Summer's on the way, and with it come the challenges heat brings to your truck. Idling your way through highway construction projects, climbing steep mountain passes, and getting through gritty cities can all take a toll on your truck -- and you! This is the time to get your truck ready for summer so it can take the heat and you can work in comfort.

Kenworth PremierCareŽ Parts & Service recommends reviewing the following list as part of your summer prep:

Heating and Air Conditioning System:

• Check to see if the air conditioner stops cooling at idle or when waiting at a stoplight.
• Visually check the hoses, clamps and the drive belt for cracks or holes.
• Clean the air conditioning condenser. You'll find it in front of the radiator on most trucks. Because it transfers heat from the cab to the outside, you want to be sure the air flow is not restricted by a build-up of insects or other debris. It's a good idea to keep an eye on the condenser throughout the summer, since it's prime bug season!

If you find any of these are problems, you'll want to take your truck to your Kenworth PremierCare dealer. Participating dealers throughout Canada and the U.S. offer Express Air Conditioning Service. You can read more about it here.

Electrical System:

• For pivot-mounted alternators, secure your alternator's mounting. If the alternator can be moved when it's touched with normal pressure or the drive belt is not at the proper tension, they need to be tightened.
• Visually check the alternator's wiring. Make sure that electrical wires haven't come loose and moved within contact of fuel lines or any abrasive items.
• Inspect your battery for the following:
  • Ensure that it's firmly mounted in the battery box.
  • Check the integrity of the battery cables where they connect to the battery, and make sure that the fasteners are secure.
  • Look for corrosion at the terminal posts. If corrosion is present, clean it off and spray connections with a battery protectant.
  • Inspect the cables to ensure they aren't in contact with items that will wear through their insulation.
  • Check the wiring to and from the engine's electronic control unit to make sure that it is in good condition.

Lubrication System:

• Check the levels in the oil reservoirs.
• Check all the other reservoirs as well, including the power steering, steer axle wheel bearings, the engine, the transmission and the differentials.  Steer axle wheel bearing lubrication is critical in the summer, when air from the road can reach 140° F or higher, heating up the oil and changing its viscosity.

Turn to Your Dealer When the Heat Is On!

As with your HVAC system, if any of the points we've listed for the Electrical and Lubrication Systems don't pass your inspection, your favorite Kenworth PremierCare service department can make sure that your truck is ready for summer. In fact, if you're due for an oil change, participating departments offer Kenworth PremierCare ExpressLube Service along with the Air Conditioning Service. You can read about it here.