Tectran has released a technical bulletin to help medium- and heavy-duty vehicle owners and aftermarket service providers maintain air systems during the winter.
The company says there are seven key maintenance steps that should be included in air system service.
- Inspect all manual drain valves. These are inexpensive and easy access so when in doubt replace. If using automatic drain valves make sure they are functioning properly. Automatic drain valves expel contaminants from the tank and are highly susceptible to malfunction. Many fleets replace them every autumn.
- Check the full air system for excess air leakage. Refer again to the Tec Bulletins TB-AD1 or TB-AD2, one of the last steps is a simple universal process.
- Check aircoils for abrasions, damage or signs of kinking, especially at the end connections. Replace as needed. Install gladhand grip handles to reduce kinking and extend the life of your airlines. If encountering extremely cold temperatures, consider using a coated line of products.
- Inspect connection suspension devices behind the cab. Items such as tender kits, clamps, hanger brackets, hose springs, and pogo sticks should be replaced if worn or damaged.
- Examine electrical cable, replace as needed. If in colder climates consider replacements that are rated to the lowest temperatures.
- Replace all gladhand seals and filter screens. Use polyurethane seals for longer life. If a unit doesn’t have filter screens, consider upgrading to gladhand seals with built-in filters to keep additional contaminants out of the system especially when not coupled.
- Inspect gladhands. If corrosion is evident consider replacing your gladhands with Anodized gladhands.
