When investing in Nissan UD trucks, knowing how to take excellent care of your vehicle’s components works to your advantage.
Not only will this decrease wear and tear on your vehicle, but it’ll also reduce the number of replacements required, improving ROI on your Nissan truck parts investments.
Are you performing regular Nissan UD truck brake maintenance?
Read on to discover some tips and tricks for maintaining your Nissan truck parts – knowing how to care for your trucks’ brake systems will provide more efficiency and extend their lifespan.
Brake Maintenance Tips For Nissan Truck Parts
Let’s explore some best practices to ensure longevity for your Nissan truck parts.
Take Care When Operating Your Brakes
The Nissan UD user’s manual dictates you should avoid certain behaviors when operating your brakes. Here are some things to avoid when using your brake system:
- Avoid using the service brakes when your transmission is in the neutral position. There’s no engine or exhaust braking when the transmission is in neutral. Ultimately, using the service brakes in neutral will cause an increased load on the brakes and eventually reduce braking efficiency.
- Driving through deep water that covers your wheels can make your brakes slow and ineffective. Dry the brakes by applying them several times while moving slowly. Ensure there are no vehicles around you before performing this action so you don’t jeopardize the safety of other drivers.
- Don’t rest your foot on the brake pedal while driving.
- Avoid extended braking with just the service brakes, which can cause overheating and wear on the linings.
- Don’t pump your brake pedal repeatedly. This will use the air needed for braking, reducing braking efficiency.
- Driving in a cold climate when the vehicle has been parked for an extended period presents a risk to your braking efficiency. Check the brakes while driving at a low speed. The moisture on the brake lining may be frozen, causing a slip hazard and rendering your brakes ineffective.
Inspect Brake Pads And Shoes
Check your brake pads and shoes aren’t worn down. The manufacturer’s manual will dictate the optimal and minimum thickness for brake pads and shoes. Ensure the depth aligns with these measurements.
Monitor Brake Fluid Level And Quality
Nissan UD trucks operate using a hydraulic braking system. To ensure the braking system works, consistently monitor brake fluid level and quality.
Ensure the fluid level aligns with the tank’s full gauge (reading the user manual will provide further guidance). Additionally, check the color of the fluid, ensuring there is no debris or discoloration, indicating poor quality.
Inspect Brake Lines
Brake lines are integral to driving safety, and you won’t be able to brake effectively if they are damaged. So, check that your brake lines and hoses don’t show any leaks or cracks.
Bulges can indicate blockages, too. Should you notice any damage during your inspection, repair or replace the brake line immediately, as this damage could lead to brake failure.
Lubricate Your Brake Hardware
Providing proper lubrication makes sure your brake components don’t become worn due to the friction of everyday use.
Use Nissan-approved brake grease to prevent costly damage, and clean your brake hardware thoroughly using calipers and pins when you perform this process.
Perform Regular Inspections
To keep on top of your basic maintenance requirements, inspect your brake rotors, drums, and brake calipers, along with all brake components, as often as you can, periodically, at least every 3-4 months. This will ensure any repairs are addressed before they become more costly.
Summary
Brake maintenance is essential to ensure you get the most out of your Nissan UD truck parts, but it also assures driver safety – of the greatest importance.
By driving mindfully and performing regular maintenance and inspections, you can protect your drivers – avoiding costly replacements when minor issues evolve into larger ones.
