A crucial factor in the success of a tow truck business is keeping maintenance efforts for their tow trucks in check. Admittedly, it’s difficult to maintain a tow truck. It’s unlike the simple maintenance required by a car or other vehicle. More complex knowledge and efforts are needed.
But maintenance efforts must be conducted periodically to ensure the optimal functioning of a tow truck. These vehicles are put in a lot of work daily. And the last thing you want is to halt operations because of a truck problem.
Keep your tow trucks maintained so you can keep your business running. Here are some maintenance tips.
Check the hitch devices
The most frequent issue in a tow truck is hitch damage. Because this accessory plays the most crucial role in carrying the weight of another vehicle around the streets of Utah, it’s easy for the part to detach or loosen up.
You want to make sure you have quality hitches installed on your tow truck. Inspect the hitches regularly and make sure the hitch ball is still attached firmly to the drawbar.
Check the tires
Because of the heavyweight of a tow truck (plus the weight of the vehicle it’s carrying), the tires need to have a proper load rating and inflation level. Check the tires of your tow truck and make sure they’re in optimal condition.
Don’t forget to check the tires of the trailer as well. These are more likely to get worn out due to frequent use and product age. Know when your tires are getting too old and replace them accordingly.
Another important note is to always have a spare tire on every trip — just in case of flat tires or blowouts.
Replace fluids
A towing truck carries heavy weight frequently. This weight increases stress in the vehicle, causing it to heat up faster than normal. Fluids have to be checked now and then to make sure heat is properly managed. Using synthetic transmission fluid is ideal for adding more protection.
Cooling system
Because tow trucks tend to heat up faster than normal, you need to have a fully optimized cooling system that will prevent your vehicle from a meltdown. Make it a habit to check your truck’s cooling system. That includes the cooling fan, thermostat, water pump, and radiator.
Use heavy-duty shock absorbers
The stress that is put into a tow truck takes a hit on the vehicle’s stability. Make sure you’re using heavy-duty shock absorbers and springs that can withstand the load the truck is carrying. This will maintain the stability and proper leveling of the vehicle while towing.
Install safety chains
A common cause of vehicular accidents is the disconnection of the truck from its trailer. Hitches form only a first line of defense, and there’s a high possibility that it will break and loosen up. If you have safety chains installed, you have another line of defense keeping the two vehicles intact.
Make sure, however, that you’re using chains that can support the weight of the vehicle you’re carrying. Find the chain measurement for your truck. Generally, light-duty trucks use chains measuring 5/16 inches; medium-duty trucks use half-inch thick chains; heavy-duty trucks use chains that are 5/8 inches.
A tow truck has to be able to withstand the heavy-duty work. The only way to guarantee its optimal condition is through conducting maintenance and repair checks periodically.
