Semi-Truck HVAC Maintenance
It’s no secret that trucking puts a lot of strain on the driver, especially when it comes to longer hauls. That’s why maintaining your semi-truck’s HVAC system is crucial. Your semi-truck’s HVAC system is designed to keep the driver as comfortable as possible no matter the outside conditions, whether hot, humid, dry, or cold. If it stops functioning, any trucking you do will become that much more difficult. Luckily, Carolina International Trucks has created this guide to semi-truck HVAC maintenance.
How To Tell If Your HVAC System Needs Maintenance
Figuring out if your truck’s HVAC system is in urgent need of maintenance is fairly simple. Just use your senses. Are you hearing strange noises coming from the HVAC? Are there unusual smells with no obvious source? Do you still feel hot even after turning up the air conditioning? Be on the lookout for things like leaks, stains, and low air pressure. If something appears to be wrong, your next step should be to try and diagnose the problem.
Broken HVAC Causes
There are many reasons why your semi-truck’s HVAC might not be working correctly. One thing you can do is check under your truck the next time you stop. If liquid starts to pool underneath your vehicle, you might have a refrigerant leak on your hands.
If you don’t think you have a leak, try taking a look at the HVAC system’s compressor. The compressor pressurizes refrigerant and pushes it through your HVAC system. If the compressor becomes contaminated by oil, dirt, or water, it will have to work harder in order to perform the same amount of work, potentially even damaging it.
If your HVAC system is only blowing hot air, check the condenser. The condenser processes refrigerant gas, converting it back into a liquid and bleeding off the excess heat. Much like the compressor, the condenser can get clogged up, so be sure to check it from time to time.
Maintenance Advice
The best thing you can do to maintain your semi-truck’s HVAC system is simply to keep up with your regularly scheduled maintenance appointments. You can also perform inspections of your own to make sure that everything is working as intended. For instance, occasionally checking your hoses and hose fittings can help catch leaks. You can also “recharge” the refrigerant in your HVAC system, provided you check your owner’s manual and follow all the correct steps to ensure that you don’t accidentally damage anything.
Shop semi-trucks at Carolina International Trucks. We operate six dealerships throughout South Carolina, including Columbia, South Carolina. We also offer rentals, parts ordering, and financing.