Essential Strategies to Prevent Your Engine from Overheating and Avoid Breakdowns

Running a bunch of trucks? Engine overheating is a real headache. It messes with your schedules, wastes fuel, and costs you money. Blow an engine because it got too hot? That's a major problem.

We know how much it hurts when a truck breaks down on a busy day. But guess what? A lot of this can be avoided if you just keep an eye on things.

This is going to be a quick rundown of why engines overheat, what to watch out for, and most importantly, how to stop it from happening and keep your truck fleet management running smoothly.

Why Do Engines Overheat?

The majority of the time, overheating is caused by a little issue that grows into a larger one. These six possible issues are the most prevalent ones:

• Coolant leaks or low coolant

• Water pumps that are broken

• Blockages in the hoses or radiators

• Failure of the thermostat

• Constantly heavy load

• Running nonstop in intense heat

To put it briefly, if any of the aforementioned are neglected, trucks may be stranded for roadside repairs, and substantial engine repairs may be necessary due to engine failure, blown gaskets, or warped components.

Nearly 30% of unscheduled truck repairs during the summer are caused by overheating, particularly in long-haul or last-mile delivery operations, according to FleetOwner Magazine.

Recognize the Early Warning Signs

Keep an eye out for the first signs of overheating instead of waiting for steam. Catching issues early can stop serious engine problems.

• The temperature indicator is constantly high

• There's a burning smell coming from the engine

• Coolant levels rapidly decrease

• The heater malfunctions

• There is an obvious leak close to the reservoir or radiator

• The mid-drive warning lights turn on

Stop and check if any of these appear, or immediately contact your roadside assistance service partner.

Useful Techniques to Keep Your Fleet's Engines Cool

The following are practical strategies to reduce the possibility of engine overheating in your whole fleet:

1. Keep an eye on the coolant levels regularly

The main reason for overheating is inadequate or tainted coolant. Prior to lengthy trips, check the coolant levels, and make sure to include this in your weekly inspection schedule.

To help busy fleets, our Fleet Maintenance and Repair Services offer automated tracking and refill reminders. Submit a maintenance request now to get started.

2. Schedule Coolant Replacement and Flush

Over time, the coolant deteriorates, decreasing the effectiveness of heat transfer. Generally speaking, flush the system at least once every two years or every 80,000 to 100,000 kilometers. Coolant changes may need to be performed more frequently on older cars.

3. Clear the radiator and take care of any obstructions

Debris, dust, and insects can quickly build up, especially in trucks that drive on roads often. A dirty radiator has trouble efficiently dissipating heat. Make time for routine pressure washing, particularly before the summer.

4. Examine belts and hoses

Water pump malfunctions may be caused by slack or cracked belts. Under pressure, worn hoses may leak or burst. Thorough inspections are essential since even seemingly insignificant parts can have a big influence.

5. Make Use of Intelligent Monitoring Instruments

With the fleet technology of today, you can stay ahead of the game. When temperatures rise above average, smart sensors and telematics systems—like those included in our fleet management solutions—provide real-time notifications. You can take preventative action before problems worsen, thanks to this data.

6. Get Your Drivers Trained

The first line of defense is the driver. Make sure they understand how to do basic coolant checks, when to pull over, and how to read the temperature gauge. By seeing issues early on, a skilled driver can frequently avoid major repairs.

Last-Mile Maintenance Services' Function

The final stretch is where many overheating problems occur, including short city routes, lengthy idle periods, and stop-start traffic. For this reason, we developed our Last Mile Maintenance Service specifically for short-haul operators and delivery fleets.

We take care of:

• On-site coolant inspections

• Inspections of radiators

• Urgent repairs

• Personalized maintenance plans according to usage trends

This proactive care keeps you off the tow truck and on time, whether you're rushing to meet delivery windows or handling temperature-sensitive cargo.

A minor adjustment made today avoids a major malfunction tomorrow

Engine overheating is a year-round issue, particularly for trucks transporting big loads over long distances, even though it may appear to be a problem only during heat waves. The key to staying ahead of it is to use the proper fluids, perform routine inspections, and address minor issues before they become major ones.

Fun fact: According to data released by Noria Corporation, an engine's lifespan can be shortened by about 10% with just a 1°C increase in temperature.

Your engines will run longer, keep cooler, and eventually cost less if you take good care of them.

Avoid waiting for the red warning light to appear

Set up an intelligent, personalized maintenance schedule with Kooner Fleet Management Solutions to keep your entire fleet road-ready and avoid overheating.

Do you require an engine temperature check or a radiator inspection?

Schedule a truck and trailer repair appointment or discuss our customizable maintenance plans with our staff. Together, we can keep your fleet moving and cool.

Contact Us Now