How often you should service your truck according to Brisbane’s top diesel mechanic
How often you should service your truck according to Brisbane’s top diesel mechanic
Deciding on how often to service your truck can be a touchy subject. Some believe that preventative maintenance is the way to go, whereas others feel frequent servicing is expensive and unwarranted. As Brisbane’s premier diesel mechanics, we agree with the former. Here’s why…
Why diesel engine maintenance needs a consistent approach
Having your truck serviced more regularly means you are less likely to experience wear and tear. It will also maintain the value of your truck and make your driving experience much more comfortable.
One of the most important reasons for regularly servicing your truck is to extend the vehicle’s life. We all know that trucks are incredibly expensive to purchase. A regular service will improve fuel economy, ensure durability, and identify potential issues before they end up costing you a fortune.
We love diesel engines for their comparatively greater efficiency, massive power, and their ability to endure extreme conditions. Servicing your truck regularly is crucial if you want to maintain these capabilities.
Additionally, having a local diesel mechanic in Brisbane you can rely on and trust will ensure your truck is safe and ready for anything. Keeping to your service schedule could realistically save your life.
What goes into a truck service?
Regular services and maintenance will ensure your truck is performing at its peak.
Depending on the specific needs of your truck, your diesel service could include the following…
- Road test: This is to evaluate the truck’s handling and identify early on if the steering or tyres may need maintenance.
- Engine Maintenance: The fan, coolant, belts, and filters are checked and changed as required. Keeping the engine clean and operational is the priority here.
- Drive System Checks: This is where the clutch, drive shaft, gearbox, and other system elements are checked and repaired.
- Brakes: Inspecting and replacing or repairing all elements of the brake system is imperative. Pads, discs, drums, calipers, fluid levels are all tested and maintained.
- Steering and Suspension: If you regularly haul large loads across long distances, this step is key in maintaining safety. Wear and tear in the steering and suspension must be identified and rectified as early as possible.
- Electrical System: This includes elements of your truck such as battery, horn, and lights, though more modern vehicles rely much more heavily on the electrical system for many critical functions.
In addition to these basic elements, your service may also include draining and bleeding to remove unwanted air and water. We are able to service either a shorter or much longer list of maintenance points, subject to the needs of you and your truck.
Whilst we provide a 24/7 emergency breakdown service, carrying out regular and effective maintenance on your truck is key in avoiding these unexpected situations.
What could happen to your truck if you don’t service it regularly…
Skipping a service may feel like it’s saving you money in the short term, but in reality, it will only end up costing you more. Even simple tasks such as changing the engine oil and fluids regularly can wind up saving you money down the track.
Certain fluids can thin out over time if not checked, meaning they will not perform as they are supposed to. This can lead to massive issues with your engine – potentially even total failure. Old engine oil can actually turn into sludge if left unchecked. Not only could this impact oil circulation, but it can also cost thousands of dollars in repairs.
Many of these basic servicing tasks may be tempting to do on your own. While they are simple, having them performed by diesel mechanic professionals means everything will be completed accurately, efficiently, and utilising top quality diagnostic equipment.
So, how often should you have your truck serviced by a Brisbane diesel mechanic?
The ideal servicing schedule for your diesel truck is once every 6 months.
Just like a regular car service, it ultimately depends on how you use your vehicle. If you rely on your truck to perform to a high standard every day, it’s critical it is maintained to a high standard too. This means frequently and professionally.
If your truck is only used every so often, the service intervals may be a touch longer.
Of course, if you are travelling larger distances on harsher roads your truck will want to be serviced even more regularly.
Many roads around the country deteriorate trucks very quickly. Think uneven surfaces, gravel, potholes, and excess water. In this case it’s critical that your vehicle is appropriately cared for so that those relying on your services are not unexpectedly let down.
What can you do between your visits to a diesel mechanic?
There are a few simple steps you can take to prevent unnecessary damage to your vehicle and extend its working life.
Maintain your routine. Know your local diesel mechanics in Brisbane, and keep to your servicing schedule. This will ensure no issues are missed and you are at risk of increased downtime.
Perform your own regular tests. Being aware of how your truck functions is the key to its success. It means you are more likely to feel a problem coming on before it is too far gone. Look out for obvious signs such as smoke and power decreases. But responding to small issues such as changes in pressure and temperature, or reduced steering sensitivity, could save you huge money at servicing time.
Avoid body corrosion. Certain driving environments are more prone to contributing to body problems – salt and chemicals can easily wreak havoc if not removed quickly. Preventing rust as much as possible can keep your truck on the road for much longer.
Maintain fluids and lubrication. Keeping across levels and ensuring they are topped up as necessary will avoid overheating and make sure your engine runs at its optimal capacity. Become familiar with the fittings in your engine and conduct basic checks before each haul.
Avoid stop start driving and long periods of idling. The nature of diesel engines means they do not like short distances. Avoid these smaller trips as much as possible to extend the life of your engine.
Check tyre inflation, as underinflated tyres contribute to reduced fuel efficiency and overinflated tyres are a risk to your safety.
Conduct your own basic checks and make notes for your next service. Knowing and trusting your local diesel truck mechanic can make a huge difference to the performance and productivity of your truck.
Why choose Geebung Truck and Car Centre?
With more than 25 years servicing experience, we understand how to ensure the needs of your truck are met efficiently. We are committed to providing a personalised and high-quality service to our valued customers.
To avoid downtime, maintain safety, and prolong the life of your vehicle, contact us today to make an appointment.
