Fleet Management News & Business Info | Commercial Carrier Journal
Issue link: http://read.dmtmag.com/i/821508
commercial carrier journal | may 2017 31 Springtime is a great time for PM BY JASON CANNON S easonal shifts in temperatures can be a welcome change for fleets that are prepared for them. Many trucks have spent the last several months battling winter conditions, and as spring arrives, several key maintenance areas should be addressed before the summer heat hits hard. HVAC Since the air conditioning system doesn't get a workout in the winter, problems may go undetected. Cooling the cabin against hot temperatures is more stressful on the system than heating it. While a pressure test is a good idea, it's also worth looking into a recharge. Replacing filters is also a good summer-readiness practice. "With warmer weather comes an increase in seasonal allergens such as pollen and mold," said Layne Gobrogge, Luber-finer's director of heavy-duty marketing. "Higher temperatures also bring about an increase in air pollution and dust mites." When these contaminants enter the cabin through the truck's HVAC system, concentrations can multiply by up to eight times higher than normal, resulting in the in-cab air becoming more polluted than the air outside. "Given the number of hours OTR drivers spend behind the wheel, that's why it's so important to maintain a safe, healthy and comfortable environment with a cabin air filter that cleans and purifies the air coming into the cab, especially when tempera- tures start to rise," Gobrogge said. Tire pressures Outside temperatures can cause subtle adjustments to tire pres- sure, leading to increased wear. "For every 10-degree change in tire temperature, the tire pressure can change 2 psi," said Joe Puff, NationaLease's vice president of truck technology and maintenance. "e reduction of pressure in the tire may reduce the tire's rated weight-carrying capacity significantly." Tires get hotter as they roll, and with outside temperatures climbing, so will pressures with each mile. "Too low of an air pressure for the load being carried will increase the tire tempera- ture, which can lead to tire failure," Puff said. Cooling system Cooling system maintenance during the fall and winter is com- mon, but spring may be the most critical time. "Cold snaps can certainly wreak havoc on a cooling system," said Colin Dilley, Prestone Products Corp.'s vice president of technology. "However, the prolonged warm season where tem- peratures tend to spike for weeks and months at a time can be even more destructive." Hoses become damaged and brittle over the winter and during summer are exposed to extreme temperatures that can cause leaks and breaks. Clamps and metal components may have been damaged by salt and road sludge, making them weaker and prone to failure. "Compound these environmental problems with upkeep issues, and you have a recipe for potential engine failure," Dilley said. To protect against overheating, test the fluid to ensure its cool- ant-to-water ratio is near 50 percent, and also test for inhibitors and water quality. Drivers also should examine the coolant's col- or, Dilley said. "If the original color has turned to a murky brew, or if you don't remember when the coolant was last changed, it's time to take action," he said. Batteries and electrical system While batteries usually get a thorough checkup before winter, hot weather actually is more damaging. Weak batteries can fail in excessive heat, damaging other parts of the electrical system. "High resistance in cables can take out a starter or alternator by overworking it," said Daniel Mustafa, TA's assistant manager of technical development. "Resistance goes up with tempera- ture." Resistance oen is caused by corrosion that fortunately must work its way several feet into the cable before affecting cranking power. Before summer arrives, check all cables, the battery, the starter and the charging systems. "I would specifically request for a voltage drop test on my starting and charging cables and then ask them for the value," Mustafa said. "Anything over .5 volts is a failure." in focus: SUMMER TRUCK PREPARATIONS Several key maintenance areas should be addressed before the summer heat hits your trucks hard.