Trucks are vehicles that are particularly vulnerable to all kinds of malfunctions. This is due, first of all, to the difficult conditions of their operation. Thousands of kilometers traveled, unknown and often poor quality roads and changing drivers mean that these real wonders of motorization often face all sorts of defects prematurely. That is why we decided to create a guide in which you will learn how to properly care for a truck.
Improper driving
As in the case of ordinary passenger cars, trucks are also often exposed to poor operation. The basic and most common mistake is excessive load on an unheated engine. This is mainly due to the specificity of the driving itself – trucks are often exposed to many hours of stops, followed by dynamic starting. Then your engine is more prone to malfunctions because unheated oil does not provide it with protection.
The situation is similar in the case of too abrupt shutdown of the engine. For this reason, we should cover the last kilometers with slightly less power. To ensure the optimum temperature of the mechanism, we can wait a few minutes at idle before turning it off. In addition, a common mistake of many drivers is to overtake another vehicle at too low a speed. Then we achieve too high limit engine speeds, which results in oil thinning, and consequently faster wear of the oil pump or clogging of oil channels.
It is worth remembering that improper operation can even force us to overhaul the engine. The cost of such an undertaking in the case of a truck starts from ten thousand zlotys and depends on the type of defect.
Regular replacement of operating fluids
Trucks are primarily vehicles that break records of kilometers traveled. Due to their increased operation, it is necessary to take care of regular fluid replacement. Although manufacturers are constantly extending the frequency of oil changes, it should be remembered that the oil loses its lubricating properties after driving 40-60 thousand kilometers.
After this run, you can expect increased friction, increased operating temperature of components and faster wear of mechanisms.
If you are wondering what engine oil will work best, in this case you should be guided by the recommendations of the manufacturer himself. To further protect the entire mechanism, it is also worth investing in a suitable additive for engine oil. It is best to opt for a specificity that will not only reduce oil consumption, but will also be distinguished by regenerative properties. One of the most frequently recommended products are Ceramizers. Thanks to them, you will not only reduce fuel consumption, but also harden and increase the resistance of rubbing surfaces to wear.
It is also worth remembering that the opposite situation, i.e. the use of too much oil, is also not advisable. In this case, the pressure in the lubrication system may be increased. Thus, we increase the likelihood of dangerous leaks.
Particular attention should also be paid to the level of coolant and the efficiency of the entire system. Otherwise, the engine may overheat, the repair or replacement of which will involve huge costs. Then car owners have to face damage to the gasket under the head, which may involve cracking or overheating of the piston rings. Sealing the rings, in addition to generating additional repair costs, can also make it difficult to start the engine and cause excessive oil consumption. To avoid this, it is best to opt for high-quality engine oil additives that will reduce the coefficient of friction, which in turn will minimize the likelihood of damage or seizure of the engine.
The right fuel quality
By far the most important operating fluid in our vehicle is fuel. Therefore, it is worth taking care of its proper quality. If possible, try to avoid unproven stations and choose fuel with a high octane value. If you do not know exactly what fuel will be best for your car, check the instructions attached to it. It is from it that you will learn many useful curiosities that will help you take the best care of your car.
Remember, however, that cheap, unproven fuels cause inefficient combustion of the fuel-air mixture, and after some time they can also cause engine destruction. Unfortunately, due to the long and demanding routes, trucks are much more often exposed to poor quality fuel. Therefore, to protect our mechanism, it is best to use a fuel refiner that will reduce the risk of engine damage after refueling with low-quality fuel. In addition to the protective properties, the Ceramizer CP fuel refiner cleans the injections, combustion chamber and valve plugs, which positively affects the life of the vehicle.