Driving a semi truck for a living can be rewarding because you're doing your part for the economies of several industries while also getting the chance to travel. There's also a sense of entrepreneurship that comes with it since you often get to plan which pickups and dropoffs you want to take. This also comes with more responsibility, which includes the care of your truck. If you'd like to learn some ways to take care of your truck and yourself while you navigate the road, the following tips will serve you well.
Check the brakes, engine, and fluids on a regular basis
Your truck has many different moving parts, but there are a few that you definitely need to stay on top of. Start by making sure that your braking system is in order since the truck is carrying several tons of weight, in addition to loads of inventory. This means doing things like switching out the brake pads, flushing and changing all of the brake fluid, and checking the rotors.
A semi-truck accident can cause several fatalities and several hundred thousand dollars in property damage, so protecting the brakes is an absolute necessity. Be sure that you are also looking into the care of your engine. You need to check the hoses to be sure that there are no cracks or melted parts. This can create serious encumbrances that will cause your engine to wear down. Keep the entire engine block clean so that it is not becoming riddled with gunk and always be on top of corrosion issues.
It's important to always hit the weigh station throughout your travels. This allows you to not only stay within regulations but also get an inspection and catch any problems that might be happening with your semi truck.
Make sure your truck is passing inspections and that you have emergency items on board
Take your semi truck into a licensed mechanic a few times per year for inspections. They'll be exactly what you need to get emergency semi truck repair services and routine maintenance alike, so try your best to find a shop that you have a rapport with. You should also keep your truck stocked with emergency items, such as a fire extinguisher, flares, drinking water, tow chains, and recovery straps. This will be especially important if you happen to be driving through inclement weather.
Follow these tips to stay on top of the care of your semi truck.
