Troubleshooting Tips for Your Heavy-Duty Truck
Because a heavy-duty truck weighs more than the average family sedan, its parts will often suffer more wear and tear overall. The engine needs to work harder to manage that extra weight, as does the transmission. That extra work usually means that the truck may be running at a higher heat, which also puts more demands on the radiator to keep the truck cooler. All of this can mean that you might face earlier truck repair than the repairs with a family sedan, so note a few troubleshooting tips when you do notice problems under the hood. This can tell you what to discuss with a mechanic if you cannot address these issues on your own.
1. The clutch wears out quicker than it should
Even in a heavy-duty truck, you should have a certain life expectancy of the clutch, according to the manufacturer's guidelines. Note first if you're abusing the clutch by downshifting instead of braking, or by overloading the truck and, in turn, overusing the clutch.
If abuse is not the issue and the clutch does consistently wear out too quickly, note if you're having the wrong type of clutch installed for your truck, and if you're taking into account a standard load when you or your mechanic are choosing a new clutch. A lightweight clutch not meant to support the weight of your truck and any cargo you're carrying is going to wear out much more quickly than it should, so discuss your options with a mechanic for upgrading to a stronger clutch.
2. The truck is using too much coolant, but there are no visible leaks
If your truck needs a refill of coolant more quickly than it should, the most obvious solution is to look for leaks along the radiator hoses or the cap. However, if there are no visible leaks, check the dipstick for the engine oil and note if it seems thin or has a bluish or greenish tint. If so, coolant may be leaking into the engine. This can happen if the radiator is too full or there are leaks in the radiator hoses that allow coolant to drip into the engine. Because the coolant is being absorbed by the engine, you may not notice this leak so readily. Have a mechanic check all the lines and always note the proper level for filling the radiator with coolant so you don't overfill it and cause excess pressure on the pump.