If you’re a professional truck driver, you know that taking good care of your truck is essential. After all, it’s your livelihood!
So, apart from acquiring the necessary trucking permits for your journeys, you also have the critical responsibility of ensuring your truck is in top shape to keep it rolling smoothly down the highway.
Here are five tips for keeping your truck in top condition so nothing stops your wheels from turning all the way.
1. Give the engine the regular checks and maintenance that it needs.
It’s essential to observe proper maintenance as per the manufacturer’s recommendation. Have the engine checked regularly to ensure there are no issues, and address them immediately if there are any.
Apart from the scheduled maintenance, you should also be on the lookout for any signs of trouble that could indicate an impending breakdown. Pay attention to unusual noises, smells, or changes in performance that can alert you to a problem before it becomes serious.
Remember, ensuring that your engine is running smoothly not only ensures safe journeys but also takes away any potential obstacles when acquiring your trucking permits.
2. Check the body and undercarriage for signs of damage.
Your truck experiences wear and tear due to the rigors of the road. Take some time to inspect its body, especially the undercarriage, as any damage to it can lead to costly repairs and other unfortunate situations if left unattended.
3. Inspect the electrical system.
The lights and other electrical systems on your truck are essential when hauling shipments at night. So, inspect the headlights, brake lights, and other electrical components regularly to ensure they’re in working order. Replace them if broken as soon as possible.
Also, there might be roadside inspections along your routes, so even if you have the necessary trucking permits, you might still not be allowed to proceed with a faulty electrical system.
4. Always check the fluid levels.
An everyday driver would tend to forget to check their vehicle’s fluid levels from time to time. But for a truck driver, this would be a significant mistake. A sudden drop in fluid levels could mean something is wrong, and you need to address it immediately. Make sure to check the oil, brake fluid, power-steering fluid, coolant, and transmission fluids before every journey.
5. Make sure the tires are inflated with the right pressure.
Like the fluids, tire pressure needs to be checked regularly. Under-inflated tires can lead to uneven tire wear, which can affect your truck’s performance and, not to mention, risk a blowout.
Check the air pressure in your truck’s tires before every journey. If you don’t have a pressure gauge, most truck stops will be able to help you out.
Securing the necessary trucking permits is one thing, but ensuring that your truck is in top shape before you hit the road is equally important. With the tips mentioned above, you’ll be able to keep it in optimum condition and enjoy a much smoother ride.
For more helpful information on truck driving, feel free to check the other posts on our blog. You can also speak with Reliable Permit Solutions, LLC directly about how you can use our services to acquire your trucking permits fast. We look forward to hearing from you!