The complete guide to used truck maintenance: from the power chain to the air lines, refresh your vehicle

Nowadays, the competition in the freight transportation market is getting more and more fierce, and more and more people are devoted to this industry, trying to get a share of this blue ocean. However, the high cost of vehicles and the changing market environment, so many truckers feel the pressure. In this context, the purchase of cost-effective used trucks has become a wise choice for many people. But how to carry out proper maintenance after purchasing a used truck?

The routine maintenance of used trucks covers both body and interior aspects. After the truck arrives, the maintenance plan should be tailored to the actual condition of the vehicle. In order to ensure all-around maintenance results, a system-by-system overhaul is undoubtedly an efficient method.

Power Chain Maintenance
First of all, you need to pay attention to the truck’s power chain system, which includes the engine, transmission and drive axle, and is the core power source of the truck. The overhaul of the engine is crucial to check whether the oil and filter need to be replaced, while paying attention to the use time of the three filters to avoid the increase of fuel consumption in the later stage. In addition, the belt in the engine, as a rubber product, is susceptible to high and low temperatures, so it needs to be replaced regularly to prevent the belt from breaking.

Next, the inspection of the transmission and drive axle should not be ignored. It is important to check for metal shavings in the fluid and replace the transmission fluid and gear oil with new ones in time to ensure the proper functioning of the power chain.

Wheel End and Tire Maintenance
Wheel ends and tires are critical parts of your truck’s safety, so it’s vital that they are serviced. All-wheel ends need to be disassembled from the bumper wheels and inspected for bearing damage, along with cleaning the axle head bearings and replacing them with new grease or oil. In addition, brake shoes need to be inspected, hubs cleaned and badly worn tires replaced. Regular testing of tire pressure is also essential to prevent flat tire accidents.

Maintenance of air and electrical circuits
The air circuit system needs to be overhauled starting with the air compressor, checking the spare cylinder for oil stains and water accumulation. In terms of the circuit, check whether the battery is sufficiently charged, and replace it in time if there is any difficulty in ignition. At the same time, we also need to check whether the relevant lines are broken, and timely bandage or replacement to ensure the safety and reliability of the circuit.