Many overseas fleets encounter situations where vehicles are temporarily parked or idle for a short period of time. Many people think that if the vehicle is not in use, there will be no wear and tear. In fact, problems such as rust, tire deformation, and battery depletion during the idle period often quietly bury hidden dangers. Proper parking and storage protection can reduce the damage caused by idle vehicles and reduce subsequent maintenance expenses. When choosing a parking area, priority should be given to finding a flat, dry, and well ventilated area. Avoid low-lying areas with accumulated water, under large trees, and areas with high levels of dust and corrosive materials as much as possible. Soft ground areas should be cushioned with pads to prevent long-term deformation of the vehicle frame. When parking outdoors, if conditions permit, rainproof and sun proof tarpaulins can be used to block rainwater, ultraviolet rays, and sand from corroding the vehicle body and pipelines. After the vehicle is parked and turned off, check the oil and water first. Keep the coolant and oil levels within the standard range, and do not store the fuel tank empty. Reserve a suitable amount of fuel to reduce rust on the inner wall of the tank. In humid environments, regularly check whether the oil and water have deteriorated due to water ingress to avoid engine damage during later start-up. Tires are the focus of idle wear and tear. When parked in place for a long time, a single point of continuous pressure on the tire is prone to flat spots. For vehicles parked for a long time, the tire pressure can be adjusted to the recommended upper limit, and the vehicle can be moved at regular intervals to change the position of tire stress. At the same time, stones and debris in the tire pattern should be cleaned to prevent cracks from slowly expanding. In terms of electricity, truck batteries are most afraid of losing power. During idle periods, the battery will slowly self discharge. When the parking cycle is long, it is recommended to disconnect the main power switch and regularly recharge if possible to avoid battery loss and scrap. At the same time, check the external wiring harness plug, do a good job of dust and water prevention, and prevent poor contact caused by moisture and oxidation. Attention should also be paid to the connection parts between the chassis and trailer, such as steel plate pins, traction pins, lock buckles and other metal movable positions. After cleaning the mud and sand, apply a thin layer of lubricating grease to isolate moisture and prevent rust and jamming. The accumulated water in the brake air circuit should be drained in a timely manner to avoid freezing or corroding the air valve. The fleet can establish a record of idle vehicles, indicate parking time, and arrange personnel to conduct regular inspections, instead of waiting until the vehicle is ready to be dispatched for inspection. Many malfunctions are caused by inadequate long-term parking protection. By taking these simple precautions in advance, the vehicle can be restarted in a more stable state without having to spend high costs to deal with rust, battery damage, tire scrap, and other issues, ensuring that the fleet can be put into operation at any time.
