Summer Truck Maintenance Guide in India

India’s summer season can be intense, especially for trucks on the road. With temperatures rising to over 40°C in many parts of the country, trucks in India are put under a lot of stress. The combination of intense heat, dust, and heavy usage is common in India’s diverse terrains, from the plains of Punjab to the highways of Tamil Nadu.

Why Summer Maintenance Matters

India’s summer climate is harsh, with dry heat in the north and humid conditions along the coasts. Trucks, often used for transporting goods over long distances, are exposed to prolonged engine strain, tyre wear, and dust accumulation. Without proper care, these conditions can lead to breakdowns, increased fuel consumption, and costly repairs. Proactive maintenance not only prevents these issues but also ensures compliance with India’s road safety regulations, such as those enforced by the Regional Transport Offices (RTOs). This article provides a simple and easy-to-follow summer truck maintenance guide for Indian roads. These tips ensure that your truck remains reliable and efficient during the hottest months of the year, typically from March to June.

Here is the Summer Truck Maintenance Guide in India

1. Engine Care: Beat the Heat

The engine is the heart of any truck, and summer heat can push it to its limits. High temperatures increase the risk of overheating, especially during long hauls on highways like the NH44 or in urban traffic jams. Here are the tips for engine care:

Check Coolant Levels: Use a high-quality coolant mixed with water in a 50:50 ratio, as recommended by most truck manufacturers like Tata Motors or Ashok Leyland. Inspect the radiator and coolant reservoir weekly, topping up as needed. Replace the old coolant if it appears cloudy or discolored. Over time, the coolant can become less effective. If the truck is old or hasn’t had a coolant flush in a while, it’s worth getting it flushed and refilled with fresh coolant.

Radiator Maintenance: Dust and debris, prevalent in summer, can clog the radiator. Clean it with compressed air or a soft brush, ensuring airflow isn’t obstructed. Check for leaks or corrosion, common in older trucks.

Oil Change: High temperatures make engine oil thin, which reduces its effectiveness. Opt for a summer-grade oil (e.g., 15W-40) suitable for Indian conditions. Change the oil and filter every 10,000–15,000 km or as per the manufacturer’s guidelines.

Thermostat and Fan: Ensure the thermostat opens correctly to regulate temperature and verify that the cooling fan operates smoothly. A malfunctioning fan can lead to engine failure.

​Also Read: AC Cabin Trucks in India 2025: Merits, Demerits, and Top 5 Models Explained​

2. Inspect the Air Conditioning System
The summer heat can be unbearable, and a malfunctioning air conditioning (AC) system can make driving uncomfortable for the driver and even affect performance. Here are the tips to maintain AC maintenance:

Check refrigerant levels: The AC system relies on refrigerants to cool the air inside the cabin. Low refrigerant levels can cause the AC to blow warm air.

Clean the condenser: Dust and debris can clog the condenser, reducing its effectiveness. Cleaning it regularly helps keep the air cool inside the cabin. Ensure that there are no leaks in the hoses and that the compressor is working smoothly.

3. Tyre Maintenance

Summer temperatures can cause tyres to heat up quickly, which increases the risk of tyre blowouts. Regular tyre checks are crucial for maintaining safety on the road.

Inspect Tire Pressure: Heat causes air inside tires to expand, raising pressure. Check the pressure early in the morning when the tyres are cool, adhering to the recommended PSI (usually found on the tire sidewall or truck manual). Underinflation or overinflation can lead to uneven wear or blowouts.

Tread Depth: Use a gauge to ensure tread depth meets the legal minimum of 1.6 mm in India. Worn tires lose traction on dusty or monsoon-ready roads that may follow summer.

Rotate and Balance: Rotate tyres every 10,000 km to ensure even wear and balance them to prevent vibrations that strain the suspension.

Spare Tyre: Keep a fully inflated spare tyre ready, as roadside assistance may not always be immediate in remote areas like Rajasthan’s deserts.

4. Battery Check

High temperatures can cause the battery fluid to evaporate, leading to potential damage. A weak battery is more likely to fail in hot conditions. How to maintain the battery:

Check the battery terminals: Ensure the battery terminals are clean and free from corrosion. If you find corrosion, clean it with a mixture of baking soda and water.

Inspect the battery fluid levels: If your truck has a battery with fluid levels, check the levels and top it up if necessary.

Check battery health: If your battery is old or showing signs of wear, it’s best to replace it before summer sets in.

5. Oil and Fluid Levels

The engine oil and other fluids, like brake fluid, transmission fluid, and power steering fluid, all play an important role in the smooth running of a truck, especially during the summer months. As the engine works harder in the heat, it’s important to keep these fluids at the correct levels.

How to maintain fluids:

Check the engine oil: Ensure that the oil is clean and at the correct level. If the oil looks dirty or the level is low, top it up or change it.

Inspect brake fluid: Brakes are more important in summer, especially with the added heat and traffic. Check the brake fluid regularly and ensure it’s at the proper level.

Check transmission and power steering fluids: Ensure that all these fluids are at their optimal levels and are in good condition.

6. Air Filters

Trucks in India often face dusty roads and polluted air. During the summer, the dust levels tend to increase, especially in rural areas. Clogged air filters can affect engine performance and fuel efficiency. How to maintain air filters:

Check and clean the air filters: A clogged air filter can cause the engine to overheat. Ensure that the air filters are clean and replace them if necessary.

Replace old air filters: Air filters should be replaced regularly to ensure smooth airflow to the engine.

7. Cooling Fans and Belts

The cooling fan plays a significant role in maintaining engine temperature. It helps in circulating air around the radiator to cool the coolant, preventing the engine from overheating.

How to maintain fans and belts:

Check the fan belt: Ensure that the fan belt is tight and not showing signs of wear. A loose or damaged fan belt can cause the cooling system to malfunction.

Inspect the cooling fan: Make sure that the cooling fan is working properly and isn’t obstructed by debris.

8. Brake System

Brakes are critical for safety, and summer heat can exacerbate wear on pads and discs, especially on downhill stretches in hilly areas like Himachal Pradesh.

Inspect Brake Pads: Replace pads if they’re thinner than 3 mm. Listen for squealing noises, it is a sign of wear.

Brake Fluid: Heat can degrade brake fluid, which reduces stopping power. Check levels and replace fluid every 1–2 years with a high boiling point variant (DOT 4 or higher).

Test Brakes: Conduct a test stop at low speed to ensure responsiveness. Any sponginess needs immediate attention.

9. Exterior and Windshield Care

Summer dust and UV rays can damage a truck’s exterior and impair visibility.

Wash Regularly: Rinse off dust and grime weekly, especially after trips through arid zones like Gujarat. Use a mild detergent to protect the paint.

Waxing: Apply wax to shield the truck from UV damage, which fades paint over time.

Windshield: Replace worn wiper blades and refill washer fluid with a summer formula to cut through dust and insects. Check for cracks, as heat can worsen small chips.

10. Transmission Maintenance

Overheating and constant driving in high temperatures can put extra pressure on your truck’s transmission system. Maintaining it is key to preventing breakdowns on the road.

Check transmission fluid: Low or dirty transmission fluid can cause the transmission to overheat. Check fluid levels regularly and replace them if necessary.

Look for leaks: Leaks in the transmission system can cause the fluid to run low. Always check for leaks around the transmission area and address them immediately.

Regional Considerations for Your Truck

India’s diverse geography requires tailored approaches:

• Northern Plains (e.g., Delhi, Haryana): Focus on dust protection and tyre pressure due to dry heat and sandy winds.
• Coastal Areas (e.g., Kerala, Maharashtra): Prioritize rust prevention and AC maintenance due to humidity.
• Hilly Regions (e.g., Uttarakhand): Emphasize brake and engine care for steep gradients.

Common Truck Maintenance Checklist

Here’s a quick reference for truck owners:

• Weekly: Coolant, tyre pressure, battery terminals, and windshield fluid.
• Monthly: Oil change, brake inspection, AC filter, fuel filter.
• Pre-Trip: Test brakes, check tires, and ensure spare tire readiness.

Cost vs. Benefit

Investing in summer maintenance may seem costly at the start (oil changes (₹2,000), tire rotation (₹500), coolant (~₹300/liter), but it is nothing compared to repair costs like engine overhaul (₹50,000+) or tyre blowout downtime (₹10,000+ in lost revenue). Regular care extends truck life, boosts fuel efficiency (saving ₹5–10/km), and ensures safety.

Also Read: Top 10 Truck Spare Parts Every Owner Should Know

CMV360 Says

Maintaining a truck during the summer is essential to ensure smooth operations and avoid expensive repairs. A little proactive care can go a long way in keeping your truck safe, efficient, and reliable throughout the hot months. Regular checks, proper maintenance, and staying prepared for emergencies will help your truck perform at its best, no matter how high the temperatures climb.