How to Keep Your Truck from Overheating in the Hot Weather
When the temperatures begin to soar on an extremely hot day, our bodies aren’t the only things that are prone to heatstroke. Trucks can overheat, too. In fact, the temperatures under the hood of your truck can get even worse, especially when you’re driving in stop-and-go traffic. If your heavy vehicle has been heating up frequently, it’s likely that there are some maintenance issues that need to be addressed. In fact, if you haven’t been keeping up with regular maintenance, your truck can be vulnerable to overheating in any weather.
Fortunately, there are plenty of ways to beat the heat and keep your truck running smoothly. DeBary Truck Sales has provided some common sources of overheating and ways to fix them. If you need additional help from our experienced staff, or you’re interested in exploring our wide range of commercial trucks for sale, visit our dealership in Sanford, Florida!
Preventive Maintenance
Keeping your truck in proper working order is one of the best ways to avoid overheating. If you properly maintain your vehicle, you'll prevent a lot of issues that can lead to expensive repairs down the road. It's a good idea to watch for indicators of a problem in the cooling system, such as sudden jumps in normal engine operating temperature or leaks in the system. You should regularly inspect your truck's coolant hoses, as well as any clamps that attach the hoses to the radiator and to your engine. Some other areas that you'll want to keep an eye on for signs of damage include the engine belt, radiator, overflow container, cooling fan, and your engine's thermostat.
Pay Special Attention to Fluids
You should probably be checking your engine fluids fairly regularly, but when it’s hot outside, you’ll need to be particularly diligent. The engine is going to heat up a lot between the exterior heat and the heat that gets generated by the internal components.
Coolant
The coolant in your radiator prevents your truck’s engine from overheating, so you’ll want to keep it topped up and clean. Check the radiator daily and add more coolant as necessary. If you find that you’re regularly low on coolant, there might be a leak. You can confirm this by checking the coolant level periodically throughout the day. If it’s clearly an issue, don’t hesitate to have the truck serviced.
Engine Oil
The engine oil lubricates various parts to ensure they’re functioning smoothly. Remember to check your truck’s oil only after the engine has been running for a few minutes. Make sure to shut it off first, but you’ll want the engine to be warmed up. The oil will have to be changed if you find that it’s sludgy when you check the dipstick after wiping and inserting it. Otherwise, you can simply top off the oil and you’re good to go.
Other Fluids
Your other fluids might evaporate faster in the heat as well, so regularly check the brake fluid, fuel, and lubricants to make sure that they are topped off to the optimal levels. While you’re at it, it might be a good idea to check your air filters because they work with the fluids to keep your truck running clean and cool.
Gasket Leaks
The first thing to check if your truck overheats often is the radiator pressure cap. Sometimes the gasket on the cap deteriorates and it lets the pressure escape, which causes the cooling system to malfunction. Remove the radiator cap and then start your truck. If fluid jumps out of the radiator, it means you have a compression leak somewhere. Do not do this test with a hot vehicle. You may need to have a mechanic perform this test for you as many gasket leaks are small and hard to see with the naked eye.
Check for Debris Blocking Radiator Airflow
A blocked radiator is another common cause of overheating. Walk to the front of your truck and open the hood. Make sure that there isn’t any obstruction blocking the area between the grille and the radiator. Small things like plastic bags and trash can prevent the air from flowing through the radiator. Also, check between the condenser and the radiator as this tight spot can hold a lot of debris. Use a standard hose to clear away all the dirt and grime.
Defective Fan
Your electric fan needs to turn on at certain times to keep your truck cool. The fan should turn on automatically when you start the air conditioner, or when the engine temperature rises to a certain point. If the fan does not turn on, there are a number of things you will need to check. First, make sure that the fuse is good. If the fuse is fine, you will have to check the temperature sensors. There’s also a possibility that the fan motor is not working. In any case, you must have your truck checked by a professional who can identify the root cause of the problem and fix it for you.
With some patience and attention, you can prevent overheating issues so that your truck continues to serve you well for years to come. If you have any questions or you’re interested in checking out our wide selection of commercial trucks for sale, get in touch with us at DeBary Truck Sales in Sanford, FL. Our friendly staff will be happy to help you with whatever you need, from giving advice to fixing up your truck. We proudly serve all those in Atlanta, GA.