Summer heat can take its toll on the performance of vehicles, but conducting a few simple checks and maintenance steps can help keep them performing their best. If you’re running just about anywhere in North America, you should take precautions to beat the summer heat. Here are three areas to check to help ensure trucks run on schedule and within budget:

1. Heating and Air Conditioning
• Check refrigerant levels. The easiest way to detect incorrect refrigerant levels is if the air conditioner stops cooling when the truck is idling or waiting at a traffic light.

• Clean system filters.

• Check engine coolant. Antifreeze should record a freeze point of at least -20 degrees F and nitrite levels should measure above 1,200 PPM.

• Check A/C condenser. This unit is located in front of the radiator on most models and transfers heat from inside the cab to outside of the vehicle. Its function can be restricted by a buildup of insects during the summer. If air flow is restricted, the condenser can’t do its job.

2. Electrical System
• Secure alternator mounting. Making sure the alternator is securely mounted will help prevent the belts from slipping. If the alternator belts slip, it could result in insufficient charge of the batteries and/or premature battery failure. Check the mountings by putting your hand on the alternator and trying to move it. If it moves, it should be tightened down.

• Check battery mounting. Make sure the battery is firmly mounted in the battery box, limiting the chance that the connectors will become loose.

• Inspect battery cables. The battery cables run from the battery box, which in most models is behind and under the cab, and are secured to the battery with fasteners. Check to make sure the cables are tightly secured to the fasteners. Additionally, wiring that runs to and from the electronic control unit found on the left side of the engine should be tightly secured, as well as properly routed and spaced.

3. Lubrication System
• Check all oil reservoirs. All oil reservoirs should be checked to make sure they’re at proper levels, including  power steering, steer axle wheel bearings, engine, transmission and differentials. And while proper oil levels are important throughout the year, they are vital during hot summer months when the air off the road can be as high as 140˚ F. The viscosity changes as the oil temperature changes, so properly maintained fill levels are important.