Avoiding Four of the Most Common Truck Body Repairs

The average lifespan of a heavy-duty truck is ten to fifteen years or more if it's maintained regularly.

Despite knowing the importance of truck maintenance, many people simply neglect it. And when that happens, they either end up paying extensive repair costs or purchasing a new truck before time.

 If you are a new owner looking for ways to avoid high truck body repair costs, this blog is for you. We've listed some of the most common problems faced by truck owners/drivers along with some effective ways to avoid them.

 Engine Problems

 The engine and cylinder of the truck make for the most expensive repairs. Even a minor issue with the engine can stop your truck from working and cost you thousands.

 But you can avoid engine troubles by ensuring proper engine maintenance along with good driving. The key is to not let the engine overheat and here's how you can do that:

●      Check the coolant at least once or twice a month

●      Make sure you aren't filling the coolant more than necessary

●      Keep the radiator in working condition and flush it every 5 years/30 thousand miles

●      Always pay attention to the temperature gauge and as soon as you see the overheating sign; stop the truck.

●      Don't forget to change the oil on a regular basis; replace oil as soon as you spot a black sludge

       Transmission Issues

The transmission is responsible for controlling the power of your wheels. An automatic transmission shifts gears on its own to help you manage speed while a manual one lets you choose when to move the truck to the next gear.

Preventive measures for your truck transmission:

●      Keep track of the transmission fluids - low levels can wear out the gears.

●      Remember to change the transmission fluid and select the right type.

TIP: Contact your nearest truck body repair shop if you aren't sure which fluid suits your truck type or model.

●      Don't accelerate too much or hard press those brakes.

●      If you own a stick, do not shift the gears in an aggressive manner.

    Suspension Complications

Suspension is another repair type that should stay as far as possible. A damaged suspension system does not just affect the ride quality but also puts your life at risk.

If you're experiencing any change in the way you control the truck such as making turns or hearing rattling sounds while driving, it means something's wrong with the suspension. To avert the risk you should:

●      Drive carefully and try to avoid potholes, rough roads, and slow down over speed breakers.

●      Keep an eye on the tires, get their air pressures checked (whenever you get the time).

●      Get the power steering belt and fluid examined by a mechanic along with ball joints and bushings

 Battery Troubles

Most people don't think about their truck's battery until it isn't completely dead. Besides, a battery replacement can cost a bomb. It's only better for you as an individual as well as a business to avoid issues associated with it. For that, you need to:

●      Determine its lifespan and change it right after the warranty period gets over.

●      Get the alternator checked by a professional for squealing sounds and battery light issues.

TIP: Look for experts who have experience restoring heavy equipment and truck parts. They’ll take one look at the battery and tell the difference (if the battery requires repairing)

●      Keep the battery charged between 40-80% especially if yours is a hybrid truck.