Commercial truck drivers are always on the move. They must get their vehicles up and running at a moment’s notice to deliver goods or pick up shipments for customers. With all this driving, they must take some time before hitting the road to ensure everything is in good shape for their trip.
In this blog post, we will discuss what you should do before taking a long haul as well as during your trip so you can minimize any possible risks!
Check your brakes.
We usually don’t give much thought to our brakes until it’s too late. Check if they are making noise or if they are worn out. If your brakes are making excessive noise or if you feel any vibrations through the steering wheel or seat, it could be time for a brake service. When you start noticing the warning signs that your brake pads are worn out, make sure to get a replacement as soon as possible.
Check your fluids.
Always ensure your fluid levels are checked and serviced regularly by a reliable engine repair OKC professional. They can check your oil, transmission fluid, and brake fluid before every trip. Your truck’s engine will not function properly without the right amount of fluids in it. The oil in the engine lubricates and cools it, so low levels of oil can result in engine overheating. Look for an engine repair near me if you think your engine needs service.
Check your tires.
Your tires should have plenty of tread and should not be worn out. Before you hit the road, check the tire pressure so you will know if you have enough tire pressure to safely operate the truck on the road for the trip.
Check your truck’s lights.
There are a variety of lights on the truck that need to be checked to insure your visibility before hitting the road. A simple mistake with the lights can cause an accident. According to the Code of Federal regulations, aside from working headlights, brake lights, tail lights, the truck must also have functional running lights along the top and the bottom of the cargo box/trailer.
Inspect your air filter.
If it is dirty or clogged with debris, consider replacing it with a new one. A dirty and clogged air filter can result in poor engine performance, and it can also reduce your fuel economy.
Test your battery.
The battery is one of the most important parts of your truck. Check your truck’s battery for output voltage so you can minimize the chances of a failure before picking up shipments or delivering goods.
Conclusion
We want our commercial truck drivers to get home safe and sound. That’s why commercial truck drivers need to go through this pre-trip checklist before hitting the road. If you haven’t had your truck serviced in a while, it would be a great idea to contact an engine repair near me before you hit the road again. Find a trusted engine repair OKC professional and follow this pre-trip so you have peace of mind knowing you are prepared in case the unexpected happens.