At some point, every trucker has dealt with a break down. Whether in the middle of the night or in the dead of winter, these inconvenient issues will delay shipments and typically lead to costly repairs. Break downs may seem unavoidable, but there are several important tips that every trucker should know to avoid such problems in the future.
Know Your Truck
If your truck is your livelihood, it's crucial to understand the vehicle's maintenance schedule. Preventative truck maintenance can save you time and potentially thousands of dollars per year. Unfortunately, many truckers neglect important, routine maintenance until it is too late. However, checking engine oil, tires, brakes and suspension components often can significantly improve the operational life of your truck.
Break downs and emergencies
Break downs are more likely to occur when a truck exceeds its capacities and recommended speeds. These can greatly diminish the vehicle's engine and transmission service life. In the event of break downs, truckers should always hire a towing specialist for emergency towing services in case an accident happens.
Drive Smart
Not surprisingly, truckers who place excessive wear on their cabs by unnecessary braking, speeding or hard turns can expect to see higher and more frequent repair bills. Driving “smarter” can prolong the life of your truck by thousands of miles.
One or more of these tips are often overlooked by even the most seasoned truckers, but they are essential to avoiding unnecessary repair costs. Every truck driver can expect to get much more from their vehicle on a long-term basis by following these easy guidelines.
