Maintenance Tips for Your Big Rig
Posted by Amitava Sarkar on June 9th, 2016
As a commercial truck driver, you know that your business can be very rewarding; but it can also be challenging. In order to make the most of this industry, you have to set yourself up for success. One of the easiest, yet most effective ways to ensure your success is to take proper care of your rig. The last thing you need is to have your rig fall apart while you’re on the road. A rig that isn’t properly maintained not only costs you jobs, but it is downright dangerous; not to mention how costly it is to repair.
In order to ensure that your rig stays in tip-top shape, and that you stay on top of your trucking game, maintenance is vital. If you’re just getting started in the commercial trucking industry, here are some tips to help you keep your big rig in great condition so that it is reliable and safe.
Key Maintenance Tips for Your Rig
Where do you start with maintenance for your rig? What should you always be on top of? Here are some key maintenance areas that you have to keep in check in order to ensure your success and your safety.
* Check the oil. Oil is an essential part of all vehicles, including a big rig. If your oil isn’t topped off, or changed regularly, you could be dealing with a seized engine down the road. Just like any other vehicle, make sure you have routine oil changes every 3,000 miles. Check your oil to make sure it is at the right level prior to each job you go on.
* Check your coolant. Coolant is another important fluid in your rig. It keeps the engine cool, preventing it from overheating. Just like the oil, check your coolant levels before each job you go on. If it’s low, top it off.
* Tires are important, too. Your tires are what separate you from the road. If your tire pressure is low, you could be looking at a blow out, or serious skidding (which is always a huge problem, especially in a big rig.) Make sure your tires are at the right PSI before you head out on any job. If they’re low, fill them until they are at the right level. Check your treads, too. Worn treads mean your tires need to be changed, ASAP. When the treads are low, you don’t have as much friction between you and the road, which could spell disaster.
* Stay on top of the fuel vent. Before setting out on a job, check the fuel vent. It’s not unusual for insects to build nests inside of a fuel vent, and when they do, a blockage can happen. A blocked fuel vent could make your rig act as if it is out of fuel, and that’s the last thing you want when you’re on the road.
* Do a wiper inspection. Your wipers are super important when inclement weather happens. If they are worn, you will be looking out of streaky windows when it rains, which can seriously impact your vision and make for very hazardous driving conditions. To check the wipers, simply turn them on and see how well they clean off your washer fluid. If you see streaks, it’s time for them to be changed.
Your rig is the staple of your commercial trucking business. If it isn’t in good condition, you could be looking at some serious problems, and you could be costing yourself a good bit of money.
About the Author: Jack Terrence is a commercial trucker with 15 years of experience under his belt. He highly recommends Peak C&I fluids for big rigs.
