Don't Make These 3 Common Mistakes When Maintaining Your Heavy-Duty Truck Engine
You know what they say, “An ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure.” Never has that been more true than when it comes to maintaining your heavy-duty truck’s engine. Here, we will outline three simple, avoidable mistakes and how to steer clear of them to keep your engine in pristine condition!
1. Neglecting Oil Changes
Oil changes are simple yet effective ways to maintain your engine. Oil lubricates key components like the crankshaft, pistons, and camshaft, reducing friction. It even helps regulate engine temperature by dissipating heat.
Missing or delaying routine oil changes can lead to increased wear, engine seizure, and, in some extreme cases, catastrophic failure. Due to the increased stress on heavy-duty engines, oil tends to degrade quicker and can cause a sludge that reduces oil efficiency.
Actionable Tip
Although it may vary from truck to truck, change your oil every 50,000 - 75,000 miles on newer vehicles and 10,000 - 25,000 miles on older vehicles. For the best results, always consult your user manual.
The best way to determine whether your oil needs a change is to do a quick test. If it’s black and thick, then it’s time to schedule an appointment.
2. Ignoring Coolant System Maintenance
Neglecting cooling system maintenance is the fastest way to damage your engine. An overheating engine can lead to severe problems, including catastrophic failure. Even something as simple as not topping up coolant can cause major headaches.
There are also mechanical problems to be aware of. A worn-out water pump or a malfunctioning fan clutch can cause inefficient cooling, putting your engine at risk of cracking or warping from extreme heat. Leaks in the coolant reservoir and hoses are also common causes of coolant system issues.
Actionable Tip
Check coolant levels regularly and look for leaks around the radiator and hoses, or use a pressure tester for a more accurate analysis. Coolant needs to be flushed and replaced every 30,000 miles or so to maintain its efficiency. Ensure you use the correct coolant mix to prevent freezing in colder climates or boiling over in hotter ones.
Learn more about this topic with our handy coolant system guide.
3. Overlooking Air Filter Replacement
Air filters can be easily forgotten, but you’ll know about them pretty quickly if you do. A clogged air filter cannot properly regulate the amount and quality of air entering your engine. This causes higher fuel consumption (have you seen the price of diesel these days?), poor engine performance, and even internal damage.
Extra wear on components like the pistons, valves, and turbocharger. If you regularly drive in dusty or off-road environments, your air filter may need replacing even more frequently.
Actionable Tip
Check your air filter during routine inspections, and replace it if it's excessively dirty. A good rule of thumb is to inspect the filter every 15,000 to 30,000 miles, but always adjust based on your driving environment.
Final Thoughts
Even small mistakes can have severe consequences when maintaining your heavy-duty truck engine. By keeping up with oil changes, regularly servicing your coolant system, and replacing the air filter when needed, you can avoid costly breakdowns and extend the life of your engine.
Consistent engine maintenance is your best defense against unexpected engine failures, and with the right attention to detail, your truck’s engine will keep running strong year after year.
