If your tow trucks are running then so is your business.
It’s safe to say if your tow trucks are well-maintained then you’ll be able to spend more time on the road making money. So, it’s in your best interests to keep your trucks in working condition.
We understand how difficult it can be to maintain a tow truck. As I’m sure you’re aware, they aren’t like regular cars…they are complex heavy-duty vehicles. Taking care of a tow truck requires extensive knowledge and effort.
However, even though it’s difficult you should never neglect tow truck maintenance. Failing to do so can result in halts in your business operations and cost you more money in the long run.
In this article, we’ll discuss several ways to maintain your tow truck so you can keep more money in your pocket and keep your business running. Let’s begin.
Your Tow Truck Maintenance Checklist
Add Safety Chains
One of the most common accidents involving tow trucks is when the truck disconnects from the trailer. This can happen for several reasons. The first is that the trailer is only connected to the truck with a single hitch, which could loosen or break due to the weight. Therefore, having safety chains installed can be your second layer of protection.
Now, even if the hitch were to loosen or break, the safety chains will keep them intact, preventing a possible accident. But for these chains to work effectively, you will need to get ones that can withstand the load you’re carrying. Lighter-weight trucks will need chains that are 5/16 inches, medium-weight trucks need a half-inch, and heavy-duty ones will use chains that are 5/8 inches.
Check Your Cooling System
Tow trucks carry around a lot of weight, which means that they have much bigger engines. And when their engines are running at full capacity, they can heat up very quickly. If you don’t have a fully optimized cooling system then there’s a good chance your engine will overheat.
Therefore, monitoring your cooling system regularly is essential to avoid a vehicle meltdown. You can do this by checking your thermostat, cooling fan, water pump, and radiator.
Use Better Shock Absorbers
Another important tip is to use heavy-duty shock absorbers. There’s a lot of stress put on a tow truck due to the weight of the hauled vehicle. This stress can lead to instability and extensive wear and tear on the tow truck.
With the help of shock absorbers, you’ll be able to withstand the weight of the load you’re carrying.
Check Your Tires
The tires of a tow truck will always be an important thing to check often, as the extra weight can wear them out quickly. You’ll want to make sure before every trip that they’re fully inflated and in optimal condition.
Also, don’t neglect the tires on your trailer, those can wear out frequently too!
Conclusion
This tow truck maintenance checklist can help you keep your tow truck running longer and more money in your pocket.
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