Overdrive Magazine | Trucking Business News & Owner Operator Info
Issue link: https://read.dmtmag.com/i/269152
Custom Rigs PRo tiPs 68 | Overdrive | March 2014 H ow many times a year do you get under your truck to grease it, change the oil, check and ad- just the brakes, and inspect the air lines, exhaust system or drive line? I often hear people say something like this: "I just drive the truck. I don't work on it." I feel sorry for people with that attitude because they're missing out on one of the main privileges of owning the vehicle. I know many truck owners don't have garages, but they should, and they also should know how to turn a wrench. A garage is a deductible for your income taxes, and so are tools. Do you treat your body the same way you treat your truck? Lack of exercise, eating too much junk food and sugar and having poor sleeping habits? They're all detri- mental to your health, the same way that not taking care of your engine can spell trouble down the line. A diesel engine and a human body both need clean oxygen and a good source of fuel or food, and both must get rid of their waste in a timely manner. And, similar to your body, if you take the time to work on your truck, you will feel much better toward it. So how about your engine's blood? Dirty oil will wear out engine parts fast. Engines make their own dirt through combustion – burning the fuel – and oil is high in detergent, which means Untitled-10 1 2/12/14 8:35 AM Having iron particles in your oil is like having sandpaper in your engine: It'll wear out parts quickly. Change oil or engine parts – it's up to you ProTips_0314.indd 68 2/26/14 11:27 AM