Maintenance of Military Vehicles

Military vehicles are complex equipment, which have several components and systems, such as engine, transmission, suspension, brakes, tires, weapons, communication, navigation and others. These components and systems are exposed to extreme conditions of wear and tear, which can cause problems and failures in military vehicles.

Some of the most common issues affecting military vehicles are:

A- Corrosion: is the process of deterioration of metals caused by the action of chemical or electrochemical agents. Corrosion can affect the structure, strength and appearance of military vehicles. Some factors that favor corrosion are humidity, salt, oxygen, carbon dioxide and others.

B- Fatigue: is the weakening process of materials caused by the repeated application of loads or tensions. Fatigue can cause military vehicle components to crack, crack, or rupture. Some factors that favor fatigue are vibrations, impacts, thermal cycles and others.

C- Overload: is the process of applying loads or tensions greater than the capacity of the materials or components. Overloading can cause deformation, displacement or irreversible damage to military vehicles. Some factors that favor overload are overweight, high speed, sudden maneuvers and others.

D- Overheating: is the process of raising the temperature of components or systems above the tolerable limit. Overheating can cause loss of efficiency, accelerated wear or failure in military vehicles. Some factors that favor overheating are lack of cooling, excessive friction, incomplete combustion and others.

E- Leaks: are the process of loss or escape of fluids or gases from components or systems. Leaks can cause pressure reduction, contamination or fire in military vehicles. Some factors that favor leaks are cracks, defective gaskets, damaged valves and others.

F- Short circuits: are the process of interruption or deviation of the electric current of circuits or systems. Short circuits can cause loss of power, damage to components or fire in military vehicles. Some factors that favor short circuits are loose connections, bare wires, overvoltages and others.

G- Electrical and mechanical failures: are the process of interruption or malfunction of electrical or mechanical components or systems. Electrical and mechanical failures can cause loss of control, reduced performance or complete stoppage of military vehicles. Some factors that favor electrical and mechanical failures are manufacturing defects, improper use, lack of maintenance and others.

These issues can compromise operator safety, reduce vehicle efficiency, increase maintenance costs, and decrease the availability of the armed forces. Therefore, it is essential to carry out proper maintenance of military vehicles, which consists of preventing and correcting these problems.