Summer here is merciless: 45°C+ heat, harvest dust and non-stop loads. Most major truck breakdowns happen in July and August — and most were preventable with a thirty-minute check. Here's a practical checklist we prepared for truck drivers and owners before the heat waves.

1. Cooling system — the number-one silent killer

  • Check the coolant: the right mix is 50/50 distilled water and concentrate — plain water boils early and corrodes the system, even in summer.
  • Blow the radiator core clean from outside, against the flow direction — a layer of dust and harvest straw halves its efficiency.
  • Squeeze-test hoses cold: any bulging or excessive softness — replace now, not on the road.
  • Verify the fan (viscous or electric) actually engages — a lazy fan only shows itself in border queues and traffic lights.

2. Oil and filters — heat doubles the load

  • High heat breaks oil down faster: shorten drain intervals by 20–25% in summer for severe service (see our heavy-duty diesel oil guide).
  • Make sure your viscosity suits the heat — 15W-40 is the safe choice for most engines here.
  • During harvest season, check the air filter every few days, not monthly — see the complete filter guide.

3. Tyres — summer blowouts are not bad luck

  • Check pressure cold only — after hours of driving, readings run 10–15% high.
  • Never bleed a hot tyre "because pressure is high" — that's normal; bleeding it means it runs underinflated when cool, and underinflation is what bursts tyres in heat.
  • Inspect tread depth and sidewall sun-cracking — especially the forgotten inner tyres on dual axles.

4. Battery and electrics

  • Heat kills batteries faster than cold: check electrolyte level (serviceable types) and top up with distilled water only.
  • Clean terminal oxidation and secure the battery — vibration plus heat halves its life.
  • Check alternator belt tension; a slack belt means weak charging and a lazy AC at the same time.

5. Fuel, AC and quick wins

  • Drain the water separator weekly — summer heat raises condensation in fuel tanks.
  • Fill up in the evening, not at noon: less evaporation loss and less overnight condensation.
  • Weak AC is usually a dusty condenser in front of the radiator — clean it before paying for a regas.
  • Carry spares: coolant, a belt, and a fuel filter — the cheapest insurance on any summer road.

Bottom line

Thirty minutes of checks each summer week saves you a day stranded on the road and a heavy parts bill. Start with cooling, then oil and filters, then tyres.

Everything you need for summer service — certified oils and filters — is available at ALHAZEM. Message us on WhatsApp and we'll prepare a complete summer service kit for your truck.