We see them on the road every day, doing major jobs from hauling goods to performing construction services and things in between. Trucks, simply put, help America run. But to keep the country and the economy going figuratively, those trucks have to be well-maintained so that they can keep going literally. When it comes to maintaining a truck, there are many truck parts, but these four parts are the absolute most critical.
Brakes
Brakes are one of the most important – if not the most important – parts of the vehicle’s safety equipment. Without them, the vehicle can’t stop or slow down when it needs to. Heavy-duty trucks require reliable braking apparatus with rugged construction and quality parts. Even these durable truck parts need maintenance and care to operate at peak performance. If you’re not taking care of brake maintenance regularly, your truck could become a considerable danger to you and others on the road.
Lights
Your truck headlights are an incredibly important part of your vehicle safety equipment. Issues with lights usually aren’t noticeable until after the sun goes down, and that’s often not an ideal time to deal with it. This is why it is so important to check your lights before you head out on the road. Properly maintained lights reduce accidents both at night and in adverse conditions.
Wheels/Tires
Without wheels and tires, your truck won’t go anywhere, which easily makes them one of the most critical components of the truck. Several tasks go into maintaining your wheels and tires. First, occasionally you will need to buy new tires to replace your old ones. Tires go bald after time on the road, and without proper tread, they can make it very dangerous to drive. Ensure that you’re buying the right tires for your truck and the conditions you drive in. In addition to monitoring the tread of your tires, you also need to monitor air pressure. Finally, you should also be checking your rims periodically to make sure they have no damage and can maintain a proper seal.
Mirrors
This one might seem totally minor, especially compared to the others on the list, but your mirrors are crucial truck parts. Your truck mirrors are vital for many parts of the work you do. For instance, you absolutely need them when backing up to a dock. Correctly positioned and clean truck mirrors also decrease accidents on the road.
Baltimore Freightliner-Western for all Your Trucking Needs!
Whether you are looking to upgrade your fleet to tow trucks or simply interested in the latest trucking technology, you can rely on Baltimore Freightliner-Western Star. We have provided top-notch service for the trucking industry for 30 years and would love to assist you in buying a new top-of-the-line truck, finding the specialty parts you need, or repairing your truck. Give us a call toll-free at 800-832-7278 or locally at 410-685-4474, or contact us online. To find out more about what we are up to, follow us on Facebook and Twitter.
Tags: truck basics, truck maintenance, truck parts, truck safety, trucking basics