Keep Your Peterbilt Semi Truck in Top Shape During the Hot Summer Months
When the summer heat hits hard, your Peterbilt semi-truck needs a little extra attention to keep running strong and cool. Long hours on the road, high temperatures, and increased loads can take a toll on your rig. A little seasonal maintenance goes a long way in preventing breakdowns, ensuring driver’s comfort, and keeping your truck operating at peak performance.
Here are some essential summer maintenance tips for your Peterbilt:
1. Stay on Top of Your Cooling System
Your cooling system is your first line of defense against overheating. If it fails, you’re looking at costly downtime—or worse.
What to check:
- Coolant levels: Make sure your coolant is at the correct level and mixed to the right ratio for summer temperatures.
- Hoses and belts: Look for cracks, leaks, or signs of wear that could lead to failure under pressure.
- Radiator: Clean debris off the radiator fins and check for any signs of corrosion or blockage.
✅ Pro Tip: Consider a full coolant flush if it’s been over two years since your last one.
2. Give the Air Conditioning System Some Attention
A functioning A/C system is not just about comfort, it’s about safety, especially during long summer hauls. Overheating in the cab can lead to fatigue and reduced alertness.
Inspect these components:
- Cabin air filters: Replace them if they’re clogged with dust or debris.
- Refrigerant levels: Low refrigerant can reduce cooling power or cause the compressor to overwork.
- Compressor and lines: Listen for odd noises or check for leaks.
✅ Pro Tip: Have a professional inspection of the system if your A/C isn’t cooling like it used to. Don’t wait until it stops working entirely.
3. Tire Pressure and Condition
Heat causes air to expand, so your tire pressure can increase dramatically in summer. Overinflated tires are just as dangerous as underinflated ones.
What to monitor:
- Tire pressure: Check often and adjust according to manufacturer specs.
- Tread depth and wear patterns: Uneven wear could indicate alignment issues that worsen with heat.
✅ Pro Tip: Inspect tires when they’re “cold” for the most accurate readings.
4. Inspect the Battery
High temperatures can cause battery fluid to evaporate, leading to internal damage.
What to do:
- Check terminals for corrosion
- Ensure battery is securely mounted
- Test voltage and performance
✅ Pro Tip: Summer is a great time to have a full electrical system check to catch any issues early.
5. Don’t Ignore the Brakes
Heavy use combined with hot weather can reduce brake efficiency and increase wear.
Check for:
- Worn brake pads or shoes
- Cracked or glazed drums
- Proper brake adjustment
✅ Pro Tip: Have your brakes inspected at every oil change or PM service, especially if you’re hauling heavier loads during summer.
6. Do a Walk-Around Before Every Trip
In the summer, small issues can escalate quickly. Make a walk-around inspection part of your daily routine.
Look for:
- Leaks
- Loose or missing hardware
- Visible damage to hoses, lights, or tires
✅ Pro Tip: Keep a checklist in your cab to make sure you don’t miss anything.
7. Keep Your Cab Clean and Cool
Heat and long hours can wear down even the most seasoned driver. Make sure your cab is a clean, comfortable, and functional workspace.
- Use sunshades when parked
- Clean vents and dashboards to improve airflow
- Stock up on water and light snacks
✅ Pro Tip: A clean air system can make your HVAC much more efficient, don’t skip those filter changes!
Final Thoughts
Regular summer maintenance isn’t just about protecting your Peterbilt, it’s about protecting your time, your money, and your peace of mind. Whether you’re running regional routes or cross-country hauls, taking care of your truck in the heat ensures you’ll get where you’re going without unnecessary delays or discomfort. Need help prepping your Peterbilt for the summer? Allstate Peterbilt Group offers seasonal inspections, A/C service, and OEM parts to keep your truck cool and road ready. Schedule an appointment today and stay ahead of the heat!