When it comes to the behind-the-scenes maintenance of a commercial truck, there are a lot of things to take into account. There are different systems and subsystems that need to be maintained on a regular basis in order for the vehicle to operate safely. It can be overwhelming knowing where to begin when it comes to maintenance, especially for new drivers who have never been on the road before. There are certain things that every truck driver needs to know when operating their vehicle. Failure to adhere to these practices could result in unending problems for you and your company. The risks of not maintaining your vehicle are many, but the rewards are just as great if not more. If you want to be able to operate your truck as efficiently as possible, and avoid costly repairs or replacements down the line, then keep reading for some helpful advice on maintaining your commercial vehicle.
Check the fuel level and oil level on a regular basis
There are two important fluids on every semi truck that need to be checked on a regular basis. The first is the fuel level, and the other is the oil level. Fuel is the lifeblood of your truck, and it’s extremely important that you are keeping it fresh. Oil is equally important, and failing to keep it in good shape can result in costly repairs down the road. It’s easy to forget about these two fluids, but they can prevent you from reaching your full potential if you don’t keep an eye on them. Checking the fuel level on a regular basis is easy. Simply open the filler tube on the side of your vehicle and look inside. If you can see the color of the fuel, then it’s the correct level. If not, you may need to add a bit more. If you’re not sure what the correct level is, there are a number of websites that will tell you what to do. There are also tools available that make checking the oil level easier.
Change your oil and filter regularly
As mentioned above, you should be changing your oil and filter on a regular basis. The longer you wait to do this, the more likely it is that you will experience problems with your engine. The lubrication in your engine is essential to keeping it running smoothly and efficiently. If you fail to change your oil and filter on a regular basis, then you could end up with serious problems down the road. You should also be using high-quality oil. Low-quality oil will see your engine seize up much faster than high-quality oil. High-quality oil is also less harmful to the environment, which is another added bonus.
Check the brakes regularly
The brakes on your truck are essential to slowing down and stopping the vehicle. They are also one of the most overlooked areas when it comes to maintenance. It’s important to inspect your brakes on a regular basis to make sure that they are in good working order. If you notice that the brakes are taking longer to stop or that they are louder than normal, then this is a sign that they need to be replaced. It’s important to replace your brakes before they become a safety hazard. A faulty brake can not only be a danger to you and your passengers, but it can also be very expensive to repair.
Have your tires rotated regularly
As with your brakes, it’s important to have your tires rotated on a regular basis. Rotating your tires ensures that they are properly aligned, and that they are receiving the maximum amount of wear. If you don’t rotate your tires, then they could end up developing uneven wear patterns that could lead to a costly repair. It’s also important to make sure that your tires are at the right pressure. If you are under-inflated, you could end up with premature wear or even blowouts. It’s important to make sure that you are inspecting your tires on a regular basis, and not just when they look like they need to be changed.
Check and clean the hoses and connections regularly
The last thing you would want is for your tires to be properly rotating, or your brakes to be in good working order, but for your truck to sputter to a stop because the hoses are clogged with dirt. Make sure that you are cleaning and inspecting your hoses and connections on a regular basis. If you can see dirt or grime build up in the connections, then this can result in reduced performance and serious wear and tear. It’s also important to make sure that you are using the correct type of oil for your engine. Certain types of oil are better suited for certain types of engines, and not using the correct oil could result in costly repairs.
Conclusion
Commercial trucks are extremely important pieces of machinery that are used to transport large amounts of goods across the country and around the world. They are also extremely important for the economy, and can help bring jobs and money to local communities. If you want to keep your truck in good working order, then you need to know what needs to be maintained on a regular basis. There are a number of different systems and subsystems that need to be maintained, and it can be overwhelming to know where to begin. It’s important to remember that every truck driver is responsible for the maintenance of their vehicle. It’s important to know what needs to be done, and to make sure that it gets done regularly.