By Pamela Rose
A heavy vehicle mechanic inspects, repairs, and maintains heavy vehicles including trucks. A heavy vehicle mechanic is typically a diesel mechanic. Their job also involves testing, inspection, diagnoses, tuning, and overhauling of heavy vehicles and their various systems. Find out what such a professional does and when you may require their services for your vehicle?
Truck Repairs & Maintenance
This mechanic’s job is to detect mechanical and electrical issues, fix them, and maintain the hydraulic components within engines. Their job involves everything from something as simple as changing engine oil to something as complex as rebuilding an engine. Such experts have extensive experience in working on different systems including engine, electrical systems, transmission and clutch, brakes, and other components in trucks and other heavy vehicles.
Common Heavy Vehicle Problems
If you have heavy vehicles such as trucks, you will require the services of a specialized mechanic to fix a wide range of issues. Some of these common issues that you will face include:
Brake Problems
Brake problems can be related to the braking system or the brake pedal. Heavy-duty vehicles such as trucks weigh a lot. When fully loaded, the weight of the cargo can further increase the amount of pressure on the brakes. Even when trucks have heavy-duty braking systems, they suffer greater wear and tear compared to smaller vehicles. From fluid leaks to brake failures, heavy vehicle mechanics handle all types of brake problems.
Such mechanics also provide proper maintenance services to prevent brake issues. Regular brake inspections from experienced and well-trained technicians can go a long way in preventing potential accidents.
Engine Issues
Engine problems are major and serious issues and require the hand of only the most experienced mechanics. Some of the common engine issues handled by such professionals include:
- Overheating
- Fuel leaks
- Blown gaskets
- Low power issues
- Higher compression ratio
- Noise
Many engine problems are in their early stages or may not even be obvious. Proper maintenance or early detection by experienced mechanics can help protect your engine and save on expensive repairs.
It is best to work with a heavy vehicle maintenance and repair service provider with a large team of specialized mechanics. You should follow regular maintenance schedules at the hands of only experienced technicians.
Clutch Problems
The clutch plays an important role in the effective functioning of manual transmission in trucks. Clutch systems in manual transmission trucks are more prone to wear and tear and require regular checking. Some of the common causes of clutch issues include:
- Clutch overloading
- Careless driving
- Oil leaks
Clutch issues can be prevented by getting the system regularly checked by specialized heavy vehicle mechanics. Leaks can cause clutch disc contamination.
Starter Problems
Heavy vehicle mechanics also fix starter problems including starter failure. Starter problems are common during the winter months. It is best to get the system checked by specialized mechanics before the winter season sets in. This can help identify any signs of potential issues.
Wheel Bearings Issues
Wheel bearings are critical components required for moving a wheel smoothly over long distance. Heavy vehicle mechanics also specialize in fixing problems associated with wheel bearings. Some of the common signs of problems with the bearings include:
- Noise from around the wheel wells
- Unstable movements
- Vehicle jerks
A heavy vehicle mechanic specializes in fixing a wide range of other issues found in trucks and other heavy-duty vehicles. They can also handle wheel issues, water pump issues, radiator problems, transmission problems, failing batteries, contaminated fuel, defective glow plugs, and wrong weight viscosity among others. Regular inspection, maintenance, and proper repair from a licensed and reputed truck service provider can help keep your cost of operations low and improve your bottom line in the long-term.
