on or any device that drains energy from the battery overnight, be sure of trouble when you want to start the engine.

Before thinking of devices that might drain your battery, consider how long it has served you. As your battery gets old, it loses its ability to retain power, which might give you a headache when you want to start your truck.

Checking the Battery

You can determine if the power of your battery is down by turning on the wipers. If they move slowly, the battery has no adequate power. Focus on the dome light when turning on the wipers or the engine. If they become dim, then your battery has no power. Checking the voltage of your battery is necessary to determine if it is healthy or dead. A volt meter will help you to check the voltage of your battery. A well-charged battery has 12.6 volts, but if the voltage is less than 12, it has less or no charge.

Upon being convinced that the battery has less charge, you can recharge it if it is a new battery, but if it has served you for five years and above, it is dead.

Sticky Key In the Ignition

The ignition becomes hard to turn when the ignition locks the steering with the wheels turned aside. Consider turning the steering wheel from left to right as you gently turn the keys in the ignition. Doing this releases the tension in the ignition.

The key and the ignition lock wear out and become faulty with time as they serve you. If you experience this problem and your steering is not locked, the ignition lock or your key might be having trouble. If this happens, use a spare key and lubricate the key slot. If it does not work, seek mechanical help.

The Starter is not Cranking

If you put your ignition key at the start position, but the engine does not start, the starter motor is not starting the engine. A dead battery can cause this, but if your battery is okay, check the following.

The starter solenoid or the starter motor might be having a problem.

The ignition switch might be bad.

There might be a problem with the electronic module or the truck’s security system.

Conclusion

When your engine fails to start, you might troubleshoot it yourself but if it does not work, consider a mechanical check-up to establish the cause of the problem.

Let us look at how to care for your truck engine so that you can get great serice and performance from it.

How To Care for Your Truck Engine

The engine is the powerhouse of a truck. Its role is similar to the human heart, which must operate smoothly to provide every body part with blood. The engine must operate smoothly to generate and change the thermal energy to mechanical energy. You must maintain and take care of your engine as a truck owner. Let us look at how to care for your truck engine so that you can get great serice and performance from it.

Never Let Your Truck Demand a New Oil

Engine oil lubricates and cools the engine’s moving parts. With time, your oil ages and becomes less effective. Engine oil will stop being effective when it wears out. Regular changing engine oil will help your engine retain its power and prevent its parts from wearing out. The manufacturer’s guide has how much mileage you need to cover to change your oil.

Check the Level of the Coolant

During combustion, your engine emits a lot of heat energy. The engine is made of metals and alloys that are not friendly to heat; therefore, coolant reduces the high temperatures, damaging other parts of the engine. The coolant level sometimes might drop due to leakage or evaporation as it comes into contact with hot engine parts. You must make a regular check on the level of the coolant to avoid engine damage.

Make Sure Your Engine Breaths Properly

The engine requires oxygen the way you do. Oxygen plays the role of initiating combustion in the cylinders by mixing with the fuel and also cooling the radiator. If your engine is not receiving adequate oxygen, there will be incomplete combustion. Always check your air filters and clean them if you realize it is clogged with dirt or debris.

Check Around the Truck If there is Any Leakage.

Whenever you pull your truck from the parking lot, form a habit of checking if there is any leakage where you parked. You can also open the engine and check if there are leakages. If you note any leakage, rush your truck for a mechanical check-up before it gets late.

Check All the Belts

The moving engine parts are linked with the rubber belts. Sometimes you will hear a squealing sound from the engine. Such sound warns that the belts are worn out and must be replaced. Checking the belts is necessary as it will help you to replace them earlier before they get damaged completely.

Never Forget To Replace the Fuel Filters

The cylinders are very delicate, and if an impurity goes inside the cylinder, it can be costly to repair. The fuel filters prevent impurities from getting into the engine. The filter does not remove the impurities; instead, they hold them. As they hold the impurities, they become clogged, and the fuel flow rate into the combustion chamber reduces. Consider replacing the old fuel filter for a smooth fuel flow to the cylinders.

Conclusion

The way you handle your truck engine can make it serve you for long or die very fast. Always keep in touch with the engine by checking it regularly to determine its health level.

Important Truck Maintenance Tips

What are Some Important Truck Maintenance Tips?

Giving your truck good maintenance is a key factor that contributes to its good performance. Always take your truck to a skilled professional for a check-up. Such people will check your trucks and give you a detailed report if they realize any problem with them. Work on fixing minor problems that you may note in your truck. Ignoring such issues will escalate into major issues. Let us look at some of the tips on some important truck maintenance.

Check Your Braking System

The braking system is complex but a life-saver component of your truck. We refer to it as a system because it has various components which work together to stop your truck. It is important to maintain this system because their work exposes them to wear and tear. 

Most truck crashes result from brake failure. The brake parts require regular maintenance because they are exposed to wear and tear. To reduce brake-related crashes, check the braking system regularly and ensure they are in good working condition. Check and replace the brake pads, brake shoes, brake fluid, and brake pedals that work perfectly. Keep changing these parts if you realize they are worn out.

Check the Engine 

A truck’s engine is a system having various parts, and all these parts work in unity to generate the power which rotates the wheels. The engine has parts like belts, cylinders, gaskets, and pistons valves. The engine working begins in the cylinders where combustion takes place. With time the piston rings wear out, so it is necessary to check their condition and change them if worn out. 

Perform regular engine servicing and replace parts like piston rings, gasket heads, and belts prone to wear. Do a general check-up for your engine, clean it if you observe carbon build-up on it, and remove other impurities.

Check the Level of Coolants and the Lubricants

Lubricant and coolant play a significant role in the engine. As the engine functions, it produces heat that, if not cooled, can damage the entire engine. There are parts of the engine in constant motion, making them rub against each other. Coolants and lubricants play the role of maintaining the temperature and lubricating the moving parts. 

Make a regular check-up on the level of the coolants. If you note a decrease in their level, keenly check if there is a leakage in your truck. If your engine receives little lubricant and coolant, it will likely malfunction.

Check Body Problems

Rust and corrosion damage the body of trucks very fast, and salt accumulation and other chemicals expose your truck to rust. If you drive on snow and ice, the chances of it contracting salt are very high and slowly eroding your truck’s body. After driving on such roads, thoroughly wash your truck. Repair and do necessary paintings on the parts which look worn out. Never forget to check the lighting and wiring system.

Conclusion

Keep your truck in good shape and condition to serve you perfectly. Consider doing a regular engine and body check-up and repairing the wearing parts.