Heavy trucks require frequent maintenance to ensure they are in good shape. Wear and tear are inevitable; hence, proper care helps avoid unnecessary costs as a result of breakdowns and accidents. Although you can do minor repairs yourself at home, there are other, more serious repairs that require professional help. This depends on several factors such as the affected area, the magnitude of the problem, and whether you need new parts or not. Below we explore circumstances where you can do the repairs yourself and instances where you need a professional.
When to do Your Own Truck Repair
Considering the size of your truck, there are very few repairs that you can handle unless you have diligently studied the system or have prior experience. Some of the repairs you can do at home include:
Car Starter Failure
If you notice a cranking engine or failure when trying to start your ruck, you don’t need to see a professional. Check the battery voltage since it’s most likely the problem. There could also be a corroded battery cable that needs a touch-up or replacement. If the battery does not take charge, it could be faulty hence a need for replacement.
Cracked WindShield Repair
If your windshield is slightly damaged, you can do it yourself at home and stop the crack from spreading, as this will require installing a new windshield, which is costly. You need to purchase a windshield truck repair kit from your automobile shop and just follow the instructions.
Small Dents Repair
You don’t need to spend thousands of dollars fixing small dents on your truck. With a few items such as sandpaper, cream pastes, auto body filler, and applicators, you can fix the dents and leave your truck looking brand new.
Diesel Fuel Pump Replacement
If your truck is constantly low on gas and struggles to accelerate, a fuel pump replacement may be all you need to get back on the road. Ensure you buy the right pump and replace it.
Changing Filters
This may not be a repair process, but you don’t need a professional to repair filters. Always change your filters every six months to one year.
Excessive smoke on your truck is not only a health hazard but a clear indicator there is a fault.
You need to maintain your truck in a top-notch condition considering the magnitude of danger it poses when not well maintained. There are simple repairs that you can do at home and save some dollars. However, most of the repairs should be handled by a trained professional:
When to Call a Professional for Your Truck Repair
Sometimes trying to solve a problem yourself may lead to more costly repairs and extensive damages since you could be making the wrong diagnosis. You need to call a professional to handle the process if you experience the following problems:
Braking Problems
Whenever you encounter braking problems with your truck, it’s time to look for an expert, and this should be treated as an emergency. Faulty brakes are one of the major causes of fatal accidents. You can tell your brakes have a problem if they pull on one side while braking, vibrate when pressed, and make noises such as screeching and grinding when applied.
Transmission Problems
Always seek professional help if you experience a problem with the gears. Shifting gears should generally be a smooth transition. When you notice a problem such as a gear that won’t move, shifting with many difficulties, grinding and jerking when you shift, it’s time to have them checked. Early repairs help avoid the expensive process of replacing damaged gears with new ones.
Liquid Leaks
A leaking truck is a tell-tale sign of a bigger problem. The most common source of these leaks includes the coolant, engine oil transmission, and steering fluid. These are not issues you can handle at home since there is a likelihood of wear and tear in the areas where these liquids are stored. If left unaddressed, these can culminate into more serious problems that require total replacement of partial or whole parts
Colored Exhaust Emissions
Different smoke colors on your truck’s exhaust indicate diverse problems related to fuel. Dark to black smoke emission is an indicator that various fuels are being combined during combustion. This problem is related to a faulty fuel injector where the liquids get combined in the process. White smoke, on the other hand, shows the coolant is leaking into the engine; hence, your truck is not burning enough fuel. Grey and blue fuels indicate possible leaks along with key seal points. This forces the oil to burn in the engine.
Faulty Tires
If you experience difficulty when turning, cornering, or excess vibration when moving, you need to have your tires assessed. There should be minimal or no changes and no unusual sensations, especially if they are significant. If the tires are misaligned or damaged, you are likely to get into problems considering the massive size of your truck. Proper alignment and any possible repairs should be treated as an emergency to avoid road failures.
Excess Fuel Use
If you notice an increase in the amount of fuel used compared to what you are used to, there could be a serious problem with your truck. Begin by checking whether the sensors are damaged and whether the air filters are clogged. If you do not find any fault with these two, it’s time to see a professional since the main problem could be the fuel injectors.
An Overheating or Hard to Start Engine
If you experience difficulties when starting the engine, even after simple troubleshooting processes such as inspecting brake pads and brake fluid, you need to see a professional. If your fuel is sufficient and of high quality, there could be a bigger problem with your engine, such as transmission and overheating. Some of the problems that could cause overheating include a blocked thermostat, a defective cooling fan, a blown gasket, problems inside the tank, and electrolysis. Most of these issues require a well-trained specialist to point out where the problem is.
Don’t try to do it alone! Although there are definitely some areas where you can get away with your own repairs, for larger problems always see a professional before it has a chance to become dangerous.
