If you own or operate a fleet or commercial truck, it’s important you know the basics of vehicle maintenance. Checking your fluids is the easiest and most effective way to ensure your vehicles stay on the road and going strong. Here’s what you need to know, from Sac Valley Diesel in Sacramento, CA. Oil and Transmission Fluid - Your engine and transmission both rely heavily on correct fluid levels for pressure-related functions, lubrication, and cooling. Too much or too little, and you’re going to have a problem; one that’ll likely cost you an engine or transmission, and at least a few days of downtime. Make sure you pull the dipstick frequently, especially considering how many miles your trucks or vans log, and make sure your fluid levels are where they’re supposed to be. Remember to check the oil with the engine off, and transmission fluid with the vehicle warm and running in park.
Coolant - Checking your coolant is essential to keeping your engine and transmission in good working order. Coolant is under pressure, so if there’s any point of escape in the system, it doesn’t take long to lose enough to cause overheating. It evaporates quickly, making leaks hard to spot as well. Just make sure if you remove the radiator cap, you do so slowly and while the engine is cold. Boiling temperatures and pressure aren’t something you want to play around with.
Brake Fluid - Checking your brake fluid is easy and will save you from issues down the road. Brake system leaks can be very small, taking months to lose enough fluid for trouble to arise. Once the level gets low enough, air enters the system, and your brakes stop working as they should. At that point, adding fluid won’t help much; you’ll need to get the entire system bled. If you notice a leak, no matter how small, get it fixed before it becomes a bigger one. With any of these fluids, consult the manual to see what type of fluid your vehicle needs, and how to check the level specifically.
When you bring your trucks in for an oil change, we always check the fluids - but with fleet vehicles, they really need to be checked about daily. No matter your repair or maintenance needs, we’ve got you covered. For the best fleet service shop in Sacramento, CA, call or stop by Sac Valley Diesel today.
