As temperatures drop, both drivers and their trusted light-duty trucks require extra care to ensure smooth operations. To maintain high efficiency and seamless earnings, Qingling Isuzu has prepared essential winter vehicle maintenance tips to keep your truck in top shape throughout the season.
Winter roads can be icy and slippery, leading to frequent brake usage. Over time, this can cause brake performance degradation or even failure. If you notice unusual symptoms such as vibrations, abnormal noises, pulling to one side, or an unusually soft or hard brake pedal, it’s crucial to inspect the brake system promptly to prevent safety hazards.
Regularly check the moisture content in brake fluid—different brands should not be mixed. Cold temperatures can cause rubber and plastic brake lines to harden and become brittle, increasing the risk of air or fluid leaks. A pre-winter inspection can help identify and eliminate potential issues.
Winter conditions reduce road surface friction, and factors such as low tire pressure and wet roads can lead to abnormal tire wear, higher fuel or electricity consumption, and even brake failure.
Check tire pressure monthly to prevent unexpected issues. Regularly inspect and remove debris from tire treads to prevent excessive wear. (Refer to the vehicle manual for specific tire pressure recommendations.)
Cold temperatures can affect diesel fuel atomization, causing ice formation in fuel filters and pipelines. Poor-quality fuel with excessive impurities can also lead to wax buildup in filters, resulting in fuel line blockages. Clean or replace fuel filters and water separators regularly. Drain accumulated water from the fuel-water separator to prevent clogging.
Choose the right diesel grade based on temperature:
✔ Above 4°C → Use 0# diesel
✔ Between -5°C to 4°C → Use -10# diesel
✔ Between -5°C to -14°C → Use -20# diesel
✔ Between -14°C to -29°C → Use -35# diesel
Additionally, engine oil viscosity increases in low temperatures, affecting lubrication. Choose winter-grade, low-viscosity engine oil based on your region’s climate to ensure smooth startups and minimize wear. Before an oil change, let the engine idle for 3-5 minutes to warm up the oil, ensuring better lubrication. Gently press the accelerator to maintain medium RPMs for a quicker warm-up while improving fuel efficiency.
Remember to check the antifreeze concentration and avoid mixing different coolant brands. Low-quality coolants may not freeze but can corrode engine components, leading to unnecessary repair costs.
During summer and rainy seasons, the condenser accumulates dirt and mud, leading to corrosion and reduced air conditioning efficiency.
Perform a thorough air conditioning system check before winter. Run the A/C cooling system 2-3 times a month to prevent system blockage and excessive wear from prolonged inactivity. Inspect defrost vents for proper airflow and sufficient heat output. Address any issues promptly to ensure clear visibility and cabin comfort.
For electric light trucks, battery performance is highly sensitive to temperature fluctuations. To ensure stable winter operations, please keep the battery pack and motor clean, and conduct regular performance checks.
Charge the battery when it reaches 20% capacity—letting it drop too low accelerates degradation. Choose indoor or underground parking, enclosed garages, or sun-exposed areas for charging. Alternatively, preheat the battery to maintain optimal cell temperature, improving charging efficiency and extending battery life.
By following these essential maintenance tips, your Qingling Isuzu light truck will remain reliable and efficient throughout the winter, ensuring smooth business operations and uninterrupted earnings.
