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A heavy-duty truck is a vehicle that can haul massive loads. These massive, multipurpose vehicles are worth investing in because they're powerful and durable. Heavy-duty trucks are commonly used by companies or individuals who need to transport large items or objects across long distances, especially over rough roads. The owners of these types of vehicles tend to maintain them well so they continue working at optimal performance levels during their lifespan. Owners invest in heavy-duty truck parts to ensure it continues running smoothly, even after years of constant use on the road. These trucks are expensive investments, so proper maintenance must be given to retaining value throughout the duration of the vehicle's life cycle. An owner should choose high-quality parts that last longer and work more efficiently than inferior parts. In this article by Iron Creek Truck & Trailer in Daysland, Alberta, we share some information about some of the top heavy-duty truck parts worth investing in today.
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Why do heavy-duty truck parts fail?
A common cause of malfunctions and breakdowns is a heavy-duty truck part that failed due to a manufacturing defect. Replacing the defective part with a high-quality truck part that will not break down after several uses can be a very cost-efficient move for a company. Some of the most popular truck parts worth investing in are rear axles, front axles, driveshafts, transmissions, tires, diesel engines, and brakes. The final price tag on these items may seem expensive but they last longer than low-quality counterparts so they save money over time as opposed to constantly needing repairs or replacements.
Truck owners should always ensure their investment has been given proper maintenance before any malfunctions occur. This means replacing worn-out parts with high-quality parts that will not break down quickly after several uses. Keeping track of all the heavy-duty truck parts on an ongoing basis is crucial for maximizing performance and extending the lifespan of the vehicle. Failure to do so can lead to malfunctions, breakdowns, or component failure, which may cost an owner more than he thought he would spend maintaining his vehicle throughout its life cycle.
Axles
Axles connect and power the wheels and tires and allow them to rotate together (and in opposite rotations). Axles are commonly found on heavy-duty trucks, such as dump trucks and semi trucks. They can be rear or front axles depending on which area of the truck they're located.
A heavy-duty truck's rear axle is located near the backend of the vehicle. The area that houses the axle housing is called a "trailing arm." These types of trucks have two sets of rear wheels, which are known as dual rear wheels or tandem duals. This means there is an extra set behind the other set on both sides of the truck bed. If one side malfunctions, the other side will still function at optimal performance levels.
A heavy-duty truck's front axle is located near the front of the vehicle (the furthest point in front). The wheels on these types of trucks are also known as duals. Single tires are not found on heavy-duty trucks because they're not equipped with enough horsepower to move these massive vehicles with one wheel.
Diesel Engines
A heavy-duty truck's diesel engine is one of the most expensive components to maintain because it needs high octane fuel to keep running for years after purchasing the vehicle. These engines produce much more torque than gasoline engines and are well known for their power and ability to last longer than other types of engines. Overall, if a diesel engine is well maintained and cared for regularly, it can reach one million kilometers.
Transmissions
Transmissions are responsible for shifting gears in heavy-duty trucks. They transfer the power from the engine to the wheels of these massive vehicles. Transmissions can be manual or automatic. Manual transmissions need to be shifted by a driver, while an automatic transmission shifts gears on its own without any input needed for shifting. Trucks are designed with several different types of transmissions depending on how they will be used. There are 4x2, 6x4, 6x2, and 6x2 power takeoff (PTO) configurations that allow trucks to drive in unique ways when paired up with various equipment attachments.
Brake Systems
Brakes allow heavy-duty trucks to stop. There are several types of brakes outfitted on heavy-duty trucks, including pneumatic, air disc, and hydraulic disc brakes. These systems have a set life cycle that varies depending on how they're used and taken care of. Main components found in a heavy-duty truck's brake system include disks, drums, cylinders, springs, pads/shoes, fluid lines/reservoirs/tanks/pumps/fittings/connectors/belts, rotors or drums (found with drum brakes), calipers, or wheel cylinders (found with disc brakes), cables and levers. Air-operated systems usually require different tools than hydraulics because there is a compressor on the truck that assists with the braking process. A heavy-duty truck's brakes need to be inspected by a professional at least once every year. Some brake systems, such as drum brakes, have an average life cycle of about two years while hydraulic disc brakes can last up to 10 years if low levels of damage are sustained throughout their lifespan.
Tire Systems
Like all vehicles, heavy-duty trucks need tires to ensure the safety of drivers and prevent accidents. These types of trucks usually come with 16 or 18 wheels. There are several different types of tires available for purchase for use on these massive vehicles depending on their tire pressure, load-bearing capacity, and speed. The cost of keeping a heavy-duty truck running can be high when it is in need of maintenance from time to time because some components easily malfunction compared to other types of vehicles that require fewer repairs overall. Heavy-duty trucks have a reputation for being expensive when it comes down to maintaining the healthiest status possible for each component underneath its hood and undercarriage throughout its lifetime.
In conclusion
Heavy-duty trucks are a common sight on roads around the world. They're large, multi-ton vehicles that need to be maintained by professionals for safety reasons above all else. Some heavy-duty truck components can last longer than expected if they're handled properly and kept in good shape. If you are in need of heavy-duty truck parts for your rig, then Iron Creek Truck & Trailer in Daysland, Alberta, is just a phone call away.
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