4 Tips To Avoid Sudden Breakdown Of Your Pickup Truck
A truck breakdown is one of the worst things that may happen during a trip. Unfortunately, mechanical breakdowns are unavoidable in trucks travelling many miles a day. Every truck driver has had a breakdown, and every client expects them from time to time. This article will show you how to avoid typical truck failures.
The good news is that there are some relatively simple steps that can be taken by drivers to reduce the likelihood of a breakdown. Preventive maintenance is critical in the trucking industry, and following these guidelines will almost always result in a seamless delivery.
1. Conduct routine inspections
Inspections should be carried out before every delivery and even during planned pauses, to be honest. If a driver observes a bulge or penetration in the tire, he may take the necessary steps to correct the issue before it becomes a problem. The same may be stated for any minor problems that arise in the engine or cabin. Inspections are one of the most important aspects of preventing issues from occurring in the first place.
In addition to tires, drivers should inspect their electrical systems to ensure that batteries and wiring are in good working order and haven't been damaged cosmetically or functionally.
2. Check your brakes
Brakes are subjected to a lot of abuse and should be examined frequently. Brake pads that have worn out or difficulties with the internal braking systems may put a lot of strain on the vehicle as a whole and may also put the driver and others on the road at risk. There's no shame in bringing a truck to a technician for an evaluation and repair if the driver isn't equipped to monitor and repair brakes.
3. Replace air filters
Air filters are sometimes overlooked, yet they are an essential component of your engine's HVAC and air filtering systems. Not only will cabin air quality suffer if filters accumulate too much debris, but you may also need to replace ductwork or your whole HVAC system. Filters are a low-cost and simple-to-maintain component, so there's no need to let them get too filthy.
4. Change the oil and the engine coolant
Although it should go without saying, many drivers exceed the prescribed miles before changing their oil and engine coolant. Oil viscosity and levels are critical in keeping an engine operating correctly, and coolant is necessary for reducing overheating and even safeguarding various moving components from damage.
Final words
Having a thorough pre-trip inspection program in place can greatly reduce the risk of breakdowns during deliveries. These simple checks are important and it’s in every operator and fleet manager’s best interest to ensure they are completed and documented correctly.