FAQs on Efficient Summer Maintenance for Shacman Heavy-Duty Export Trucks

The engine is prone to “heatstroke” in high temperatures. How to prevent it?

The engine is the “heart” of a heavy-duty truck, and it’s most likely to have problems in summer heat. First, check the coolant frequently to see if the level is within the normal range on the scale. If the level is low, replenish it with the same type of antifreeze. Never add tap water directly, as it can cause scale buildup and clog the pipes. Second, pay attention to the cooling fan and water tank. After parking, check the tightness of the fan belt—it should sink 1-2 cm when pressed with a finger; if it’s too loose, it will affect heat dissipation. Clean the 柳絮 and dust on the surface of the water tank regularly. Especially in dusty areas, it’s recommended to rinse it with a high-pressure water gun once a week, and rinsing from the inside out is more effective. In addition, choose the right oil viscosity. In summer, it’s better to use a slightly higher viscosity grade. For example, if you originally used 15W-40, switching to 20W-50 can reduce oil consumption at high temperatures.

Tires often blow out in the hot sun. What are the maintenance tips?

Road surface temperatures can exceed 60°C in summer, so tire maintenance is essential. Before each trip, walk around the truck to check for small stones in the tire tread and remove them promptly to avoid punctures. Don’t overinflate the tires—follow the standard pressure values on the driver’s door pillar. In hot weather, you can set the pressure 0.2 bar lower than the standard to prevent blowouts due to thermal expansion. During long trips, stop in a shaded area every 2-3 hours for 10 minutes to let the tires cool down. Never pour water on hot tires, as sudden cooling can cause the tire body to crack. If you often drive on gravel roads, check the tire sides for bulges or scratches every week. Replace damaged tires promptly to avoid problems on the road.

The air conditioning cooling effect is poor. How to solve it quickly?

Driving in summer relies heavily on air conditioning. If the cooling is insufficient, first check the filter. The air conditioning filter is usually behind the passenger glove box. Remove it to see if it’s clogged with dust. A new filter will improve airflow and cooling efficiency. If the filter is clean but the cooling is still poor, the refrigerant may be insufficient. Take it to a repair shop to check the pressure and replenish it if needed—don’t add it randomly yourself. In addition, leave a gap in the window when parking to let the hot air escape first. Then turning on the air conditioning will work faster and save fuel. The condenser is behind the front grille. It can get dusty after driving on dirt roads, so clean it with a soft brush to improve heat dissipation and cooling performance.

The battery often loses power in high temperatures. What maintenance tips are there?

High temperatures are more damaging to batteries than low temperatures, especially maintenance-free batteries. Don’t forget to turn off the lights and air conditioning after parking, as these devices consume power quickly and can drain the battery overnight. Open the hood every week to check if the battery terminals are oxidized. If there’s white powder, rinse it off with hot water, dry it, and apply some petroleum jelly to prevent corrosion. For long-distance trucks, it’s advisable to install a voltage monitor. When the dashboard shows a voltage below 24V, find a place to charge it immediately to avoid getting stranded with a dead battery. The average battery life is 2-3 years—replace it in advance when it’s due to avoid breakdowns in hot weather.

What should be noted about small parts in the cab during summer?

Plastic and rubber parts in the cab are prone to aging in high temperatures. Avoid using dark-colored steering wheel covers and floor mats, as they absorb too much heat and can produce odors. Don’t place lighters or perfume on the dashboard, as they may explode after exposure to the sun. Spray some lubricating oil on the manual window tracks regularly to prevent jamming in high temperatures. If the seat adjustment lever is hard to use, add some grease. Try to park in the shade at night or use a cab sunshade to reduce damage from sun exposure and make it less hot when getting in the next day.