Bergey’s Truck Centers Acquires Cumberland Truck
Bergey’s Truck Centers Acquires Cumberland Truck
Mid-July puts us right in the thick of things when it comes to summer heat. High temps mean your fleet faces unique operational challenges. From overheating engines to increased tire wear and air conditioning failures, summer conditions can put significant stress on vehicles and lead to costly downtime if preventive maintenance isn’t a priority.
Proactive summer maintenance not only improves vehicle reliability but also helps protect drivers, reduce repair expenses, and maximize uptime during peak transportation months. As a certified Mack, Volvo, Cummins, Hino and Isuzu dealership with OEM-trained technicians, we have seen many issues that could be prevented with proper and timely maintenance. While our technicians receive specialized factory training from these manufacturers, their expertise extends well beyond our brands, allowing us to diagnose, maintain, and repair virtually all makes and models of commercial trucks and equipment. From our experience, we’ve gathered what we feel to be the essential maintenance areas every commercial truck fleet should focus on this summer.
The cooling system works harder during the summer than any other time of year. High ambient temperatures combined with heavy loads can quickly push engines toward overheating. Ensure you have your fleet inspected:
Even a minor cooling system issue can escalate into a major engine failure during extreme heat conditions. Scheduling preventive summer maintenance inspections before temperatures peak can help avoid expensive repairs and roadside breakdowns.
Don’t forget the A/C! Driver comfort is more than a convenience—it directly affects safety and productivity. An underperforming air conditioning system can lead to driver fatigue, reduced concentration, and lower morale during long-haul operations. Be sure your Cooling and A/C inspections include:
Need Help? We offer a comprehensive A/C Inspection Package available at all Bergey’s Truck Centers across PA, NJ, DE and MD, as well as with our Mobile Maintenance Team.
Hot roadways and increased operating temperatures can have a significant impact on tire performance. Make tire inspections a priority with every pre-trip inspection.
Bergey’s Commercial Truck Tire Centers can also assist with inspecting proper wheel alignment and tire rotations to ensure even wear, but if you encounter tire problems on the road, our team offers 24/7/365 Tire Emergency Road Service. Proper tire maintenance improves fuel efficiency and extends tire lifespan, saving you money in the long run.
Many fleet operators associate battery problems with winter, but summer heat can be just as damaging. High temperatures accelerate internal battery degradation, increase fluid evaporation, and shorten overall battery life. Your summer maintenance should include:
A simple battery inspection can prevent costly service interruptions and roadside assistance calls.
Rubber components are especially vulnerable to summer heat. Engine belts and hoses that appear acceptable during cooler months may weaken rapidly under elevated temperatures. Be sure you are looking for:
Replacing worn belts and hoses before they fail can help avoid significant downtime and secondary engine damage.
Dust, construction zones, agricultural operations, and dry summer conditions can increase airborne contaminants. Dirty air filters restrict airflow and force engines to work harder, reducing performance and fuel economy. Fleet maintenance programs should include:
Maintaining proper airflow helps protect engines and improve overall vehicle efficiency.
Heavy loads, longer operating hours, increased traffic and even the inevitable summer road construction congestion can all put stress on brake systems. Be sure your fleet is capable of handling the increased heat from these summer driving challenges. Routine brake inspections should include:
Proactive brake maintenance helps ensure safe operation while minimizing compliance-related issues.
Heat places additional stress on engine oil, transmission fluid, power steering fluid, and other critical lubricants. Be sure you maintain OEM-recommended oil changes and preventive maintenance intervals, and that the PMs include:
Clean, properly maintained fluids help reduce component wear and improve vehicle reliability throughout the summer season. If you’re looking for preventive maintenance solutions, our team can help ensure you maximize uptime and limit problems down the road.
Modern fleet technology provides valuable insights into vehicle health and performance. If your fleet includes connected fleet technology, you can leverage your telematics to guide maintenance strategies. Being able to identify small issues early, before they trip fault codes and become major failures, will reduce downtime and operating costs. Your fleet telematics can identify:
Work with a partner that can focus on your fleet so you can focus on your business. Our exclusive Fleet RPM program offers Realtime Proactive Management solutions for connected fleets.
Summer presents both opportunities and challenges for commercial diesel fleets. While freight volumes often increase, so does the strain on vehicles and critical systems. A proactive summer maintenance strategy focused on cooling and A/C systems, tires, batteries, brakes, and fluid management can significantly reduce breakdown risks and keep trucks operating efficiently.
Investing in preventive maintenance today helps fleets maintain uptime, improve safety, extend equipment life, and avoid costly repairs when temperatures are at their highest. Find your local Bergey’s Truck Center and talk with our experienced service teams to help you keep your fleet moving.