It’s important to be mindful of your truck’s most vital components to prevent unexpected breakdowns. Overheated engines are common, and can occur for a number of reasons. Here’s why this truck part might face problems, and what you can do to resolve and prevent them.

Why Is Your Truck’s Engine Overheating?

1. Fluid Leaks

All vehicles require coolant to decrease heat during operation and prevent damage to the engine. If this fluid evaporates or freezes, the engine might overheat. A leak may also be the culprit.

To check whether you have a leak, inspect the area where you park your vehicle for any pooled liquid. Since coolant drains slowly, resolving a leak may help you avoid overheating. If you don’t spot pooled coolant, top off the levels in the engine.

2. Overloading

If you routinely overload the truck with weighty cargo that goes beyond the acceptable capacity, you put excess strain on the engine. Stacked cargo can also pose a threat while you’re operating the truck. The stress of the weight on the engine can cause soot to build up in the engine oil.

To reduce the strain on the engine when you drive with cargo, make sure to change the oil more frequently than recommended by the manufacturer. You can also add a heavy-duty lubricant to improve the oil’s viscosity and prolong its lifespan.

3. Damaged Parts

Other truck parts have direct impacts on the engine’s condition. Rubber belts and hoses, for example, may eventually develop cracks if the truck isn’t properly maintained and repairs aren’t handled promptly. These issues cause the alternator to work overtime, producing excess heat that accumulates in the engine bay.

To prevent such issues, make sure to schedule regular maintenance with your truck mechanic. If you’re familiar with truck parts, you can also make it a habit to check the condition of the components under the hood periodically.
 

Truck drivers in Soldotna, AK, turn to The Best Shop for all of their truck service and repair needs. The company handles everything from damaged truck parts to heavy-duty tires. They clean, service, and replace every part of truck engines, including spark plugs, throttle bodies, air filters, and fuel injectors. Visit them online to find out more about their commercial truck repairs, or call (907) 262-8785 to schedule an appointment.