With frequent rain and high humidity, trucks on the road every day are easily corroded by moisture and water accumulation—water seeps into the superstructure, the chassis rusts, and the windshield wipers malfunction. These small problems, if ignored, can delay transport or even shorten the vehicle’s lifespan.
Today, we’ll discuss practical tips for truck maintenance in rainy weather, protecting your vehicle from the inside out, so you can drive smoothly and worry-free even in the rain.
1. Focus on Preventing Water Ingress into the Superstructure
When transporting goods in the rain, rainwater either seeps into the truck through gaps or is splashed onto components by oncoming vehicles. If water gets into the superstructure, it can easily cause malfunctions.
Before departure and after arrival, carefully check these three areas:
(1) Check the hydraulic oil tank for water: Hydraulic oil is most susceptible to water contamination. Once water gets in, it will deteriorate, and starting the engine may damage the hydraulic system.
Before each trip, open the fuel tank cap and check the fuel level for separation or foaming. If the water appears cloudy, don’t hesitate to replace the hydraulic oil and filter immediately. Please don’t wait until problems arise to repair it, as this will only cost more money.
(2) Don’t forget to drain the vapor recovery box: The vapor recovery box is designed to prevent vapor leakage, but it’s prone to accumulating water during rainy weather. If water seeps into the fuel tank, it will also degrade the fuel.
After finishing your trip, remember to open the drain valve of the recovery box and drain the water completely. Check for any impurities while emptying it; if there are, clean it to prevent blockages.
(3) Clean the drive shaft and rotating shaft of debris and add grease: On rainy days, weeds and plastic bags splashed with mud and water can easily get tangled on the drive shaft, damaging parts over time. Furthermore, high humidity can cause metal parts to rust.
During each inspection, first remove any tangled debris, then check the grease fitting on the drive shaft. If the grease is low, add more grease promptly to ensure smoother component rotation and reduce wear.
2. Don’t Skimp on Chassis Maintenance to Prevent Rust
Truck chassis are in constant contact with the ground, especially during rainy days when they are soaked in mud and moisture. If not maintained regularly, they are prone to rust and malfunctions, affecting operational efficiency. Pay close attention to these two key points:
(1) Check the air filter for water ingress: The air filter filters the air for the engine. If water gets inside, it will enter the engine with the air, causing engine failure.
After each rain, open the air filter housing and check. If the filter paper is damp or has water droplets, replace it immediately. If there is water inside the housing, wipe it dry before installing a new air filter; do not use it with water inside.
(2) Clean and replace the grease in the wheel bearings: The wheel bearings contain grease. Mud and water can easily seep in during rain, diluting and contaminating the grease. If not treated, the bearings will wear out quickly due to a lack of lubrication, and in severe cases, it can cause abnormal wheel noise and wheel misalignment.
It is recommended to remove the wheel hubs after every 2-3 rainy trips, wipe off the old grease from the bearings with a clean cotton cloth, and then apply new high-temperature grease. When reinstalling, remember to tighten the screws to ensure a secure fit.
Additionally, if you have time after each rain, you can use a high-pressure water gun (don’t use too strong a pressure) to rinse the chassis to remove any attached mud and reduce the corrosive effect of impurities in the mud. After rinsing, spraying a layer of chassis rust inhibitor will further enhance the rust prevention effect.
3. Pre-Drive Wiper Checkup
When driving in the rain, windshield wipers are essential for clear vision. If they malfunction, the windshield won’t be cleaned properly, leading to blurred vision and increasing the risk of accidents. Check these two details beforehand:
(1) Check for cleanliness: After starting the vehicle, turn on the wipers and check for watermarks, missed spots, a “jumping” vibration, or a harsh scrubbing sound on the wiper blades.
If any of these are present, check the wiper blades for small stones or impurities. If present, gently wipe them off. If wiping doesn’t solve the problem, there might be oil between the blades and the glass. Wipe the blades and windshield with a cotton cloth dampened with windshield washer fluid and try again.
(2) Check for worn-out rubber blades: Wiper blades are made of rubber. Over time, they will age, harden, and crack, making them ineffective at clearing rainwater.
During each inspection, feel the rubber wiper blades with your hand. If they feel hard, cracked, or have unevenly worn edges, don’t leave them as is; replace them with new wiper blades immediately. When choosing, pay attention to the model to ensure it matches the size of your truck’s windshield.
Also, avoid using the wipers to scrape dry dust off the windshield. If there is dust on the glass, spray some windshield washer fluid before turning on the wipers. Otherwise, dry wiping will accelerate the wear of the rubber blades and shorten the wiper’s lifespan.
