Good driving skills are certainly important for a semi-truck driver. However, there’s more to this job than just those driving abilities. You also have to know how to take proper care of your truck so that it doesn’t lose its performance or security too soon. Maintain great hardware today using these tips for keeping your semi-truck running effectively.
Sharpen Your Observational Skills
Having great observational skills on the road is crucial for safety, but we don’t mean observing the road right now. Instead, we mean observing your truck. Learn how to focus on the small details of your vehicle’s design. Routinely inspect the exterior for visible signs of damage.
Likewise, stay vigilant for strange sounds or odors coming from the semi. An unobservant person may not know the small signs of damaged truck parts. However, it’s easy to identify them if you take the time to learn how your truck functions and how it should look. You should also be aware of coolant levels, tire air pressure, and other essential materials that will keep your truck thriving. Lacking these observational skills is an easy way to let your truck fall into disarray.
Avoid Overloading the Cargo
Semi-trucks can carry lots of heavy cargo, which makes them very helpful when transporting goods. That said, there’s a limit to how much weight your truck can take. So one of the top tips for keeping your semi-truck running effectively is to avoid surpassing the carrying capacity. If this information isn’t in your initial training, talk to a superior to learn about your specific truck model.
Legally, a semi-truck can’t weigh more than 80,000 pounds when you’ve fully loaded it. This doesn’t mean every semi can haul 80,000 pounds since every model is different. For instance, some trucks can only handle around 45,000 pounds of cargo. If you accidentally overload the truck, you risk damaging the axles because of the extra pressure on them. By staying under the weight capacity, you can ensure you care for all the truck parts during travel without experiencing extra stress.
Don’t Let Replacements Wait
Whether it’s the engine coolant or a fuel injector, don’t neglect to replace materials when necessary. This is because although an issue may seem small, it can have a domino effect on your semi that results in more severe performance issues over time. For example, low coolant may not seem like a huge issue that requires your attention.
However, if you keep putting off the time you need to top off the coolant, your engine will eventually overheat. You can find used semi-truck parts online in a wide assortment, so don’t assume your search has to be long and laborious. Start looking for the replacement parts you need today to keep the truck working perfectly.
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