Spring and summer months represent outdoor cookouts, pool parties, and adventure. While it can represent fun for the average person, it can place extra stress on your yard truck. Fortunately, there are several best practices and tips to protect your yard spotter truck.
Let’s take a closer look at some of the top yard truck maintenance tips you can use to maximize the efficiency and productivity of your yard spotter truck.
To prevent these unfavorable outcomes, check your tire pressure every day. It’s best to perform this check when the tires are cool if you want the most accurate reading. On average, your tires will lose a pound of air naturally, so you shouldn’t be alarmed if you notice a drop in air pressure.
Work to Keep Your Engine Cool
Temperatures in the south will easily exceed 100 degrees at the height of summer. However, underneath the hood of any vehicle with a combustion engine, things can be twice as hot. The average temperature for an engine ranges between 195 and 220°F. Fortunately, your yard spotter truck has a cooling system to keep the engine from overheating and overextending itself in the summer heat. As the owner and operator of a yard truck, you must have regular maintenance for your cooling system in place. Ensure you follow the maintenance schedules set forth by the manufacturer. Moreover, in between fluid flushes, you should verify that coolant levels are appropriate. Doing so is best before your engine overheats and sustains irreparable damage.Ensure Your Tires Are Properly Inflated
Ensure tires are in good working order, starting with proper inflation levels. Keeping your tire pressure at the correct level can extend its life and offer several other benefits. On the other hand, the consequences of being overinflated or underinflated can be costly. It can lead to:- Loss of traction
- Reduced handling
- Excessive wear and tear
- Vibrations
- Uncomfortable drivability
- Increased likelihood of accidents
- Reduced fuel economy
To prevent these unfavorable outcomes, check your tire pressure every day. It’s best to perform this check when the tires are cool if you want the most accurate reading. On average, your tires will lose a pound of air naturally, so you shouldn’t be alarmed if you notice a drop in air pressure.
Inspect All Fluid Levels
Similar to your body, your terminal tractor relies on fluids to perform. Most fluids channel heat away from key parts and prevent overheating. If any fluid levels are low, you’ll be on the fast track toward expensive yard truck repair. Some of the most common fluids you should make a habit of checking and filling up are:- Power steering fluid
- Motor oil
- Brake fluid
- Windshield wiper fluid
- Transmission fluid
Don’t Forget the Battery
Your spotter truck’s battery is critical to its performance. Any vibration and heat your battery experiences during the hot months can cause failure and breakdown if not quickly checked. Because of this, it’s vital to do everything within your power to prevent your battery from overheating. Here are a few tips and best practices you can use to protect your battery:- Prevent excessive vibration by ensuring your battery is securely mounted.
- Inspect your battery fluid.
- Clean your battery connections and cables often to avoid the build-up of corrosion.
- Test your battery, especially if it’s more than three years old.
- Proactively replace the battery to prevent damage.
