For anyone who drives an automobile, car maintenance is essential. But it is absolutely vital if you are a truck driver. Not only does staying on top of the parts of your truck that need repair or replacement help to prevent you from breaking down, but it can also protect your own life and the lives of others. As a truck driver, you have a duty to yourself and to society to keep our nation’s roads and highways safe. Replacing and repairing your truck parts can go a long way to helping to do your part. Below, we have laid out three parts of your truck that often needs repair or replacement.
As a truck driver, you have a duty to yourself and to society to keep our nation’s highways safe. Replacing and repairing your truck parts can go a long way to helping to do your part.
Tires
Whether you’re a truck driver or just a regular car owner, one of the first repairs you learned to make to your vehicle was likely tire replacement. This is no accident. How many blown-out tires have you passed on the side of the road while driving your route? If you get a flat tire or one of your tires blows out, you imperil not only your safety but also the condition of your truck. It pays to think of your truck tires not as invincible, but as something disposable that will occasionally require replacement. That said, truck tires are built to last much longer than ordinary car tires, as long you are driving properly. You can expect them to last 100,000 miles without incident.
Brake Pads
This may seem obvious, but a truck without functioning brakes poses a significant danger on the highway. This is why it is absolutely key that you stay on top of the maintenance of your brake pads. Even though time maintenance is crucial when you are driving your route, safety is even more so. Do not put off replacing your brake pads. Thankfully, brake pads are designed to last for quite a bit of time. The brake pads on your truck should last three years or longer. But if you suspect there might be an issue with your brakes sooner, it is imperative you get them checked out by a professional as quickly as possible.
Clutch
As you probably know, the clutch is what allows you to transfer energy from the engine to the wheels of your truck. If you notice your clutch sticking or making all kinds of strange noises, you almost certainly are experiencing a failing clutch, and should repair or replace it as soon as possible. Compared to the previous two parts, it is a bit more difficult to predict the ‘lifespan’ of your clutch, as some drivers tend to ride the clutch, which causes further damage.
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.