Commercial truck drivers know that overheating is a potential problem for heavy-duty vehicles traveling long distances. Trucks overheat when their cooling systems fail, usually due to bad radiators or coolant leaks. By taking preventative measures, you can help protect your truck's engine and prevent overheating while on the road.

3 Ways to Prevent Overheating

1. Look for Coolant Leaks

Coolant lubricates and cools moving parts, which helps stop them and the engine from overheating when in motion. An apparent leak can be detected if you find a colored fluid with a slightly sweet odor beneath your truck after it has been parked a while. Not all leaks are obvious, so you should always open the hood and check the coolant tank's level to verify it's above the minimum-level mark before every long trip. If there's noticeably less fluid or it falls below the recommended level, there might be a leak. 

2. Follow a Routine Maintenance Schedule

While you can and should perform visual inspections of hoses and caps for signs of damage, you should also leave routine maintenance to professional technicians who might be able to identify problems you might be unaware of to look for. Commercial trucks need regular oil changes and fluid checks, which are easier for shops to perform since they can lift trucks on hydraulic platforms to drain and replace the oil and fluids easily. While it's elevated on the platform, technicians can also perform a more thorough visual inspection of your truck's engine during routine service visits. 

3. Check the Radiator Cap

The radiator cap maintains the pressure in a truck's cooling system to prevent fluids from boiling over, which leads to overheating. The spring-loaded caps can be worn down over time, causing minor air leaks. Pressure decreases as a result, and the engine can overheat. Make sure your engine is cool and inspect the radiator cap for cracks or flaws. 

If your truck is overheating, commercial truck drivers near St. Louis, MO, can rely on the experienced technicians at American Radiator & Heat Exchanger for repairs. This local repair shop specializes in radiator and heat exchangers and offers additional services, such as DPF cleaning and fuel tank repairs. Call (314) 725-3357 or visit them online to request a service appointment today.