When you own a truck and trailer, it provides you with the freedom to transport goods from one place to another. Owning a truck and trailer is especially beneficial when you run a business in a location like Dubai and often require to procure raw material in large amounts and to deliver shipments. It is also pretty evident that the harder your truck works, the more maintenance it needs. So, if you also have one or more trucks and wondering how to inspect the hardware, this guide will give you a rundown of hardware checks that you should perform to ensure safety on the road.

  • Suspension

When a truck is used heavily, the suspension often runs the risk of sagging or breakdown. Thus, it is always a good idea to inspect the suspension before and after hauling any heavy loads or traveling long distances. Inspect the springs for cracks and ensure that the bolts are properly tightened. Also, check the shock absorbers for any leaks or loose bolts. If the suspension is compromised and not safe to use anymore, get in touch with an esteemed Truck & Trailer Spare Parts Dealer to get the genuine replacement products.

  • Steering

Loose components in steering can cause the truck to wander and may also lead to “death wobble”. It happens when components get worn enough that front wheels start moving side to side without providing any steering input. As a result, wheels may toe in and out rapidly which can further lead to loss of control. Thus, always check steering components at every oil change interval and grease the ball joints to keep them well-lubricated.

  • Brakes

When you transport hard or heavy loads, brakes will wear out faster. Thus, they should be checked at every tire rotation level. When you move heavy loads regularly, it is good to upgrade your truck brakes regularly.

  • Spark Plugs

Most spark plugs last between 60,000 and 100,000 miles. Usually, vehicles are equipped with one spark plug per cylinder. However, some engines have two. Regular inspection of spark plugs is necessary. If you find any oil on the spark plug or if it is heavily blackened, it means there is oil leakage. On the other hand, if the plug is exceptionally clean, it might mean that a head gasket leak is allowing coolant into the cylinder.

  • Air Filter

While a manufacturer’s manual recommends a certain mileage interval, we would suggest you changing the air filter when it gets too dirty. It is because regular intervals can vary widely. When travelling on dusty roads that are common in various areas of Dubai and the Middle East, the air filter might need replacement just after a few hundred miles. Besides, when a truck is used in an extremely dusty environment, snorkel might be a good upgrade to enhance filter life.

Additional Tips

At every oil change interval, make sure that all greaseable joints are greased to protect the joints and push out the old and degraded grease. Many truck owners don’t know that most trucks have steering, suspension, and drive-shaft joints with grease fittings that require regular greasing.

While components are usually made to last throughout the working life of a vehicle, it is common to see their breakdown when you are using vehicles for towing and hauling. When a component gets damaged and needs replacement, ensure that you procure required components from a reputable Truck and Trailer Spare Parts Dealer in Dubai.