Autor: administrador

For those in warmer climates, you don’t need to worry about prepping your truck for the winter months. But for those in cold-weather states, you know that prepping your truck for the winter road is not only crucial but literally life-saving.

So even if you’ve lived through many winters, consider the following tips to remind yourself how you can stay safe on the road and keep your truck in good condition this winter.

You should read: 9 Ways to Save Money on the Road

Make sure your truck bed is secure

Roads are slippery enough in winter. The last thing you want is dangerous debris flying around. In fact, two-thirds of the 200,000 vehicle crashes that occurred over the course of a four-year AAA study were caused by improperly secured truck cargo. Pickup truck tie downs can help keep your load secure.

Prepare an emergency kit

Emergencies happen when you least expect them, which is why it’s best to be prepared. Keep an emergency kit with a blanket, extra gloves, and other materials like a bag of abrasive material on hand (sand or cat litter can help create traction in the snow).

Switch over to snow tires

Not every car needs snow tires, but if you live in an area that’s known for getting more than an inch of snow it may be a good idea to give yourself some extra traction on the road.

Check your 4WD system

Four-wheel drive can come in handy during the winter months. If you have 4WD, make sure that it’s working correctly (especially if you don’t use it during the winter months). The system ought to engage and disengage easily.

Know what to do if you get stranded

If you get stranded somewhere you don’t know, don’t get out of your truck to walk. Hypothermia can hit fast when you’re outside. Instead, light two road flares on either side of your truck to let passing people know you require help. Keep the window open a crack and turn on the engine for 10 minutes each hour you’re waiting for help.

To get more information about us, follow us on Facebook and Instagram. Or call us right now for a road service on: repairtrucktrailer.com

Continual maintenance of your fleet plays a vital role in ensuring optimal operating conditions for your equipment. While many fleet owners recognize the importance of maintenance, some aspects still get overlooked.

Putting off an oil change one day or forgetting to check the service light may not seem detrimental at the moment, but avoiding maintenance can lead to further damages in the long run and may even affect the uptime of your company.

MAINTENANCE ERRORS AND HOW TO AVOID THEM

Truck preventive maintenance mistakes are often not intentional but can hurt your fleet in more ways than one. Here’s what you need to know about common truck maintenance problems and how to avoid them.

NO STANDARDS FOR SCHEDULED MAINTENANCE PROGRAMS

Many fleet owners have set standard intervals for maintenance programs, but not everyone sticks to the schedule. Fleets used 24/7 require preventive maintenance, but when you put off a brake check or oil change, more damage will occur.

If your machines go too long without being checked, your repair costs can also increase and hurt your fleet in the long run. Neglecting routine maintenance can lead to severe problems. To avoid future issues, get your equipment inspected at scheduled times with no excuses.

LOOKING AT YOUR FLEET AS THE SAME EQUIPMENT

Fleets have several different pieces of machinery, ranging from bulldozers and forklifts to tractors and skid loaders. However, if you look your fleet thinking everything has the same problems, you’re doing it wrong. Different vehicles require different interval maintenance schedules. By treating and maintaining each piece of individual equipment, you can avoid this one common truck maintenance problem.

You should read: Tips to Give Good Use and Maintenance to Your Truck

NOT CAPTURING DATA FROM INSPECTIONS

Fleet owners often don’t take into account the information they get after inspection. When you don’t capture the right data, you miss out on valuable insights to problems across different makes and models in your fleet. You can use the data to determine which systems are failing can develop a game plan on how to address specific issues.

NOT TRAINING YOUR DRIVERS

Truck preventive maintenance problems can arise when your drivers don’t understand the difference between fault codes that need attention or don’t. When a warning light appears on their dash, a driver should take note and have the problem resolved. While some lights indicate a faulty sensor, workers should know when to take action and when to hold off on going to the maintenance shop. If they neglect the wrong lights, it can lead to serious damage.

LOOKING AT YOUR FLEET AS TOOLS INSTEAD OF ASSETS

Another truck maintenance mistake is seeing your entire fleet as a tool instead of an asset making you money. If you use equipment too hard and don’t maintain your trucks, they can fail, break down and cost you money. If you take care of your equipment, it will result in well-maintained trucks for increased production.

WHY IT’S IMPORTANT TO PREVENT ISSUES

The purpose of a scheduled maintenance program is to have your fleet experience zero breakdowns. Inspections now and no failures later mean the schedules pay for themselves. Mechanics can prioritize and determine what needs fixing right away. The goal is to get your fleet on a maintenance program to keep equipment operating safely and to avoid interruptions.

To get more information about us, follow us on Facebook and Instagram. Or call us right now for a road service on: repairtrucktrailer.com

Preventative maintenance is the best way to keep your fleet of trucks running reliably and reduce the risk of breakdown. Here are the top ten preventative maintenance tips that we suggest all trucking businesses follow:

You may also be interested in the following article: 3 Reasons Why Fleet Maintenance Is Important

1. CHECK FLUID LEVELS:

Verifying your engine oil, coolant, transmission, brake, power steering and other underhood fluids only takes a few minutes and is an easy way to avoid major problems. If you see a drop in a fluid level between checks, it’s a good indication that you have a consumption or leak issue and can fix it before it becomes a major problem.

2. CHANGE FLUIDS:

The frequency for changing your fluids will depend on how many miles you drive, the weight of the loads you carry and the type of driving you do (highway, dusty roads, city traffic, etc.) Always follow the manufacturer’s suggestions for changing fluids. Trying to get extra life out of your fluids may save in the short term but cost you big in repairs and breakdowns later on.

3. VERIFY TIRE PRESSURES:

Any trucker will tell you that tire pressure is critical to check often on your large truck or tractor-trailer. Your tires are your contact with the road and you want them inflated properly to avoid uneven wear, maximize fuel economy and provide optimum traction, braking and load-carrying ability at all times.

4. CHECK YOUR TIRES:

Uneven tire wear can be related to tire pressure issues or difficulties with your alignment or suspension. Include a check of your tire condition and tread depth as part of your preventative maintenance plan. We all know how dangerous a tire blowout can be on the highway, so avoid the cost, delay, and danger of a blowout by inspecting your tires frequently.

5. INSPECT YOUR BRAKES:

When you’re carrying a full load, you want to be sure you can get stopped safely. Frequently check your brakes and replace them when they reach the minimum wear condition. Also look for even wear side to side and front to back. This can be a sign that your brake system isn’t balanced and requires repairs or adjustment to provide correct braking performance.

6. CHECK AIR FILTERS:

A clean air filter can go a long way toward reducing your fuel consumption and helping your engine run more smoothly. As a filter gets clogged, it can reduce the amount of air getting into your engine, reducing power and lowering fuel economy. Inspect and change your air filter at regular intervals and check more often if you often drive on dirty, dusty roads.

7. DO A BATTERY LOAD TEST AND ELECTRICAL SYSTEM VERIFICATION:

Long-distance driving and frequent stops and starts put your truck’s electrical system to the test. It is a good idea to add your battery, alternator and electrical system to your preventative maintenance list for a yearly check. If you operate in colder climates, a check before winter is the best way to avoid charging problems.

8. INSPECT YOUR GEARBOX AND CLUTCH:

The combination of high-torque engines and heavy loads mean your gearbox and clutch are worked hard every time you hit the road. A regular inspection of your gearbox and verification that it is functioning properly can help you catch issues as they arise. You will also want to ensure that your clutch isn’t slipping, as this can affect reliability and fuel economy.

9. CHECK OUT YOUR EXTERIOR LIGHTING:

A quick walk-around verification of your exterior lighting helps you catch burnt out bulbs and replace them before you hit the road. Avoid being pulled over and wasting time over a burnt bulb and check that all of your running, brake, signal, and hazard lights are working properly as part of your preventative maintenance.

10. SERVICE YOUR FIFTH WHEEL PLATFORM:

Problems with your fifth wheel platform can slow you down and even keep your truck off the road if you can’t securely hook up your trailer. On a regular basis, you should inspect your platform and grease/adjust as necessary. Clean any accumulated dirt from the platform mechanism and inspect for excessive wear or components that need to be replaced.

Every trucking company has a unique fleet of trucks and trailers and needs to adapt their preventative maintenance list to suit their situation. Including these ten tips in your list will help ensure your trucks run more reliably and are less susceptible to breakdown.

To get more information about us, follow us on Facebook and Instagram. Or call us right now for a road service on: repairtrucktrailer.com

How do you know whether your truck needs some new tires or if it’s time to turn in your keys and get behind the wheel of a newer, safer vehicle?  If you’re unsure about the safety of your truck, here are a few signs it’s time to buy yourself a new vehicle for the holidays.  

You keep making repairs

One of the most common (and the most expensive) signs it’s time to buy yourself a new truck is that you keep having to shell out cash to get repairs. 

Of course, getting a new truck isn’t exactly cheap. But, if you’re spending hundreds, or thousands, of dollars on repairs every few months (or even every year), it may be an investment worth looking into.  

You may also be interested in the following article: 8 truck preventive maintenance tips

You don’t feel safe behind the wheel

When you strap your snow tires onto your truck, install some new windshield wipers, and make sure your truck has enough antifreeze in its system, you ought to feel safe and secure in your truck. 

Another sign it’s time to get a new truck is when that isn’t the case. There are a lot of things that can go wrong with a car and every vehicle will have its problems at some point during its run on the road.

Yet, if you know something is bound to go wrong, and you’re dreading dealing with it on the road, it’s time to give your truck a rest and invest in a safer model.  

Don’t forget the retractable truck anchors

Whether you get a new truck or you have your old one repaired to keep running for another season, it’s crucial to keep your load secure while you’re on the road this winter. According to an AAA study, up to 200,000 car accidents over a four-year period were caused by unsecured debris. 

Retractable truck anchors help to keep your load safe and secure whether you’re on the highway or back-country roads.

To get more information about us, follow us on Facebook and Instagram. Or call us right now for a road service on: repairtrucktrailer.com

Truck preventive maintenance is vital to ensure transport safety. Many drivers still do not have this view that caring for the vehicle goes beyond the need to save money whenever possible. In fact, items such as safety, cost optimization, quality of work and even quality of life can be impacted if maintenance is neglected. So, take a look-out for the tips we’ve separated here:

Keep an eye on the filters

Changing the engine oil, fuel, and air filters must be carried out strictly according to the manufacturer’s recommendations. Special attention should be given to the air filter, as heavy use can reduce the life of the part. Thus, when it is very dark, looking dirty, it is important to replace it. Neglecting this care can damage parts and increase fuel consumption!

You should read: 3 Reasons Why Fleet Maintenance Is Important

Don’t forget the engine oil

And together with the oil filter it is worth checking the engine oil itself. It may be a basic warning, but the truth is that, in the rush of daily life, between one freight and another, many truckers skip this check. It is then up to the mechanic to confirm if there is a need for a change or if topping up the oil is enough.

Brake system is always a priority on a truck preventive maintenance

The braking system should be a reason for extra attention for any truck driver. It’s something you can’t fix: you always have to be up-to-date. So check that the linings or pads are not worn out. Grooves or imperfections in the surfaces are indicative of the need to change the part.

Keep tires within specifications

As trucks and heavy vehicles often carry large loads, the tendency is for wear to be even more accelerated than in passenger vehicles. So keep an eye out for the Tire Wear Indicator, a kind of rubber bump inside the tire’s larger grooves that indicates rubber wear.

Suspension is also essential in truck preventive maintenance

Springs, stops, trays and stabilizer bar are suspension system items that need to be checked to recognize any defects in advance on a truck preventive maintenance. At the same time, it is worth checking the lubrication of the central and support pins, as well as bushings, screws, clamps, hoses, and valves.

Be careful with the electrical system!

A tip for checking this system is to start with the battery, after all, it provides energy for all components. Check the water and also see if there is any oxidation on this item. Then evaluate the cables and terminals, looking there also for any signs of this same problem. Make sure the fittings are all snug, eliminating any issue due to bad contact.

So as not to get stuck, pay attention to the injection module

Finally, if the vehicle is equipped with electronic injection, the injection module software update must be performed according to the manufacturer’s recommendation. In parallel, evaluate all injection components – this is a care that makes a difference!

For all maintenance, use quality parts

Throughout this truck preventive maintenance process for the truck, it is essential to use quality parts. After all, just as important as taking these precautions in advance is choosing quality materials to ensure the safety and durability of the repair.

To get more information about us, follow us on Facebook and Instagram. Or call us right now for a road service on: repairtrucktrailer.com

Watch out for fatigue when driving. Take a break if you experience any of these: headaches, tired eyes or fuzzy vision, drifting attention, drowsiness or yawning, delayed reaction times or the car wandering across the road.

Plan your rest stops to avoid fatigue on long journeys.

Regular breaks

Plan to stop for 15 minutes every two hours. Get out and stretch your legs. Official rest areas are ideal.

Time limits

Don’t drive for more than 10-12 hours a day and don’t drive when you should be sleeping.

Sleep well

The most effective way to avoid fatigue is to regularly get 7 to 8 hours of quality sleep.

Power nap

Take a 15-minute power nap if you feel you’re becoming drowsy.

You should read: 5 Truck Driving Tips to Become a Better Driver

Plan your breaks

Trucks and heavy vehicles need to use rest areas for short and long breaks, and to check their loads are restrained properly. This is required for heavy vehicle drivers under fatigue management laws. Always be courteous and ensure you leave marked truck parking or long bays clear for those who need them such as vehicles that are towing, and other heavy vehicles. Plan your trip before you leave to avoid stopping in designated truck parking areas wherever possible.

Even when you’re not on the road, it’s critical that you get plenty of rest, both before and during a long voyage as a truck driver. Sleeping for at least seven to eight hours a day is the best way to ensure that you are always alert. Keep in mind that sleep deprivation can have life-threatening consequences. Don’t put yourself or others in danger—sleep is a need!

To get more information about us, follow us on Facebook and Instagram. Or call us right now for a road service on: repairtrucktrailer.com

Awareness of the importance of caring for the environment is gaining strength among commercial vehicle manufacturers. Discover three surprising innovations.

Caring for the environment through innovation

The emission of polluting gases into the atmosphere, a product of the combustion of engines, is one of the causes of climate change. Aware of this and encouraged by public administrations, which want to meet objectives such as those set out in the Kyoto Protocol, the industrial road transport industry has set to work in search of more ecological ways of transferring loads. Innovation is the best ally to achieve this goal. Little by little, the new fuels stop being an illusion to become a reality, as in the case of natural gas, biodiesel, or ultra-low sulfur diesel, as well as other alternatives, such as liquefied petroleum or biofuels.

Thanks to innovation, lighter vehicles are also manufactured, in which thermoplastics and aluminum replace the old materials. These improvements are already applied in many cases, but others are less implemented and even more innovative, which may be extended in the coming years:

Rice husked for making tires

Such an unexpected material can have a lot to say in tire manufacturing. Rice husk, which is usually thrown away, can become essential when combined with rubber. The silica obtained from its ashes can minimize the friction between the wheel and the asphalt, which generates fuel savings and makes circulation more sustainable and respectful with the environment. The manufacturer working on this project, Goodyear, seems to have hit the nail on the head with a biodegradable material that is greener from the manufacturing process.

You should read: 5 Truck Driving Tips to Become a Better Driver

Battery recharging during braking

Recovering part of the energy generated when the brakes act on the wheels is an innovation developed for Formula 1 cars. Its efficiency has led to several industrial vehicle manufacturers working to extrapolate it to trucks. Volvo, Scania, MAN, and Mercedes-Benz are some of them. The rationale for this advance is that vehicles can recharge their batteries during braking moments so that it is possible to circulate with the thermal part of the engine on flat and descending sections of the road. Estimates are that more than 12 tons can be moved with a range of up to 200 kilometers, and there is talk of an implementation date close to 2020.

Hybridization before the electric truck arrives

Tesla, Mercedes-Benz, and Nikola Motors are three leading companies in the electric truck’s bet. All are in a testing phase of this type of vehicle, whose main advantages are a drastic reduction in polluting emissions and noise pollution reduction. Meanwhile, manufacturers such as DAF or Volvo are developing hybrid models, in which they take advantage of the advantages of electricity without, for the moment, completely stopping the use of traditional fuels.

The advantage is that they increase autonomy and solve one of the main drawbacks for the implementation of fully electric vehicles, the lack of charging points along a route of many kilometers by road.

To get more information about us, follow us on Facebook and Instagram. Or call us right now for a road service on: repairtrucktrailer.com

Whether you run a trucking company, or a car rental, you should not neglect proper fleet maintenance. Fleet maintenance is the practice of keeping your service vehicles in good condition to avoid vehicular breakdowns. It is a systematic approach to preventive vehicle maintenance that involves planning, scheduling, analysis, and execution.

Keeps your drivers safe

Driver safety is an important aspect of any operation. Management must take all of the necessary steps to ensure that the risk of preventable road accidents are reduced. Some of the leading causes of crashes include worn tires and blowouts, faulty brakes, and steering/suspension issues, all of which can be remedied by proper fleet maintenance.

Depending on your operational needs, preventive maintenance can be time-based (once every year), or after reaching a set mileage per vehicle.

You should read: 5 Truck Driving Tips to Become a Better Driver

Reduces operational cost

Preventive maintenance costs are significantly lower compared to reactive repairs. Paying for the repercussions of poor fleet maintenance costs even more than the two combined. According to OSHA, “motor vehicle crashes cost employers $60 billion annually in medical care, legal expenses, property damage, and lost productivity.”

Perform vehicle inspections to identify maintenance and repair opportunities before they become a serious problem to avoid downtimes and improve your adherence to operational schedules.

Boosts productivity and manages business downtime

Business downtimes can cause a domino effect that leaves your operation reeling. Trying to make up for a missed delivery or appointment because your fleet truck broke down can delay the fulfillment of succeeding obligations down the line. When you fail to deliver a product or service to an expectant client as scheduled, your reputation and brand trust suffers.

Keeping your fleet in good working condition all-year round helps you avoid operational delays and maximize your productivity.

As a business owner, there are many business variables that you cannot steer in your favor. Proper fleet maintenance is not one of them. It reduces the likelihood of accidents caused by vehicular malfunction and keeps your drivers safe. It saves you money by addressing the “little difficulties” before they turn into big ones. Ultimately, your business becomes more efficient overall with proper fleet maintenance.

A vehicle maintenance log can help you record the condition and repair work performed on an individual vehicle. This can help you manage preventive maintenance schedules, prioritize specific vehicles, and triage issues that need immediate resolution.

To get more information about us, follow us on Facebook and Instagram. Or call us right now for a road service on: repairtrucktrailer.com

There are few things more important to a driver than his or her truck. As such, truck maintenance should be a top priority. You should treat your truck with the utmost care in order to keep it in tip-top shape. And while most truckers take pride in the time and care they put into their truck, everyone could use a few reminders occasionally.

Here are 4 truck maintenance tips for your truck to keep you running as well and as long as possible.

You should read: 5 Truck Driving Tips to Become a Better Driver

1. Get your oil changed regularly

One of the most significant truck maintenance check, or any vehicle maintenance, is to check the oil. Oil is so essential to the life of your truck. Powerful engines like the ones in trucks need lots of oil, and you could harm your truck if you let it go too long without checking your levels. A general rule of thumb is to change your oil every 7,500 miles or six months (whichever comes first).

2. Keep your tires in check

Here are a few things to take into consideration when thinking about your tires during your routine truck maintenance checks.

Tire rotation. Because your tires wear unevenly (front tires are usually seen the most wear), getting your tires rotated regularly is imperative. Therefore, you should aim to get your tires rotated every time you get an oil change.
Tire pressure. As the weather changes, so does tire pressure. Tires that are under-inflated can lower fuel mileage and make it harder to steer. To keep them in the best shape, check the pressure of your tires weekly, and even more often if you’re about to be on the road for an extended period of time.
Tire tread. Heat makes the rubber in your tires break down faster, so if you haven’t checked your tire tread since the summer, make sure you do so soon. You can use a tread gauge to get the job done

3. Make sure your brakes are in good shape

This one can get really expensive if you let it go for too long without getting it checked. If you hear or feel anything out of the ordinary with your brakes, it’s likely time to get them checked out to avoid paying more for it down the road.

4. Keep a toolbox on hand

Keeping a toolbox in your truck can enable you to perform small inspections and fixes on your rig. It’ll also help you to be prepared in case of an emergency. Your toolbox should include items such as:

• Wrench set
• Pliers
• Screwdriver
• Hammer
• Zip ties
• Tire pressure gauge
• Flashlight
• Batteries
• Brake cleaner
• Pocket knife
• Don’t Forget Basic Truck Maintenance

From brand-new trucking rookies to seasoned drivers who know their truck like the back of their hand, everyone could use a little truck maintenance refresher from time to time. Follow these tips to lengthen the life of your truck, run safely, and avoid breakdowns or other emergencies.

To get more information about us, follow us on Facebook and Instagram. Or call us right now for a road service on: repairtrucktrailer.com

Truck drivers have a reputation for being tough. And while you work hard and are dedicated to your jobs, “tough” doesn’t mean you’re impervious to the stresses of life on the road. In fact, just being a truck driver puts you at a higher risk for depression, anxiety, and PTSD. Not focusing on your mental health can also affect your ability to focus on the job and contribute to unsafe decision-making or destructive behaviors. Now, more than ever, it’s important to focus on our mental health and stay connected with one another!

1. Keep Your Mind Sharp

Doing brain exercises plays a significant role in caring for the mind. They can help boost your memory, focus your concentration, and allow you to pay better attention to your daily tasks.

• Do a jigsaw puzzle – it strengthens your ability to see how pieces fit within the big picture.
• Learn a new dance move to improve your memory and how quickly your brain can process things.
• Take up a new hobby or learn a new language.
• Figure out a new way to do a daily task.
• Do word or number puzzles like Sudoku or crossword puzzles.

You should read: 5 Truck Driving Tips to Become a Better Driver

2. Stay Connected With Loved Ones

Thankfully, technology helps us stay connected to our loved ones no matter how far away we are.

Video chats, phone calls, and text messages are literally at your fingertips whenever you have a break from driving.
Bring photos or sentimental items that remind you of home.
Send postcards to your friends and family.
Utilize our Carter Express passenger policy to bring a friend or family member with you on one of your trips.

3. Get Enough Quality Sleep

Altered sleep patterns, whether not enough or too much, can affect many mental health issues. Sleep apnea, for one, can be linked to chronic fatigue and depression and is common among truck drivers.

• Set a nightly routine to get your body ready for sleep.
• Avoid caffeine and heavy meals in the evening.
• Limit the use of electronics before bed.
• Try a weighted blanket to help you stay asleep.
• Keep a sleep diary to help you evaluate your sleeping habits.
• Talk with your doctor about a sleep study.

4. Find Ways to Relax

Truck driving jobs can be high stress, so it’s important for drivers to find ways to relax.

• Get moving. Stretching and exercising will not only help you physically but can help you clear your mind and ease tense emotions.
• Listen to music or a podcast.
• Get a good night’s sleep.
• Meditate.
• Practice deep breathing techniques.

5. Know the Warning Signs

One of the most significant things about improving your mental health is to know when you are struggling. Recognizing the warning signs of anxiety or depression will help you utilize your relaxation tools or seek help faster. Common symptoms of depression and anxiety include:

• feeling nervous or tense
• difficulty concentrating
• a sense of apprehension or dread
• extreme sweating
• upset stomach
• muscle tension
• headaches or body aches
• insomnia
• feelings of hopelessness
• lost interest in activities you used to enjoy
• mood swings

6. Seek Help

It’s never too early to ask for help if something feels “off”. Even if what you are experiencing or feeling falls in a normal range of emotions, it’s always beneficial to have someone to talk to.

Being a truck driver is one of the hardest jobs out there, but it does not have to take a huge toll on you mentally and physically. Use some of these tips to help you improve your mental health and enjoy your time-out on the road.

To get more information about us, follow us on Facebook and Instagram. Or call us right now for a road service on: repairtrucktrailer.com