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Angela's Articulate Collection of Car Service Secrets, Tips and Tricks

Hi, my name is Angela, and as the wife of a mechanic, I was constantly tripping over car parts and complaining about the rows of project cars lining our garden. However, after a few years, I quit complaining and actually found joy in the art of auto repair. Inspired by that classic book, "Zen and the Art of Motorcycle Maintenance", I decided to start working on cars with my husband. This blog is the culmination of everything I have learned and more. I hope you enjoy reading it and that my tips and ideas guide you toward a healthier car and a happier, safer driving experience.

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Angela's Articulate Collection of Car Service Secrets, Tips and Tricks

Truck Repair And Maintenance Tips

by Keith Simpson

Most truck owners experience difficulties when conducting truck repairs. More often than not, they do not know how to diagnose their vehicles or determine the required spare parts. Below is a short guide on truck maintenance and repairs. 

The primary objective of truck maintenance is to prevent expensive repairs. Proper vehicle use is an essential aspect of truck maintenance. For instance, overloading the vehicle could cause engine wear and overheating problems.

The engine must be in excellent condition. Engine maintenance should include the following: 

  1. Service the engine using manufacturer recommended oils and air and oil filters. Besides, check the coolant and replace the thermostat to prevent engine overheating.
  2. Conduct major servicing at between 100,000 to 150,000 kilometres. At this stage, replace or refurbish major components such as the gaskets, oil seals, camshaft, crankshaft and pistons. You could opt to replace the entire engine if it requires extensive repairs.
  3. Clean the fuel lines and injectors to get rid of carbon deposits.
  4. Conduct regular compression tests to detect internal engine problems such as worn-out pistons and gaskets.
  5. If you run a turbo diesel engine, give the engine sufficient time to warm in the morning and cool in the evening. 

Regular inspections will help you determine the condition of the braking system. Low brake fluid levels, worn-out disks and air leakage problems could cause accidents. You risk severe issues if you ignore the warning lights on your dashboard. For instance, if you ignore the oxygen sensor warning light, the vehicle will experience fuel consumption and power problems. 

The secret to successful truck repairs is ensuring that you work with an experienced mechanic. When choosing a mechanic, assess their reputation, work ethic and specialisation. At the repair shop, the mechanic should conduct a thorough inspection to ascertain the extent of the damage. For instance, an overheating problem could damage both the gasket and the engine block, so these should both be checked.

You must be cautious when buying auto parts. Installing the wrong parts could damage the functionality of other components. For example, an improper fitting gasket will lead to overheating and compression problems. If you intend to purchase used parts, inspect them for signs of damage. Additionally, ask the seller for a guarantee. 

Keep service and maintenance records to know when you should replace your vehicle parts. Use the maintenance records as a bargaining chip to convince potential buyers that your vehicle is in excellent condition.

For more information, contact a truck repair service in your area.

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