Buses and trucks are generally used for commercial purposes. They transport more people, carry heavier cargo, and travel longer distances than typical passenger cars. The extra strain placed on these vehicles leads to mechanical issues that may delay your operation, reducing productivity and possibly affect your revenue. Here are a few common problems that would require repairs from a bus and truck service.

4 Common Bus & Truck Service Issues

1. Tires

Commercial class vehicles typically require more frequent tire service than cars. In addition to traveling longer distances, trucks and buses carry heavy loads, both of which lead to greater wear on the treads. Poor tire inflation and improper toe and camber alignment may also necessitate service.  Daily inspection is required.  Tire inflation monitors and tire inflation systems can extend the lift of your tires and increase fuel economy. 

2. Batteries

The most common issues affecting the battery of your truck or bus are improper charging, vibration, and parasitic load. Identify appliances on your truck powered by the battery and ensure they aren’t drawing too much. Check for loose cables and corrosion to the battery terminals. Over time, road surface vibration can knock the battery out place, so make sure it is firmly secured to prevent damage. Lastly, pick the right battery. Many fleet owners have switched their batteries to AGM (absorbent glass mat) models, which perform better against vibration, have a longer shelf life, require less maintenance, and are non-hazardous. Make sure you spec and use batter shut off switches to extend battery life. 

3. Brakes

Commercial vehicles use air brake systems that require different maintenance procedures compared to the hydraulic brakes on most cars. Though they are designed with fail-safes, these brakes can malfunction due to a blocked air dryer cartridge, a broken compressor inlet pipe, or a leak somewhere in the braking system. When a truck or bus suffers a brake failure, its sheer size and weight could result in a catastrophic collision, so it’s essential not to delay addressing warning signs such as unusual noises or delayed reaction time.

4. Engine 

Most trucks and buses run on diesel engines, which can develop oil oxidizing, humidity reaction, and black smoke problems gasoline models may not present.  Spec a Davco fuel water separator to extend injector and primary fuel filter life.  Change all filters on schedule to avoid costly down time.  Vocational trucks should do maintenance according to engine hours in lieu of miles run.  Low usage trucks should change all fluids and filters annually. 

If your heavy-duty vehicle requires emergency repairs or routine maintenance, turn to the truck service specialists at Hoover Truck & Bus Centers in Flanders, NJ. This truck and bus dealership has built a reputation for providing clients in the Tri-State area with quality and affordable services. Call (973) 347-4210 or visit them online to learn more about their available truck parts.