Trucks that are constantly operating under intensive loads require not just scheduled, but also seasonal maintenance. During the transition from winter to summer and vice versa, it is especially important to prepare the truck for the new weather conditions, temperatures and operating peculiarities.
Proper seasonal diagnostics and replacement of working components are the key to the reliability and safety of the vehicle throughout the year. To perform all the work quickly, it is best to buy truck parts online, which will save time and money in searching for the necessary parts.
Why you need a seasonal maintenance of your truck
Weather conditions have a direct impact on the operation of all truck systems and components. In summer, the engine can overheat and in winter, it can become too cold. Fuel and brake systems may also malfunction, and fluids may boil or freeze.
The failure of units and components to work smoothly leads to battery and starter problems, pressure surges in pneumatic systems, and other malfunctions. Seasonal preparation of the truck allows you to minimize the risk of breakdowns on the road, avoid unplanned downtime and reduce repair costs.
Basic seasonal truck maintenance work
The following work is recommended as the seasons change.
- Engine diagnostics and maintenance. It implies checking the condition of the cooling system, replacing antifreeze (or refilling depending on the season), checking the oil level, its quality and compliance with the season. It is obligatory to check the thermostat and temperature sensors, clean the radiator from dust or reagents.
- Fuel system maintenance. Fuel filters are replaced, injectors are cleaned. The operation of the booster pump, tightness and condition of the fuel line are also checked. In winter it is important to use winter diesel, which contains special substances that prevent it from freezing.
- Diagnostics of the pneumatic system. Condensate is removed from receivers, all connections are checked for leaks and the air dryer is serviced. The compressor operation is diagnosed.
- Inspection of the brake system involves replacing or topping up the brake fluid recommended for use depending on the temperature characteristics. The condition of brake pads and disks is diagnosed, ABS and EBS systems are checked. Before the beginning of the winter period it is also important to lubricate all moving elements.
- Suspension and running gear. It is necessary to check play and wear of silent blocks, bushings, condition of shock absorbers. Worn dust covers are replaced, suspension elements are lubricated, pneumatic cylinders are inspected and pressure in the system is checked.
- Checking the heating and air conditioning system involves diagnosing the operation of the heater before winter, before summer – checking and refueling the air conditioner, as well as the operation of the fan, flaps, cabin filters.
- Electrics and batteries. It is mandatory to check the battery charge level and capacity, clean the terminals from oxidation, replace or install winter insulation of wires and contacts. In addition, the generator and starter are diagnosed, the condition of the wiring is inspected for damage.
- Tires and wheels. When changing the season, it is mandatory to change the summer/winter tires. The pressure is also checked and corrected if necessary, wheels are balanced, inspected for cuts, hernias, cracks. It is important to check the condition of the hub bearings.
- Changing seasonal fluids. These are coolant (antifreeze), brake fluid and glass washer. If necessary, the oil in the engine, gearbox and axles is changed.
Seasonal maintenance should be carried out based on climatic peculiarities of a particular region. But on average, the work is performed in spring (late February – mid-March) and in fall (September – early November).
Additional diagnostics is important not only at the change of seasons, but also before long-distance flights, especially if the route passes through areas with extreme conditions (mountain passes, northern regions, etc.).
What’s the point of seasonal maintenance
For the truck or fleet owner, scheduled component replacement and seasonal maintenance provides a number of benefits.
- Reduce the risk of breakdowns on the route and increase safety on the road.
- Increased service life of assemblies and units.
- Reduced fuel consumption and operating costs.
- Protection of the cargo from the consequences of unforeseen situations.
- Ensuring driver comfort under all conditions.
The need to buy truck parts online is not a whim but a necessity. After all, timely maintenance is an investment in the smooth operation of vehicles and business profitability.
Original or analog parts, what is better to use
When performing seasonal maintenance, it is mandatory to replace worn components. What parts are better to use for this – original or analog? After all, there are differences between them.
Original spare parts
Truck operation means thousands of kilometers traveled and daily intensive loads. Therefore, strict requirements are placed on the reliability of vehicles. Even a minor malfunction can lead to serious consequences – downtime, failure of delivery deadlines and costly repairs.
That is why it is very important to use original truck parts, especially when it comes to important systems – engine, transmission, suspension, brakes, fuel system.
Original Equipment Manufacturer (OEM) parts are components that are manufactured either by the vehicle manufacturer itself or by official suppliers under license. They are fully compliant with all factory standards and are identical to the parts that are installed on the truck when it is assembled at the factory.
Buying and installing genuine parts is a strategic approach that affects the entire fleet, business efficiency and safety on the road.
- Maximum compatibility. Originals are designed specifically for a particular truck model. They are perfectly matched in shape, dimensions and specifications. This eliminates installation errors and the need for modifications.
- OEM components undergo multi-level quality control and certification. Their service life meets or even exceeds the parameters declared by the manufacturer.
- Original elements of brake and other systems, steering rods, suspension components and other key assemblies ensure stable and safe operation of the vehicle. Counterfeit or cheap analogs can lead to accidents.
- Manufacturer’s warranty. If you purchase original spare parts, they come with an official manufacturer’s warranty. This is an additional protection against manufacturing defects and confirmation of quality.
- Reduced operating costs. While the cost of originals is higher, they wear out and fail less, and do not damage related components. This prevents more expensive repairs and less downtime.
Many manufacturers require that only genuine parts be used when servicing a car. This preserves the warranty on the car. When the car is sold after service with original parts, its market price will be higher.
How to distinguish an original spare part from a fake one
Knowing certain criteria that allow you to distinguish a fake from the original will help you avoid buying a low-grade counterfeit.
- Availability of original packaging with the manufacturer’s logo.
- Marking and catalog number. These can be compared with the official catalog to ensure authenticity.
- Provision of a quality certificate or declaration of conformity.
- Availability of hologram, barcode and QR code for authentication.
To buy truck parts online of original production it is important to cooperate only with trusted trading platforms that have numerous positive reviews and a huge customer base.
Where to order genuine truck seasonal maintenance parts
HD Pro Parts has been operating in the US market for many years. Having its own warehouse of spare parts here is always available a wide range of components for International, Volvo, Kenworth, Mack and other major brands of trucks. Prompt delivery is provided to all regions of the country.
HD Pro Parts cooperates with official suppliers and trusted manufacturers without intermediaries. The catalog is structured and has a convenient filtering system, which allows you to buy truck parts online in just a few minutes. It presents:
- heating systems, filters;
- springs, shock absorbers;
- brake pads and disks;
- bearings;
- filters (fuel, oil, air) and much more.
These and other spare parts can be selected by VIN-code, which guarantees the exact compatibility of the component with the unit or mechanism.
In addition to original spare parts, the site offers analog parts of high quality. They meet all standards, have certificates, and their cost is lower than the originals. Before shipment, each part is tested, which excludes incompatibility with the car or defects.
For its customers the company offers favorable prices, for regular customers there is a flexible system of discounts. The catalog is constantly updated with new products and the most popular components.
