TRUK Advice Column

Changing your own oil in your truck can save you time and money. Taking your truck to a maintenance shop could take almost all day after you make an appointment and driving to the shop. After learning how you will never take it to a shop again.

Things You'll Need

1.   Wrench or socket wrench
2.   Cloth rag
3.   Empty container/ bucket
4.   Oil filter wrench
5.   Oil filter
6.   Oil
7.   Latex Gloves
8.   Cat litter
9.   Floor jack    

Steps

1.   Before you change your oil you should run your truck and get the oil warm so that it will gather all the dirty particles. It will also be easier to drain.

2.   Make sure you set the parking brake.

3.   First you must obtain a floor jack and jack stands. Jack the truck up using the floor jack. Place the jack in the center of the front brace between the front tires. Make sure that the surface you are parked on is level and stable, so that the jack doesn't move(if not make sure blocks are placed under back tires). Jack the truck up so the front tires are off the ground. For safety purposes, you should also place a jack stand under the brace just inside of the two front tires. This is to make sure the vehicle does not fall on you if the jack fails. Blocking the rear tires will also help eliminate the risk of the jack moving.
4.   Get a wrench that fits your drain plug, an oil filter, an oil filter wrench, a bucket to catch the oil, and the oil. Be sure to know what type of oil your vehicle requires. If you do not know, you can find this information in your vehicle manual, as well as the oil capacity.
5.   Slide under the vehicle. Locate the oil pan and loosen the bolt located on the end of the oil pan. The drain plug. Before you loosen the bolt place bucket under the bolt to catch the oil.

6.   Drain the oil from the oil pan, and clean the bolt with a rag and screw it back in with your fingers. After, take the wrench, and tighten it another quarter to half rotation. This will ensure that the bolt it tightened enough, but not so tight that it is going to pinch the rubber seal.

7.   Use the oil filter wrench to unscrew the oil filter which is to the right of the oil pan. Before the filter is completely screwed out, again place the container under the filter to catch any oil that is still in the filter.

8.   Dispose of old filter and the new filter can be screwed in place. Be sure that you have purchased the correct filter, as sizes will vary depending on model and type of motor you truck has. Also check to make sure you have removed the O-ring from the old filter off of the filter housing. To ensure that the new filter gets installed properly.

9.   Take fresh oil and rub it around the rim of the filter. This is to ensure that there is a good seal once the new filter is screwed in.

10.  Hand tighten the filter. Then take the oil filter wrench and tighten another quarter turn.

11.  Gather the tools and move from under the vehicle.

12.  Remove the two jack stands and lower the floor jack.

13.  Pop the hood of the vehicle and unscrew the oil cap which is located on the left side of the engine. Be sure to remove any debris that could potentially fall into the oil. Pour the recommended amount of oil into the vehicle. Screw the oil cap back on and close the hood of the vehicle.

14.  Run vehicle for ten minutes, then check oil levels with dipstick. Top off oil if needed. Do not forget to release the parking brake before the vehicle is driven again. 

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Truck tractor drivers depend heavily on their trucks. It€'s their livelihood and, for long-haul drivers, it can be their home away from home. This extremely interdependent relationship between drivers and their trucks quickly turns even the greenest of drivers into truck tractor experts.

It'€™s no wonder that most truck buyers carry out their own preliminary inspections on truck tractors that interest them. Many people bring a trusted mechanic or colleague to do the inspection for them. An experienced truck owner or driver can recognize the signs of a well-maintained truck and one that has been driven long and hard without any proper maintenance.

If you'€™re a new driver thinking of becoming an owner/operator, a contractor needing to haul heavy equipment back and forth from job sites or a farmer wanting to haul livestock, you'€™ll most likely need to buy a truck tractor. Whether you're looking for Mack trucks for sale, International trucks for sale or another truck tractor make, take some advice from the experts and inspect these five items before you buy:

Axle configuration, horsepower and capacity

Check the truck€'s axle configuration and transportation regulations for your area. Make sure you’re buying the right axle configuration (4x2, 4x4, 6x4, etc) for what you’ll be carrying. Consider the terrain and type of driving you’ll be doing. Will you be hauling loads over hilly terrain for long distances or making short trips within the city to deliver goods?

Select a truck tractor that has the right amount of horsepower for the type of tasks and trips you will be doing. Ask yourself how much capacity you'€™ll need. If you'€™re buying a truck tractor to pull your excavator around town, check the weight of your trailer and your excavator to determine the right capacity for the job.

Engine

The engine can give you a lot of information about a truck. Pull the hood and look for any signs of leaks. A leak means the engine may need some repair, perhaps not a costly repair, but a repair nonetheless. Start up the engine; let it run for a few minutes. As the engine gets warm, you should notice no smoke at all coming from the exhaust. If there is smoke and it is blue or white in colour, it could be a sign that the engine is burning oil.

Listen for any knocks coming from the engine. A knocking sound is a good indicator that the engine should be looked at more closely. While you a€™re inspecting the engine, check the engine sticker to find out if the engine meets the latest emission standards.  Be aware that each jurisdiction within a country may have its own emission standards for tractor truck engines.

Cab

Step inside the cab and look at the overall condition of the interior. Is the amount of wear reasonable for the truck tractor's age? Check the odometer and make a note of the mileage. For a car, anything approaching 300K might be a sign that it is time to think about a replacement, but for an over-the-road truck, mileage is not as important as the truck'€™s overall condition. If the odometer reads in the range of 400-500K, take a closer look at the engine. It might be time for an out-of-frame or less expensive in-frame overhaul to ensure the truck tractor continues to run for many more years.

Maintenance Logs

If you suspect the engine has already undergone an overhaul, check the truck'€™s maintenance records. Look for any engine work that may have already been done and for other major repairs. The maintenance record should give you a good idea of how well the truck was looked after, in addition to letting you know if the oil was changed on a regular basis. Most mechanics and/or operators will mark the last mileage date of an oil change on the air filter. Check to see if this date coincides with the maintenance records.

Brake Pads

Look online to view brake pad pictures or check the brake pads on site to estimate the percentage of life remaining. A truck with worn brake pads may still be a good investment. Replacing brake pads is a relatively inexpensive repair, and something you should take care of as soon as possible.

Safety comes first!!!

What truck tractor inspection tips do you have for new truck tractor drivers? Comment and let us know.  

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Using insect repellant to clear up cloudy lenses is one of the most popular DIY methods.

Pros:  Easy to do. Quick. Cost effective.

Cons: Only lasts a few months.

Before		After

How to Clean Headlight Lenses with Insect Repellant:

Step 1

Insect Repellant with DEET

Get some bug spray that contains DEET. This can be bought at almost any store. I happen to have had this bottle in the garage for a few years.

Step 2

Spray on a clean cloth or paper towel

Spray the insect repellant on a dry paper towel or a cloth rag.

Step 3

Wipe off the grime.

Wipe the repellant on the lens until the lens becomes clear. How hard you need to scrub depends on the severity of the cloudiness. In this example, I was able to clean it up with little hard scrubbing and in just a few minutes.

Step 4

Restored Headlight Lense

The final step is simply to wipe any remaining repellant off the lens with a clean damp paper towel or cloth.

Warning: DO NOT spray the insect repellant directly on the headlight lens. Make sure you spray it on your cloth and wipe. In some cases, insect repellants can damage your paint.  Years ago, I sprayed OFF repellant on a vehicle to remove some ants that had found food inside of an equipment bin.  The insect repellant made the paint bubble and ate it right off of the vehicle. True story.

This method will clean the headlight and make it pretty clear – though not “like new” as a professional cleaning will get you. However, while this is great for clearing up the headlight if there is an inspection soon, it is not a good long term solution.  Your lenses will still cloud up after several months. 

For any queries, professional marketing or a free quotation for marketing, please do not hesitate to contact us today.

Truck tractor drivers depend heavily on their trucks. It€'s their livelihood and, for long-haul drivers, it can be their home away from home. This extremely interdependent relationship between drivers and their trucks quickly turns even the greenest of drivers into truck tractor experts.

It'€™s no wonder that most truck buyers at carry out their own preliminary inspections on truck tractors that interest them. Many people bring a trusted mechanic or colleague to do the inspection for them. An experienced truck owner or driver can recognize the signs of a well-maintained truck and one that has been driven long and hard without any proper maintenance.

If you'€™re a new driver thinking of becoming an owner/operator, a contractor needing to haul heavy equipment back and forth from job sites or a farmer wanting to haul livestock, you'€™ll most likely need to buy a truck tractor. Whether you're looking for Mack trucks for sale, Peterbilt trucks for sale, International trucks for sale or another truck tractor make, take some advice from the experts and inspect these five items before you bid:

1.    Axle configuration, horsepower and capacity

Check the truck€'s axle configuration and transportation regulations for your area. Make sure you are buying the right axle configuration (4x2, 4x4, 6x4, etc) for what you will be carrying. Consider the terrain and type of driving you will be doing. Will you be hauling loads over hilly terrain for long distances or making short trips within the city to deliver goods?

Select a truck tractor that has the right amount of horsepower for the type of tasks and trips you wi€™ll be doing. Ask yourself how much capacity you'€™ll need. If you'€™re buying a truck tractor to pull your excavator around town, check the weight of your trailer and your excavator to determine the right capacity for the job. Find a good source for that type of information.

2.    Engine

The engine can give you a lot of information about a truck. Pull the hood and look for any signs of leaks. A leak means the engine may need some repair, perhaps not a costly repair, but a repair nonetheless. Start up the engine; let it run for a few minutes. As the engine gets warm, you should notice no smoke at all coming from the exhaust. If there is smoke and it is blue or white in colour, it could be a sign that the engine is burning oil.

Listen for any knocks coming from the engine. A knocking sound is a good indicator that the engine should be looked at more closely. While you a€™re inspecting the engine, check the engine sticker to find out if the engine meets the latest emission standards. Be aware that each jurisdiction within a country may have its own emission standards for tractor truck engines.

3.    Cab

Step inside the cab and look at the overall condition of the interior. Is the amount of wear reasonable for the truck tractor's age? Check the odometer and make a note of the mileage. For a car, anything approaching 300K might be a sign that it is time to think about a replacement, but for an over-the-road truck, mileage is not as important as the truck'€™s overall condition. If the odometer reads in the range of 400-500K, take a closer look at the engine. It might be time for an out-of-frame or less expensive in-frame overhaul to ensure the truck tractor continues to run for many more years.

4.    Maintenance Logs

If you suspect the engine has already undergone an overhaul, check the truck'€™s maintenance records. Look for any engine work that may have already been done and for other major repairs. The maintenance record should give you a good idea of how well the truck was looked after, in addition to letting you know if the oil was changed on a regular basis. Most mechanics and/or operators will mark the last mileage date of an oil change on the air filter. Check to see if this date coincides with the maintenance records.

5.    Brake Pads

Most trucks include Detailed Equipment Information. In this information, equipment inspectors try to include pictures of the brake pads. Look online to view brake pad pictures or check the brake pads on site to estimate the percentage of life remaining. A truck with worn brake pads may still be a good investment. Replacing brake pads is a relatively inexpensive repair, and something you should take care of as soon as possible. Safety comes first. 

Should you require someone to take the burden of advertising off your shoulders, and give you the best professional marketing possible for your business, please feel free contact us to discuss your requirements or request a free quotation.  

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Step 1 Do one headlight at a time. Start by washing the lens and surrounding area completely using dish detergent. Normally you would avoid harsh detergent because it strips your car’s wax and dries out the paint, but that's what you need in this case. Rinse and allow to dry completely.		Step 2 Apply painter's tape to the car's body around the headlight, making sure to cover the rubber seal around the headlight (if there is one). Apply more tape for a wider margin of safety. Use a rubber spatula to press the tape down and work it into the crevices around the light. Use a razor to trim away excess tape where the rubber seal meets the lens.
Step 3 Wrap a strip of 500-grit sandpaper around a foam sanding block or large sponge. The foam helps distribute pressure on the sandpaper so you don’t leave deep gouges in the lens.		Step 4 Press the sandpaper-wrapped block to the headlight lens, and start sanding the lens in a back-and-forth motion. Every 10 seconds or so, switch the direction of sanding. This straight-line, alternating-stroke method avoids putting circular swirls in the plastic, which will show in the finished product.
Step 5 Keep sanding until the surface is uniformly frosty and completely opaque. Keep sanding until it feels as silky smooth as sanded pinewood.		Step 6 Wipe the headlight down with a microfiber cloth to check your work. Be sure you adequately sanded edges and corners. When you're satisfied, rinse the headlight with clean water.
Step 7 Fill a 5L container with water. Add dish detergent and drop in a few pieces of 1000- and 2000-grit sandpaper to soak.		Step 8 Fill a spray bottle with soapy water from the container and heavily mist your headlight. Wrap the foam block 1000-grit sandpaper and sand the headlight just as you did with the 500-grit. Keeping the spray bottle in your other hand, give the lens a fresh spray every time you change sanding directions. Keep it wet and slippery.
Step 9 Sand until the paper slides smoothly over the headlight lens and you can't feel any rough spots. Rinse and dry the lens, preferably with compressed air. Look at the lens from an angle. If you see irregularities, re-wet the lens and keep sanding with a fresh piece of wet sandpaper.		Step 10 Wash, rinse, and repeat with 2000-grit paper. Rinse and dry the lens completely when you're finished. The lens should be almost uniformly clear (with some slight hazing).
Step 11 Fold a microfiber polishing rag into quarters. If you're using liquid headlight polish, run a thick line of polish along the top of the headlight. If you're using a paste-type plastic polish, load your rag up with about an ounce and smear it all over the lens.		Step 12 Work the polish all over the lens until it’s covered uniformly, then add a bit more polish to your rag. Polish the lens with medium pressure, using the same method you used while sanding. Make complete passes over the lens, polishing in one direction; then flip the rag over to a cleaner side for another pass. The longer you polish, the better the result will be. Keep going until the surface feels completely smooth and uniform. Note: This will take much longer than you expect it to.
Step 13 Wash the headlight with detergent water, rinse thoroughly, and allow to dry completely. Wipe the lens down with rubbing alcohol and a clean, lint-free towel. Spray with lens sealer and wipe it with a lint-free towel as directed by the sealer packaging.		Step 14 Step back to admire your work. With the lens completely clear and smooth, and the sealer filling in any minor imperfections to form a perfect, glass-like sheen, your headlight should glitter, jewel-like, in the sun. Now repeat all of these steps on the other headlight.

Get two microfiber cloths—one to wash, one to dry. Microfiber cloths can be purchased at most supermarkets, auto supply stores and home centers. They are machine washable and reusable.

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