Picture this: You’re driving your rig. The load is heavy. The deadline is tight. You press the gas pedal, but your truck feels… sleepy. It’s struggling to breathe.
You look out the window. The sky is hazy and orange. The air smells like a campfire.
It’s fire season in California.
Currently, brave first responders have been battling blazes like the Gifford and Pickett Fires near our communities. We thank them for their courage.
But while they fight the big fire, a silent enemy attacks your fleet. That enemy is smoke. And it’s bad for your trucks.
Let’s talk about how wildfire smoke hurts your rigs and what you can do about it.
The Story of a Truck in Smoky Air
Imagine your truck is a superstar athlete. To run its best, it needs to breathe clean, fresh air.
Now, force that athlete to breathe through a thick, smoky scarf. They would cough, struggle, and get tired fast.
That’s exactly what happens to your commercial trucks.
Here’s how smoke hurts your fleet’s performance:
- The Air Filter Clog: Your air filter is your engine’s mask. It’s working overtime to stop the ash. It can get clogged super fast. A clogged filter means your engine can’t breathe. Less air means less power and poor fuel mileage.
- Strained Cabin Filter: It’s not just the engine. You’re breathing that air, too. If your cab’s air filter is old, you’re pumping smoke and ash into
your driver’s seat. - The Engine Struggles: Without enough air, your engine works harder. You lose power. Your trucks might feel sluggish, especially going up hills.
- Fuel Burns Incorrectly: Engines require the correct mix of air and fuel to operate efficiently. Smoke messes up this mix. This can lead to poor fuel economy. You end up spending more on diesel.
- Computer Confusion: Modern trucks have smart sensors. Thick smoke can confuse these sensors. This might cause warning lights to turn on or put the engine into a safe, but slow, “limp mode.”
- Gunked-Up Oil: The smallest ash particles sneak past the filter. They mix with your engine oil. This turns your smooth, clean oil into gritty, dirty sludge. It’s like using sandpaper on the inside of your engine! This can cause major wear and tear.
It’s a tough season for your trucks. But you don’t have to face it alone.
Don’t Wait Until It’s Too Late!
You wouldn’t run a marathon wearing a mask clogged with dust. Don’t ask your truck to do the same.
A little care now can prevent a costly breakdown later.
How Donahue Truck Centers Can Help You Fight Back
Your trucks are vital. They deliver goods, help communities, and power our economy. They need to be on the road, even when the air is thick.
We are here to help.
A Special Thank You to Our First Responders
To the brave firefighters, police, and emergency crews who battled and continue to battle fires like the Gifford, Pickett, and all the other fires: Thank you!
We see your courage. We want to help keep your trucks running strong.
We are offering priority service to all first responders this fire season. Your fleet needs to be ready to answer the call. We’re here to make sure it is.
For all our local fleet owners and drivers, we recommend:
- Check Air & Cabin Filters Often: In smoky conditions, check them twice as often as you usually would. We’ll give your engine and driver clean air to breathe.
- Watch for Warning Signs: Is there black smoke from the exhaust? A loss of power? It’s time for a check-up.
- Oil & Filter Change: We’ll flush out the dirty, ashy oil and replace it with fresh, clean oil.
- Get a Professional Inspection: Our expert technicians can perform a thorough health check on your truck. We will make sure your engine, filters, and sensors are ready for the challenge.
Keep Your Fleet Running Strong
Don’t let wildfire smoke steal your trucks’ performance.
Call Donahue Truck Centers today. Let our team give your rig the care it needs to power through fire season.
For our first responders: Mention this article and receive priority service and special offers on maintenance to get you back on the front lines faster.
Call us now. Let’s keep California moving, together.
Serving California with pride. Thank you for your business.
**To track any fires near you through Cal Fire