The Importance of Cooling System Inspection and Service for Heavy Duty Trucks

June 2025

What is a Heavy Duty Truck Cooling System?

Simply put, it helps keep your engine from getting too hot by removing extra heat while driving. It’s made up of several key parts, including:

Radiator: Cools the hot coolant from the engine.
Water Pump: Pushes the coolant through the engine and radiator.
Thermostat: Controls when the coolant flows.
Hoses and Clamps: Tubes and fasteners that carry coolant between parts.
Coolant: Absorbs engine heat and helps keep things cool.

These parts work together to keep the engine at a safe temperature, even on long trips or when carrying heavy loads. Without a properly working cooling system, your engine can overheat, leading to costly repairs, roadside breakdowns, and disastrous damage.

Why Cooling System Maintenance Matters

Preventive maintenance for your fleet’s cooling system is important for its performance, uptime, and longevity. Your coolant can degrade over time, hoses can crack, and radiators can be worn down from debris. Failure to have your system regularly inspected and coolant flushed can cause:

Engine overheating
Warped cylinder heads or blown gaskets
Reduced fuel economy
Unexpected roadside breakdowns

During the summer and spring seasons, or in stop-and-go traffic, cooling system performance becomes even more important.

Signs Your Cooling System Needs Attention

Rising engine temperature gauge
Coolant leaks under the truck
Low coolant levels
Steam from under the hood

Key Cooling System Parts to Inspect Regularly

Include these in your regular service checklist to avoid costly repairs:

Coolant Flush: Old coolant becomes acidic and loses protection. A flush removes contaminants and prevents rust.
Radiator Check: Check for clogs, leaks, and corrosion. A clean, well-maintained radiator is important for keeping coolant temperatures in check.
Hoses and Clamps: Check for cracks, bulges, and loose clamps. Tighten or replace loose or corroded clamps.
Water Pump: Make sure coolant is flowing properly by checking your water pump. Any sign of wear or leakage should be fixed immediately.

FleetPride Cooling System Service – What’s Included

Gets peace of mind and critical protection for your engine during high-heat driving conditions. Here’s what we inspect and service:

✅ System Inspection: We check your entire cooling system for leaks, damage, and wear.
✅ Temperature Gauge & Light Check: Ensures accurate readings and early warnings.
✅ Belts, Hoses & Clamps: Inspected for cracks, softness, and secure fit.
✅ Pressure Testing: Verifies system integrity under real operating conditions.
✅ Coolant Drain & Refill: Includes up to 10 gallons of OTR Red HD Extended Life Coolant.
✅ Complimentary Multi-Point Inspection: We check key systems for additional maintenance needs.

*Additional charges may apply for extra coolant or coolant filters.

Find A Service Center Near You

Stay Ready for the Road Ahead™

FleetPride operates 90+ service centers nationwide to support your heavy duty truck’s maintenance needs. Schedule cooling system inspections regularly to:

Prevent costly engine repairs
Maintain peak performance
Reduce unexpected downtime

* The foregoing is provided for informational purposes only. Please consult your local FleetPride Heavy Duty Experts to verify the suitability of a part for the intended application.