Managing Simple Truck Repair

Have you been stranded because of truck repair? Here are a few tips to manage simple truck repair with good service and effective maintenance as well.

What are the causes that lead to truck repair?
Mechanical parts are always subjected to wear and tear. Your utility truck runs within the town heavily loaded, stops and waits, has to be loaded and unloaded, and idles at traffic points. It needs frequent service and maintenance as its parts will surely start to wear off after traveling a few thousand miles.

What are the common areas of truck repair?
Constantly pulling around extra weight, some of the vital engine parts in your truck will need service. Other parts include water pumps, fuel pumps, bearings, radiators, starters, tires, brakes and batteries.

What simple inspections can you do?
1. The Engine Lights: It indicates a malfunction in the engine control as well as the evaporative emission system.
2. The Anti-lock Brake System (ABS) Light: When the light is on, the brake system becomes disabled. The ABS manipulates the front and rear brake pressure to decrease the wheels lock-up.
3. The Wheel Alignment: An accurate wheel alignment ensures long tire life. When there is an unusual tire wear, or when your tire steers towards one way or another, or even when the tire vibrates when driven on smooth roads, great care has to be taken to rebalance the wheels
4. The Spark Plug Wires: It produces a spark to start the engine. Make sure it is clean.
5. Battery Connections: Battery wires must be connected appropriately to avoid power leak and short circuit.
6. Fluid Levels: Check the fluid levels regularly. If the fluid level decreases frequently, check with your truck repair shop.
7. Tire Pressures: This gives longevity to tires for better stability and smooth run. Without the correct tire pressure the tires will wear out soon.
8. Radiator: Take care that it doesn’t heat up; the engine’s heat wears away its parts.
9. Out of ordinary sounds: Uncommon rattles, bangs, etc are warning signs that need immediate attention.
10. Belts: Belts will wear away soon. Check the belts regularly and change when necessary.
11. Fuel Leaks: Make sure that the fuel does not leak. If it does, it can lead to engine backfire.


What should you do to do simple service and maintenance tasks?
Read the manual thoroughly and understand how your truck works and the standards prescribed for your truck. Follow them meticulously. Moreover, you can find solutions to truck repair over the internet. Get free information on facing common problems and understand how the basic repairs work.

You need to know some basic terminology and electronic training on how your truck engine works. The more information you gather, the more awareness you gain on truck repair, service and maintenance.

You may even need a few electronic tools like a digital voltmeter, a check engine light scanner, a spark tester, a light tester, a test light for electronic components and basic hand tools – all available under $300.

Even a paid membership to an online automotive repair club will help clarify your technical problems through e-mails.

Check all the information gathered with a second opinion and ensure proper diagnosis.

Always take care to see that you know what you are doing. In case you are not sure seek the services of a qualified mechanic.

Now that you are armed with these tips to manage simple truck repair, use them to gain an edge in your business!

How to Sell Used Trucks and Trailers Online

What would you look for if you wish to buy used trucks and trailers?
Just think for a moment. Shouldn’t you offer the same features that you'd want when you sell your used trucks in order for it to fetch you a favorable price from the consumers? As a seller you have to provide all the facilities in your used trucks and trailers which buyers will consider to make valid purchase.

From a Consumer’s Point of View
When it comes to buying used trucks and trailers, a prospective buyer will be keen to identify the substandard quality of imitation parts in the vehicles. Before buying, consumers will think twice to spend on repairs on a vehicle with duplicate parts.

Genuine Parts versus Imitation Parts
It is apparent that used trucks and trailers with genuine parts have higher value than those fitted with duplicates. Consumers will seek an average reduction price for such vehicles. The seller will face a loss in the resale value due to the loss in the vehicle value. Even if you offer a reduction in price, 20% of the consumers who are highly aware of the imitation parts will not take the risk of buying used trucks and trailers repaired with duplicate parts.

Areas of Substandard Value
Consumers are wise to identify three areas where imitation parts are fitted in used trucks and trailers. Undoubtedly, these parts reduce the resale value.

1. The ‘red dust’ on the imitation sheet of metal parts reveals that it is substandard as galvanized steel sheets replace genuine parts.
2. Imitations of inaccurate dimensions leave apparent gaps and edges.
3. Paint flaws cover the imitation sheets while genuine parts are molded flawless in its final colors.

Compared to the time taken to install new genuine parts, even a certified auto body technician will take a lot more time to fit duplicate parts in used trucks and trailers.

How do you prepare for the Sale of Used Vehicles?
Determine the value of your vehicle based on its make, model, year of manufacture, miles covered and its present day condition.

Be wise enough to use as many venues as possible:
1. Use newspaper classifieds
2. Use classifieds in an auto sales magazine
3. List on to an auto trader, to his magazine or his website or both
4. Use the online network of buyers

Benefits of online classifieds to sell your used vehicles
The online classifieds provide more chances of making a better sale. Today, it is the most popular classified receiving an accessible wide audience. Upload your ads with more photos of your vehicle for a greater exposure. Print your ads, post photos, and videos. It is easy, fast, and effective, providing customer satisfaction. Response will be quick.

How do you respond?
Be alert to callers at all times. Conduct personal transactions whenever offers are made. Get your negotiations covered; receive the payment before making the shipment. Sometimes, you may face dishonest online buyers. So be cautious. For payments with credit cards, the address bar should begin with ‘https’ –‘s’ indicates secure connection.

Other Websites Available
There are websites dealing with resale, through auctions on eBay, such as motors.eBay.com. All you have to do is list an auction format or a do-it-now format.

So, what are you waiting for? Go online and look for new consumers. You don’t have to worry anymore on how to sell your used trucks and trailers.

Dealing with Rip-offs by Truck Service and Repair Providers

The Dos and Don’ts of Selecting a Truck Service and Repair Shop:
The success or failure of a truck business depends on how well truck service and repair is executed. A truck repair can kill a business due to the high costs involved. So analyze well before you spend on truck service and repair. Always do your homework when selecting a repair facility. The first step to get your truck serviced is to do some groundwork by visiting a number of shops and analyzing their advantages and the disadvantages. Take a second opinion from your friends and family for good referrals and personally visit them to get an idea about the place. Find out the shop’s warranty or guarantee policy before taking the plunge. Choose one based upon its reputation, quality, and workmanship guarantee and ensure that he provides you with a written warranty on the repair. After you are convinced, take your truck in for maintenance or minor repairs before trusting the shop with major work.

Rule out the “cheapest” price factor, it is not fair. Your truck needs to be serviced by someone with the right skills, service, knowledge, and reputation. Low estimates like any other purchase will take its tolls on your truck.

Never go by the reference of your insurance companies, claims offices or agents, however hard they attempt to influence your decision. For that reason, many insurance companies tie up with repair shops on the basis of an agreement to include the shop on the insurer's "list" in exchange for discounts, use of non-original parts and other cost-cutting techniques. In essence, these repair shops are working for the insurance company with a hidden agenda and not for you, the vehicle owner who is likely to get victimized for selecting the wrong shop.

How can You Stay on Top?
You may be a layman, but it pays to know about your truck, the more you know, the harder it will be for someone to take you for a ride. Even basics can be helpful. Keep a track of the recommended maintenance guidelines for your truck; by doing so, you will save yourself from saying, “Do whatever you think it needs.” The humble preventive maintenance will save you from getting into a situation where you can be taken advantage of.

When in doubt, get a second opinion. For example, if your truck is disabled and you don't trust the diagnosis from a new mechanic, it's worth the extra hassle to tow it to another shop if need be. Always ask for a written estimate and a "No repairs authorized without owner's consent" before proceeding with any repairs.

Be specific and describe the symptoms carefully. Clarify your needs, and understand the process before taking a call.

If any of the parts needs to be replaced, ask for the particular part and the old part to be shown to you, just examine them briefly, to your best satisfaction.

If by some chance, you have a problem after getting your truck repaired, take it back to the shop as soon as possible. Give them a chance to fix the mistake. How they handle the situation will help you decide whether to re-visit or not.

Last but not the least; be aware of your rights. Know the right forum to approach in a worst case scenario. Such unpleasant instances can be avoided it you spend enough time to do research and analysis. Always remember the profitability of you business depends on the way truck service and repair is executed.