Winter is tough on cars, and even harder on trucks that spend the entire season on the road. Keeping your rig in great shape will help you avoid semi towing companies this spring, and save you time on the road. For a checklist on how to prepare your truck, use the guide below. 

Rig Spring Cleaning Checklist  

1. Check the Fluid Levels

Driving in warmer weather drains your truck’s coolant, brake fluids, and lubricants. Low or dirty fluid levels puts stress on the engine. Same goes for the oil. Be sure to check on all your truck’s fluid systems periodically during spring and summer. Always check your oil levels monthly. Check the ground under your truck for any puddles indicating a leak.

2. Test the Battery 

While any semi towing company can replace your batteries, this is an avoidable problem. Truck batteries tend to last three to five years, but they’re put under heavy stress in the warmer months. Be sure to check both batteries’ alternator charging rates, and check the connections for signs of corrosion. Some truckers even carry extra batteries in their rig, just in case. 

3. Do a Body Check

Before heading out on the road, make sure all your lights are working—head, tail, turn signals, and hazards. If your truck has upfits, give them a test too. Never forget to check the strength of your windshield, and the sharpness of the wiper blades—spring is a rainy season. 

4. Inspect the Brake System

Winter’s snow and spring’s heavy rains can wear on your brake system. Check the entire hardware—from the pads to the calipers to the fittings. Check the tire pressure for any corrosive damage done from residue road salt during the winter. Your shocks, struts, and suspension take a beating on the road. Make sure your rig handles perfectly by going for a check or inspecting them yourself.  

5. Examine the Engine 

Inspect the radiator hoses, pipes, belts, and filters for any signs of cracks or leaks. The seasonal change from cold to hot can make the rubber hoses flex, and belts crack. The engine itself is likely to crack around the bends and joints. Make sure the engine is humming along smoothly before a semi towing company becomes necessary.  

 

If your rig breaks down and you need a semi towing company, reach out to Buckeye Riverside Towing at (513) 244-7200. Their team is on call 24/7 to help get you back on the road. Based in Cincinnati, but providing long-distance service throughout the entire Ohio, Kentucky, and Indiana Tri-State area, Buckeye has been offering reliable and affordable roadside assistance to truckers for over 80 years. With a fleet that includes standard towing trucks to flatbed tows, they’re prepared for any situation. For a full list of their services, ranging from flat tires and lockouts to heavy-duty recovery and emergency towing, check out their website.