Many drivers who work for semi-truck carriers have been with the same company for years. They know their trucks and how they work, but that doesn't mean they don't encounter problems or need maintenance. Just like with any other industry, semi drivers face hazards and challenges on the job that can lead to unexpected downtime. That's why it's important for professional truckers to stay on top of their trucks' maintenance and know what to look out for. If you're planning to make a career in trucking, learning about common maintenance issues will help you understand the importance of routine maintenance and how it affects your job as a driver. If you don’t know where to begin, this list will give you some ideas on what to check on your truck before it breaks down again. Keep reading to learn more about these common maintenance issues and how you can prevent them from happening on your next trip.
Checking your tires.
As a professional driver, your tires are one of your biggest assets. Unfortunately, they’re also one of your biggest potential hazards. When your tires are in poor condition, they can lead to a serious accident. Fortunately, you can prevent most issues with your tires by checking them regularly. Tires are one of the easiest parts of your truck to visually inspect. Look at the tread depth, shape, and wear pattern. If you see any irregularities in the pattern or the depth of the tread is less than 3/4 of an inch, it may be time for new tires. You should also look for cracks, bulges, and other irregularities. These all indicate that the tire may be damaged or already in need of replacement.If your tires are older than 6 years, they should be replaced. You can usually find them cheaper at the end of their life cycle, but you should still get them inspected before every trip to make sure they’re safe to drive on.
Checking your lights and signals.
Your lights and signals are important for avoiding accidents and keeping other drivers informed of your location. Unfortunately, they’re also easy to forget about and neglect. Drivers should inspect their lights and signals before every trip to make sure they’re in good condition. You’ll want to check the bulbs and wires to make sure they are in good operating condition. If any of them are burnt out, you’ll need to replace them. If you notice any rust or corrosion on the wires, they should be replaced as well. If you notice any abnormalities in your signals, you should get those fixed. This will help other drivers know when to change lanes or slow down.
Checking your engine.
Your engine is one of your most important pieces of equipment on the road. It turns your truck into a rolling home, so you need it to operate at peak efficiency at all times. Unfortunately, engines are complex machines that require frequent maintenance to operate at peak efficiency. If you don’t regularly inspect your engine, it could lead to downtime and high repair costs. You should have your engine serviced at least once a year by a mechanic. This will ensure that it operates at peak efficiency and extends its lifespan. If you notice any abnormalities in your engine, you should get it inspected immediately by a mechanic to prevent more serious issues from developing.
Checking your fuel and fluids.
As a driver, you need to make sure that your truck is properly stocked with fuel and lubricants before every trip. If you start to notice that your fuel gauge is off or that some of your fluids are low, you should get them inspected immediately. This will help you avoid running out of fuel and causing a safety hazard. If your fuel gauge is off, you could accidentally run out of fuel. If some of your fluids are low, they could cause damage to your engine. The best way to avoid this is to regularly inspect your fuel and fluids before every trip to make sure they are in good condition.
Checking your brakes.
Brakes are one of the most important parts of a truck. Unfortunately, they are also one of the most commonly neglected parts of a truck. Drivers should inspect their brakes before every trip to make sure they are in good condition. You should look for indicators such as fluid leaks, rust, or other abnormalities. If you notice any irregularities in your brakes, they should be inspected immediately. You could be in danger if your brakes are not in good condition. They are one of the most common causes of truck accidents.
Conclusion
These are just a few common maintenance issues that semi truck drivers face. If you want to stay on top of your truck and prevent it from breaking down, it’s important to know what to look out for. If you want to know more about this topic, you can read the articles above. These pieces contain excellent information that will help you understand the importance of routine maintenance and how it affects your job as a driver.