Capital Equipment News June-July 2020

desert. He believes the paintwork on these trucks should be up to the task during the lockdown-influenced downtime. “We do, however, encourage a vehicle to be parked under a roof when possible,” he says. Tyre care In terms of tyre care, Van Staden advises that tyre pressure should be checked constantly and make sure that the tyres are at the correct pressure all the time. He says proper inflation helps prevent cracking and flat spots. “Check the valves and valve caps for leaks and that the valve caps fit properly,” he says. Tyre pressure, says Le Roux, should be monitored every two weeks. It is advisable, he says, to keep tyres out of direct sunlight. Direct UV to tyres for extended periods of time can damage the tyre and shorten its lifespan. “When doing a test run every two weeks, it will be a good idea to move the vehicle slightly forward/backwards every time. This ensures that not one specific side of the tyre is in contact with the ground the entire time,” says Le Roux. The same view is shared by Mynhardt, who says the best way is to keep tyres out of the sun as much as possible. With time, he says, exposure to direct sunlight for extended periods may affect the life of the tyre. “Also check all tyres regularly as some might have slow punctures or leaks and fix them before they are completely deflated to avoid complete removal of the wheel to either replace or repair,” says Mynhardt. Sebothoma advises that tyres should be inflated to about 0,5 bar extra pressure above the specified tyre pressure, especially if the vehicle will be parked for longer periods. However, correct tyre pressure should be inflated according to manufacturer’s specification when the vehicle is getting back on the road. Parting shots In conclusion, Van Staden says if one has insurance for their vehicle, they should not cancel for the period of the lockdown. “Not only will this impact on any no-claims rewards, you may be flouting the terms of your lease or purchase agreements if you cancel now,” he says. Le Roux assures Volvo customers that the Volvo Trucks Uptime Services team (Service Contracts and Telematics) is there to assist customers during this difficult time. “We are there to support customers 100% during this time,” he says. Mynhardt says it’s important for fleet operators to ensure that all the necessary safety precautions on the truck are available. He reasons that the tough economic conditions as a result of the lockdown may lead to increased theft, and transport companies should be on the lookout for theft of diesel, rims and tyres, among others. “We suggest that truck owners make sure that they have anti-syphons on their diesel tanks, lock nuts on the wheels and remove all loose items outside the truck, such as fire extinguishers and spare wheels and lock them up in a safe place. Trucks are standing in large quantities and this makes it easy for theft to take place, so owners should prioritise safety and security precautions,” he says. Sebothoma advises that vehicles should always be parked on the flattest available surface, and the hand brake should be released. “Avoid parking on a slope. If it is unavoidable to park the vehicle on a slope, firmly apply the parking brake while fully depressing the brake pedal. On vehicles with a DUONIC transmission, place the gearshift lever in the “P” position, and choke the wheels,” concludes Sebothoma. b

CAPITAL EQUIPMENT NEWS JUNE - JULY 2020 17