The low-temperature environment in winter poses severe challenges to the operation of heavy trucks. There are significant differences in maintenance between LNG heavy trucks and fuel-powered heavy trucks. Only by carrying out targeted maintenance work can we ensure that the vehicles remain in the best condition under extreme conditions, extend their service life, and guarantee driving safety.
Gas vehicles
Gas vehicles
Gas-powered vehicles, especially those that rely on compressed natural gas (CNG) or liquefied natural gas (LNG) as fuel, require special attention to the maintenance of the gas pipelines and gas cylinders to ensure they remain in optimal working condition.
1. For vehicles operating in low-temperature environments, it is recommended to conduct a drainage operation on the gas storage tank once a week to prevent the brake lines from freezing.
2. In cold weather, it is not conducive to establishing the pressure of the gas cylinder. It is recommended to open the booster valve and the vent valve simultaneously while driving, and close them when the vehicle is parked.
3. The LNG low-pressure filter of gas vehicles can effectively filter out moisture and impurities in the natural gas. It is recommended to perform a drainage operation once every 2000 km.
4. After cold engine start-up, avoid rapid pressing of the accelerator pedal. Instead, let the engine idle for 5 minutes in a warm state, and run at a low speed until the water temperature rises above 80°C. Then the vehicle can run normally.
5. When the ambient temperature is below zero degrees, after turning off the key switch, wait for at least 530 seconds before turning off the main battery switch. During this period, the system will perform self-learning, self-cleaning, and other operations for the EGR valve and throttle.
6. When the vehicle is planned to be parked for a long time, at the end of the last use, close the liquid outlet valve of the gas cylinder first, allowing the engine to naturally shut off after consuming the remaining gas. In addition, regular checks of the sealing and integrity of the gas pipeline should be conducted to ensure that the vehicle can run normally and safely and reliably upon the next startup.
Fuel Vehicles
In winter, when the temperature is lower, the fluidity of fuel will deteriorate, which may lead to poor fuel supply and affect the normal start and operation of the engine. Therefore, fuel vehicles need to pay special attention to the maintenance of the fuel system in winter.
1. Select fuel with the appropriate grade
In winter, it is crucial to choose fuel with the appropriate grade. The diesel grade should meet the usage requirements in low-temperature environments to effectively prevent it from condensing or waxing at low temperatures, thus ensuring that the engine can operate smoothly, continuously, and reliably in winter.
2. Standard filling of dual-chamber fuel tanks
The dual-tank design consists of two independent fuel tanks. The main tank is usually used to store 0# diesel, while the auxiliary tank can be filled with -10#, -20#, or -35# diesel according to actual needs to meet the usage requirements in different temperature conditions.
3. Replacement of fuel filters
During winter, water in the fuel may condense due to low temperatures, causing the fuel filter to become clogged. Therefore, it is recommended to check and replace the fuel filter in time during winter to ensure the purity and smooth supply of fuel.
