Truck driving is an important job and requires that you be on the road for hours on end. That being said, maintenance of those big trucks is really important because they have to make long, frequent trips. Here are some easy ways to make sure your truck stays in tip-top shape.
Check Your Oil
Powerful engines require a lot of oil, so you want to make sure you check it before you take a long trip. This only takes a minute and could be the difference between making it to your destination and breaking down half-way there. If you do not have enough oil, you will damage your engine very quickly and that leads to some costly repairs.
Radiator
You want to check on your radiator before you take long trips as well. Make sure to top off the fluid if necessary and if you come across any small leaks, fix them as soon as possible. Though they might not look like that big of an issue initially, they can cause your engine to overheat.
Tire Pressure
A flat tire is the last thing you want while trucking down the highway. This slows down your trip which delays your entire schedule. Weather can cause fluctuations in tire pressure. When it gets cold outside, tire pressure tends to decrease and needs to be fixed. You do not have to check this every day, but once a week is a good idea, and of course before really long trips. You want to be sure your tire pressure is correct because one that’s too low can cause flats and lower fuel mileage, while too much pressure puts your tires at risk for punctures.
Fuel Vent
When your truck sits for a while, it is possible that insects and other small bugs could have ventured inside. You want to check your vent after a period of time of not driving your truck to ensure that there are no nests inside of it. If this does happen, it creates a blockage and the truck will appear as if it is out of fuel.
Brakes
Your brakes need to always be working properly as they are very important in staying safe on the road. Any time you feel vibration or hear any sort of squealing when you press on the breaks, you should address it immediately. The sooner you fix possible issues, the more time and money you are saving in the long run.
Baltimore Freightliner-Western Star For All Of Your Trucking Needs
Whether you need new parts for you truck or are 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, Twitter, Pinterest, and Google+.
Tags: truck driving, truck-care, truck-mainteanance, trucking