When temperatures rise, your truck works harder. From engine overheating to evaporating fuel to strained A/C systems, the heat can take a serious toll on your truck’s parts, performance, comfort, and long-term costs. But with a little summer maintenance, you can keep your truck cool, efficient, and reliable all season long.
Summer Maintenance Checklist
Is Your Air Conditioning Summer Ready?
Before the hottest days arrive, thoroughly inspect your A/C system. Inspect the hoses and fittings for cracks, leaks, or punctures. A noisy blower motor may be on the verge of failure, so don’t ignore any unusual sounds. A tip: too many cabin air filter removals can dislodge debris and cause it to enter your intake. It’s best to have a certified service technician inspect and replace them when needed to ensure maximum cooling and clean cabin air.
Coolant, A/C and Overheating Prevention
Antifreeze plays a critical role in regulating both your engine and your HVAC system. If your coolant mixture is too diluted, it won’t properly protect your engine in extreme temperatures. Be sure to flush and replace your radiator fluid at least once a year to prevent rust, debris buildup, and corrosion. An engine washout also helps clear radiator debris that blocks airflow. Belts and hoses are cheap to replace but essential. If hoses feel soft or spongy near the ends, it’s time to replace them before they fail.
Another important system to check is your alternator. Testing your alternator is essential to make sure it provides the necessary amperage to power all your summer accessories, like fridges, coolers, TVs, and AC units.
Hot Weather Affects Fuel Efficiency
Summer heat doesn’t just make you sweat, it also forces your truck to burn more fuel. The longer you use air conditioning, the more strain is put on your engine. On top of that, hot temperatures speed up fuel evaporation, especially in older trucks or during midday fueling. Heat also impacts engine performance, reducing its ability to cool your cab efficiently and results in lower fuel economy. Overheating is the most common summer breakdown that almost always leads to costly delays. For more tips on how to get better fuel economy during summer, read our blog.
Fuel-Savings Tips for Summer
Stop wasting fuel this summer with a few smart changes. Avoid unnecessary idling by shutting down your engine during extended stops and invest in idle-reduction tools like APUs, bunk heaters, or generators. Try to park in shaded areas to reduce cabin heat buildup and ease your A/C’s workload. Fuel up during cooler times of day, like early morning or late evening, to reduce evaporation. Don’t overfill your tank, as spillage and vapor loss can add up fast. Sunshades and insulated curtains can also help maintain cabin temperature while reducing fuel consumption from running your A/C.
Want to know how your tires can contribute to your fuel efficiency? Read the Summer Tire Care Tips all drivers should know.
How Heat Impacts Truck Electronics
High heat and direct sunlight can wreak havoc on sensitive electronics like ELDs, sensors, and wiring. Summer heat also accelerates battery degradation, while overcharging or running HVAC systems too long can shorten battery life and lead to surprise no-starts. Shield your electronics from cab heat, inspect all wiring for signs of insulation breakdown, and monitor your battery’s charge cycles to avoid midsummer electrical issues.
Essential Summer Maintenance Tasks
Routine maintenance is essential when it comes to performance during summer. Stay on top of oil changes using the manufacturer’s recommended oil grade for summer conditions. Replace dirty or clogged engine air filters to improve airflow and power, especially when driving in dusty environments. Additionally, your fuel filter needs regular replacement to keep fuel lines clean, which is essential for maximizing MPG. These components tend to fail faster in summer heat and replacing them now prevents accumulated costly repairs down the road.
Stay Ahead of the Heat with Summer Maintenance
Hot weather puts every system on your truck to the test. But with a smart maintenance routine and a few seasonal upgrades, you can protect your truck from breakdowns, improve fuel economy, and keep your cab comfortable no matter how high the temperature gets. Preventative summer maintenance now means fewer headaches later. Give your truck the attention it deserves so it remains reliable, efficient, and ready for your next long haul.
Best Truck Parts for Summer
Gear up for the heat with these summer maintenance essentials from our Parts Department:
Schedule your Summer maintenance today at our Coopersburg Kenworth, Liberty Kenworth of South Jersey, and Liberty Kenworth of Bristol locations. For all-makes parts, service, body shop services, financing, and more, contact us today.