With an increase in spending and a demand on supply over the festive season, there\u2019s no doubt that more trucks will be on the road.<\/p>\n
\u201cTrucks provide a vital service for consumers.<\/p>
\u201cUnfortunately, poorly serviced trucks or trucks not being serviced at all, are a major contributor to road deaths at this time of year,\u201d said Dewald Ranft, chairperson of the Motor Industry Workshop Association (MIWA), a constituent association of the Retail Motor Industry Organisation (RMI).<\/p>\n
Ranft is appealing to all truck owners to ensure their vehicles are in top condition as the December rush begins.<\/p>
Derick Horrmann, the owner of Don-Der Truck Repairs, said the regular servicing of trucks ensures good fuel consumption, prevents the oil filter from clogging up and collapsing and is an opportunity to check if the oil is diluted with diesel which would point to a faulty injector solenoid.<\/p>\n
\u201cAll internal moving parts that are oil dependent for lubrication, as well as brakes and clutch, are subject to the most wear and tear,\u201d he said.<\/p>\n
He explained that trucks should be serviced as per the truck manufacturer\u2019s schedules.<\/p>\n
\u201cMost trucks are serviced at 30 000km intervals, others have extended intervals when using a synthetic oil.<\/p>\n
\u201cThese intervals are usually 40 000km,\u201d Horrmann said.<\/p>\n
Ranft said it\u2019s important to use an accredited repairer, and Horrmann agreed.<\/p>\n
\u201cAn accredited servicing workshop will ensure peace of mind as they will be using premium quality oil and good replacement parts,\u201d Ranft said.<\/p>\n
Over and above regular servicing, he urged truck owners to also keep tyre pressure in accordance to specifications and to check cooling systems and intake piping for leaks and cracks.<\/p>\n
<\/p>\n
ALSO READ:<\/span><\/p>\n Car coolant needs to be checked once a year \u2013 here\u2019s why\u2026<\/a><\/p>\n 5 tips for driving in wet weather<\/a><\/p>\n Tyre tips that everyone can use<\/a><\/p>\n <\/p>\n Ranft is also appealing to all motorists to be patient and courteous to truck drivers on the roads.<\/p>\n \u201cMotorists need to realise that trucks are not cars.<\/p>\n \u201cThe handling of a truck, the speed, and how the truck is affected by external forces is vastly different to that of a car,\u201d he said.<\/p>\n \u201cWhile it can be frustrating to be stuck behind a truck, respect the road rules and only overtake when it is appropriate.<\/p>\n \u201cGive a truck room to manoeuvre and keep a safe following distance.<\/p>\n \u201cWe all need to do what we can to reduce accidents on our roads over this season with the increased volume of traffic on our roads.\u201d<\/p>\n <\/p>\n Have a story?<\/strong><\/p>\n Contact the newsroom by emailing: Melissa Hart (Editor)\u00a0<\/span>germistoncitynews@caxton.co.za <\/a><\/strong>or Leigh Hodgson (News Editor)\u00a0<\/span>leighh@caxton.co.za<\/a>\u00a0<\/strong>or\u00a0Kgotsofalang Mashilo (journalist)\u00a0kgotsofalangm@caxton.co.za<\/strong><\/a><\/p>\n Remember to visit the Germiston City News on the following social media platforms:<\/p>\n Facebook<\/a><\/strong><\/p>\n Twitter<\/a><\/strong><\/p>\n Instagram<\/a><\/strong><\/p>\n YouTube\u00a0<\/a><\/strong><\/p>\n Or add the GCN on\u00a0<\/b><\/span>WhatsApp 079 406 1181<\/strong>\u00a0<\/span>or\u00a0BBM (BBM Pin: 7F102137)<\/strong>\u00a0<\/b><\/span>today, to get all the latest news.<\/p>\n Catch-up on more local news with our sister newspapers\u00a0<\/span>Bedfordview Edenvale News<\/a><\/strong>,\u00a0<\/span>Alberton Record<\/a><\/strong>\u00a0and\u00a0<\/span>Kempton Express<\/a><\/strong>.<\/p>\n