Frequently asked questions

Why is my transmission overheating?

If your transmission starts to overheat, you may have a problem with your transmission cooler or the fluid itself. If the fluid isn’t changed on a regular basis, it won’t lubricate your components as much as it should. Not to mention it also won’t absorb enough radiant heat, which means your transmission cooler won’t be able to alleviate that extra heat. If you’re confident your fluid is fine, you may need to get your transmission cooler inspected.

What do glow plugs do?

Glow plugs are designed to encourage combustion by heating your combustion chamber. Although they’re generally quite durable, you still need to replace them every 100 or so thousand miles. Without proper glow plugs, your engine will likely struggle to start. This puts excess strain on your powertrain components and lessens the lifespan of your engine. At Lanier Truck Repair, we’ll have your glow plugs replaced in a matter of moments.

What are the benefits of a proper alignment?

Properly aligning your truck’s suspension and steering opens the doorway to a wide array of benefits. First of all, your handling will vastly improve as your wheels will operate at manufacturer-specified angles. Secondly, your tires will last significantly longer. Misalignment may cause your tires to wear out unevenly, therefore wearing them out fairly quickly. You’ll also notice improved fuel efficiency, your bushings will last longer, and your steering column will not continue to shake.

Why is switching gears so difficult?

Trouble shifting gears is usually the fault of old transmission fluid or damaged shifting mechanisms. Over time, debris can build up in your transmission, which may require an entire transmission flush. Fortunately, we here at Lanier Truck Repair are transmission experts. We’ll have your transmission shifting like new before you know it. For more information about what may cause shifting trouble, give us a call.

Why is my ride quality very rough?

A rough ride can indicate a wide variety of problems. The most common is definitely worn shock absorbers. Over time, your shock absorbers may leak from their upper and lower seals. When this happens, they’re no longer able to absorb road vibrations and bumps, hence the rough ride. At Lanier Truck Repair, we’ll replace or repair shock absorbers as necessary. Other causes of a rough ride may include warped linkages and worn bushings. 

Does my DPF need to be cleaned?

Your diesel particulate filter (DPF) is responsible for capturing soot and other diesel particulate matter. Since your DPF’s storage capacity is finite, it needs to be cleaned out every 150 to 200 thousand miles. Some DPF models have self-cleaning modes, but most need to be cleaned out manually. At Lanier Truck Repair, we have the tools and equipment required to clean out even the oldest of DPFs.