Keeping your truck running smoothly is essential for not only your operations but also your safety. A truck that isn’t regularly serviced and maintained is dangerous, as there may be invisible problems that could prove serious if untreated. Fortunately, a truck service is easy to set up with professionals like us, ensuring you or your business fleet can get back on the road safely.
Sometimes, issues can occur between services or if you haven’t organised a regular servicing schedule. If you keep an eye out for the signs in this post, you’ll be able to book your vehicle in with the experts before problems evolve into something worse.
First, let’s get into the truck servicing basics.
How often does a truck need servicing?
A truck should receive an interim service every six months or every 6,000 miles, whichever comes first. A truck should undergo full service every 12 months or 12,000 miles. Finally, every 24 months or 24,000 miles, a truck will need a major service.
What does a truck service include?
Different service levels include different checks and tests.
Interim service
This small service includes all the essential checks a vehicle needs. It includes oil and oil filter changes, checking lights, tyres, brakes, fluids and the exhaust, topping up coolant, brake fluid, power steering fluid, and other tasks.
Full service
A full service is more comprehensive than an interim. Annually, the truck will be checked for problems that need addressing to ensure it’s in good working condition. The service includes everything an interim service offers, alongside a thorough examination of the electrical system, the engine and the suspension. More detailed checks will be carried out, too, and components will be replaced if necessary.
Major service
A major truck service is incredibly extensive, including everything you’ll find in a full service and more. Additional inspections and maintenance will be carried out, including tasks like changing brake fluid, spark plugs and other long-life consumables, leaving your truck fully inspected.
Signs your truck needs a service
Keep an eye and an ear out for these signs that point to your vehicle needing a professional check.
Unusual noises
It goes without saying that if your truck starts making strange noises, something is wrong. These sounds could include hisses and clicks, but whatever unusual noise it’s making, it’s important to monitor when you hear them and, if possible, where they’re coming from. This information can help the engineer find the problem.
If the sound is increasing or intensifying, especially mid-journey, we advise you to pull over and call roadside assistance.
Dashboard warning lights
Certain dash lights indicate when something is wrong; depending on the vehicle, they may also tell you the exact issue. If any warning lights reveal a problem that can’t be handled yourself, it’s time to see an engineer.
Drips and puddles
No one wants to see a puddle sitting beneath their truck. Check the colour of the liquid: if it’s clear, it’s likely just water from rain or condensation. If it’s coloured, you could have something more serious happening. Brown liquid might be oil, power steering fluid or worse, brake fluid.
Depending on the fluid type, it’s wise not to drive the vehicle at all. Call for a mechanic to check the truck because if it’s your brake fluid that’s leaking, driving is incredibly dangerous.
Power and stalling problems
There are a lot of signs and symptoms that your truck has a power problem. If the vehicle is struggling to accelerate or maintain speed, if the engine feels sluggish, if it cuts out when idling or stopping, or if it has difficulty restarting after a stall or stalling at random, you must have your truck serviced.
These issues become urgent when they start to impact your safety – stalling at junctions or struggling to overtake are serious problems that need immediate professional attention.
Strange vibrations
Unusual movements are a major sign that something is wrong with your truck. If you feel it juddering, vibrating or jerking, especially while accelerating, you might be dealing with a misfiring engine, worn parts, or other mechanical or electrical problems.
Smoke
The biggest and most obvious sign that your truck needs professional attention is smoke. No matter where in your vehicle it’s coming from, be it the engine or the electrics, smoke means something serious has occurred. Do not attempt to drive a smoking truck, and if you’re already on the road, pull over and call a mechanic. Getting your truck to professionals for a full check and service to diagnose the problem is imperative.
Book your truck for a professional service
Our course-educated, Renault truck-approved, fully trained team of professional experts at each of our depots are ready to give your truck of any major make a full check and service. We also offer thorough MOTs for any van or truck. We keep a stock of genuine parts for repairs and services, so you can rest assured you’ll drive away with your truck in top condition.
To schedule a professional truck servicing or truck or van MOT, contact your local depot today. For the Norfolk depot, call 01603 253 300. For the Suffolk depot, call 01473 834 200. For the London depot, call 0208 804 1266. For our Norwich Van centre, call 01603 253 999. Alternatively, use our online enquiry form and a member of the team will get in touch.