Beat The Heat: Keep Your Cat^® Truck Engine Performing All Summer

Summer’s No Picnic When It Comes To Engine Stress

Long days, heavy loads and high heat can push your cooling system to its limits, and even small oversights can lead to big problems like cracked heads or spun bearings.

Even if your truck's cooling system parts and components aren't manufactured by Caterpillar, they still play a critical role in your Cat^® truck engine’s performance. And in extreme heat, they’re more likely to degrade. One weak link can trigger a costly chain reaction.

The good news? Most heat-related breakdowns are preventable and don’t require any major changes to your routine. A few key checks and daily habits can help you finish this summer season strong and protect your engine for the long haul.

Know The Warning Signs

First, it pays to know what heat failure looks like. Catching issues early helps you avoid extra downtime and expensive repairs. Be on the lookout for:

• Leaking coolant or pressure drops
• Slipping or noisy fans
• Cracked or soft hoses
• Overheating, especially under load

Ignore these signs, and you could be looking at major damage: cracked heads, blown gaskets, even bearing failure. Overheating can also damage your oil cooler, adding even more repair costs to the mix.

Daily Habits Can Prevent Costly Breakdowns

A simple daily walkaround is your first and best line of defense against cooling system troubles. Before you hit the road, run through this quick checklist.

• Coolant Level
  Make sure coolant is visible at the low end of the fill neck when the engine is cool. Low coolant = less flow = more heat. Need to top off? Always use genuine Cat coolant designed for your engine.

• Temperature Gauge
  Double-check that your gauge is reading accurately. If it seems off, test it with a gauge you know is working right.

• Radiator Condition
  Clear any debris (including bugs) from the fins to allow proper airflow. Also check for internal buildup that could block coolant flow.

• Belts
  Inspect fan and water pump belts for looseness or wear. A loose belt means less airflow or coolant circulation — tighten or replace as needed.

• Hoses
  Look for leaks, cracks, soft spots or wire rubbing. A collapsed or degraded hose restricts air flow and raises temperatures.

• Water Temperature Regulators
  Make sure the thermostat opens fully. A stuck or partially open regulator can cause overheating even when everything else looks normal.

Bonus tip: Keep up with regular fluid sampling over the summer. Oil and coolant analysis can help you spot issues before they become breakdowns.

Three Summer Mistakes To Avoid

1. Don’t remove the radiator shroud. It’s not just a cover — it directs airflow where it’s needed most. Removing it can cause the engine to overheat.

2. Don’t top off coolant with water. It may seem like a quick fix to cool down the system, but it can cause rust and long-term damage. If you do, flush the system and refill it with new coolant ASAP.

3. Don’t panic if your fan doesn’t kick on at 195°-200°F. That’s normal — Cat truck engines are designed to run hotter than the average car engine.

Tools & Parts Worth Keeping On Hand

You don’t need to carry a full shop on board. But it does pay to have a supply of these basics:

• Dip strips to test coolant health
• Pressure tester to find leaks fast
• Extra clamps, belts, hoses, thermostats and seals
• 3-4 gallons of Cat coolant

Your local authorized Cat dealer can make sure you’re equipped with the parts and supplies you need, including genuine Cat preventive maintenance products like fluids and filters.

The Payoff: Less Downtime, More Confidence

Taking care of your cooling system doesn’t take much time — but it can pay off in fewer breakdowns, lower repair bills and more confidence that you’ll make your next delivery on time.

You’ve made it this far into summer. Now’s the time to finish strong. Keep up those daily checks, ask your Cat dealer if you need additional parts or advice. Your Cat truck's engine is built to handle the heat as long as you give it the right support.