Autor: administrador

When it comes to finding and hiring truck drivers, some trucking companies are finding that it’s harder than it used to be. Not only is the average driver age continuing to go up, but the shortage of drivers available is projected to increase in the coming years. That makes finding (and keeping) good drivers more difficult than ever.

If you’re in the process of conducting truck driver recruiting in this current market, there are a couple of important things to keep in mind. Read on to find out our top tips for how to find truck drivers, as well as how to make sure that the ones you do hire stick around.

Mobile Friendly

Jobseekers today do a lot of research on their phones. They may even submit a job application through their phone as well. With that in mind, it’s critical that you ensure your website (and the job application if it’s on your website) is optimized for viewing on a mobile device. That way, when potential drivers check out your site on their phones, they can easily navigate your site and find out what you’re all about.

Social Media

Another thing to consider when hiring truck drivers is that a large portion of the potential workforce is spending a lot of time on social media. If you have the ability to pay for ads on Facebook and Instagram, that could be a great opportunity to get in front of millennial drivers and attract younger talent.

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

Benefits

If you’re wondering how to hire truck drivers and retain them, one of the biggest factors in whether good drivers stick around is the benefits you offer. Especially with the younger drivers, they’re very focused on benefits and work-life balance.

Some of the top benefits that drivers look for are retirement benefits (like a 401k and company matching), healthcare benefits (including medical, dental, and vision), and time off (paid time off and paid holidays). Drivers are also very concerned with work-life balance and time at home. Be sure to highlight this in your job posting to attract top talent.

Job Posting

Speaking of your job posting, here are some things to focus on when looking to hire truck drivers. Be sure to include required qualifications, specifically the class of CDL needed. You should also cover a full list of job responsibilities. Make this section as extensive as possible so that the applicant knows exactly what to expect of the job.

Where to Post

The last thing you need to consider when hiring truck drivers is where to post your job listing. There are a variety of job posting sites that are well-known in any industry, as well as one that are specific to truck driving. You can also find ones where you can list your job for free and also ones that require a fee to post. Check out some top job posting sites below:

• JobsInTrucks.com
• EveryTruckJob.com
• DriveMyWay.com
• Indeed.com
• ZipRecruiter.com

Now that you know how to find CDL drivers, it’s time to start recruiting! If you follow these tips, you’re sure to find great drivers in no time. Plus, you’ll also be able to retain top talent too.

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

In order to progress in any profession, you need to work every day on bettering yourself and your skills. Truck driving is no different. So if you have ever wondered, “how can I be a better truck driver?” We have compiled some truck driving tips into five areas that you can work on to help you improve.

1. Work on your skills

At first glance, “work on your skills” might just seem like another way to say “be a better truck driver.” But in this instance we are not talking about simply practicing and gaining experience. Instead, although both are important ways to improve, we are referring to the idea of expanding your knowledge and honing those skills that are not always immediately considered important in driving. So, what are the skills needed to be a good truck driver?

• Good communication
• Time management
• Problem-solving
• Organization
• Self-government or responsibility
• Critical thinking
• Mechanical knowledge

Some of these skills may be easier to work on than others. Something like an online or practical course may help you become a better mechanic, but creative solutions can help you to improve on others.

2. Never neglect safety

When you are hauling more than 10,000 pounds in your trailer, safety becomes not just a priority, but a necessity. That is why the best truck drivers are the safest truck drivers. Here are six truck driver safety tips to follow:

1. Drive defensively: Be aware of everything that is happening or could happen — both ahead of you and behind you. This allows you to act defensively and prevent accidents or sticky situations before they occur.
2. Wear your seatbelt: It’s not only the law, but a matter of utmost safety.
3. Check the weather: Any kind of weather conditions can affect how you drive, whether that means bright sunshine affecting visibility or rain causing slick roads.
4. Prepare for adverse conditions: Some weather conditions, such as snow, can impact driving more than others. It’s important to not only be aware, but to prepare.
5. Stay aware: If you are overly tired, your reaction times will be drastically affected. Always make sure that you are alert and aware when you are behind the wheel.
6. Stay DOT compliant: All DOT regulations are designed to keep you and others on the road safe. Remaining compliant is also a good way to ensure that you keep safe.

3. Watch your health

A big part of being a better driver is being healthy. Not only are there safety concerns that come with health issues — hence why the DOT also has medical requirements — but good health can also help you to have a much longer career. The National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health provides a list of the various medical conditions that truck drivers commonly face. Watching your diet and making an effort to exercise should be a priority for any truck driver.

It’s also incredibly essential not to neglect mental health. Stress and loneliness are both problems that can arise if left unchecked. Look into ways that you can manage both of these things while on the road for days at a time.

You should read: Five Tactics to Reduce Stress for Truckers

4. Always double-check your vehicle

It can sometimes be easy to skip over the importance of looking after your vehicle as a driver, since certain checks can become routine and maintenance might be viewed as someone else’s difficulty. However, the best truck drivers are ones who take care of their vehicles, and they often reap the benefits. Pre-trip inspections are not only required by law, but are an important way to prevent accidents and other issues. Another time when it is good to give your vehicle a check is after you park it; just take a look back and make sure everything is right — no lights on, tire issues, or anything else.

5. Maintain a clean driving record

This should be the goal of any driver, but especially those who do it for a living. Maintaining a clean driving record as a truck driver can be the key to promotions, pay raises, and increased job opportunities. If you have a record that is free of accidents and violations, work on continuing to maintain it. But mistakes happen, and even if you have some marks on your record, you can still work to clear them through driving school and other methods — you can read more here.

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

Being a commercial driver can be expensive. With marked-up beverages at truck stops, expensive commercial truck repairs, overpriced restaurant meals, and a host of other expenses, it’s not uncommon to end up losing cash on the road or having a paycheck that barely covers your daily expenditures.

To help commercial drivers save money, we’ve compiled nine ways to lower your expenses and keep more cash in your wallet while you’re on the road.

1. Travel Savvy

When you’re getting in or out of your vehicle, chances are that you’re going to need someone to transport you to your personal vehicle or your home. Instead of relying on taxicab service or renting a vehicle (both expensive options), choose Uber or Lyft to help you get from Point A to Point B. Uber and Lyft both give you cost estimates on your trips, so you know what you’re spending ahead of time.

And if you’re looking to explore the city where you may be during your rolling 34 restart, mass transportation is always an option. It may be tempting to take a taxi or other service, but mass transportation is designed to take you through the most populated areas in the shortest timespan possible. Let someone else take the wheel for a change!

2. Give Yourself a Cash Per Diem

There’s a lot of talk about budgeting on the road, but why not give yourself a weekly spending limit that lets you spend your money as you see fit? By making a “per diem” that you can draw from, you get a better hold on your finances (pun intended). Psychologically speaking, it is more “painful” to spend cash than to rack up debit/credit card purchases – plus you won’t have to wait for those purchases to post to your account.

The other benefit of giving yourself this type of allowance is that you will immediately know when your allotted money is running out. If you run out of money before the week elapses, you can trace where your money is going and how much you need to drive your best each day. You may be surprised to learn just how much you’re spending on coffee and other daily expenses each day.

On a side note, by limiting your credit card transactions, you can easily determine if your identity has been stolen – an unfortunate reality for many on-the-go drivers

3. Open up a “Round Up” Savings Account

It’s pretty obvious, but opening up a savings account is a must to keep more money in your wallet. To make this even easier, many banks offer the ability to “round up” your debit card purchases and deposit the difference into your savings account automatically, such as Bank of America’s Keep the Change® program. For those who struggle to make a habit of saving during the on-the-go lifestyle of a commercial truck driver, this is the one most efficient ways to be proactive about saving without thinking about it.

4. Meal Prep

If you’re a trucker, chances are that your meals are the most expensive combined purchases of your day. But because there’s relatively little time to sit down and prepare meals, getting price-gouged becomes a norm on the road.

However, this expense can be overcome by taking a day to meal prep during the week. To do this effectively, you will need:

• An inverter to power your appliances,
• A multi-burner stove, rice cooker, crockpot, and other methods to prepare your food,
• A refrigerator, freezer, or refrigerated cooler to preserve your meals,
• And a way to heat up your food quickly when you need it (i.e., microwave, skillet, toaster oven).

The startup costs range to are only a fraction of what you spend on meals and can be prepped for multiple days of “home”-cooked food. And making a small investment can pay for itself within a week – especially if you spend more than $30/day on food.

This makes a difference in your health and ability to drive optimally without food allergies, substandard ingredients, and limited choices. There are plenty of great trucker-oriented recipes that are not only easy on the wallet, but also substantially more healthy for commercial drives.

You should read: Truck Supplies No Truck Driver Should Be Without

5. Shopping in Bulk

If you’re going to be on the road for a while, shopping in bulk is the way to go if you’re looking to save money. And there’s no better way than signing up for memberships for warehouse stores like Sam’s Club, Costco, Big Lots, and more. For an annual fee of around $60, you’re able to have items on hand that you regularly eat and use for discounted prices. Best of all, these warehouse stores often carry a wide selection of trucker-oriented goods, so you can do all of your shopping in one place to save time during your off-duty hours.

6. Avoid Traffic Violations

Most traffic violations are easy to avoid, but they’re a nuisance expense and a time-sink that you can do without. Barring innocent mistakes, exceeding the speed limit or driving in an unsafe manner are taken seriously, and you could be on the hook for hundreds of dollars – not to mention potentially jeopardizing your CDL license. The standards for commercial drivers are much higher than regular drives, so be extremely cautious on the road.

Also, be aware that even if you aren’t pulled over, you may receive traffic violations in the mail from red-light cameras. If you’re on the road for weeks at a time, you may get late-fees for non-payment or, potentially jeopardizing your license until the fines are paid.

7. Avoid Breakdowns with Preemptive Truck Repairs

If your wheels are not moving, you’re losing money. When it comes to taking care of your truck, taking the proper time to maintain your truck and address lingering issues saves you money down the road. For example, if your brakes are in poor condition, and you can’t handle the grade, you may be forced to use a runaway ramp (plus the tow + downtime). Or, if your fuel system is running too rich, you may be hemorrhaging gas and losing out on efficiency.

Preventative maintenance, such as performing regular oil changes, should be a normal part of your vehicle maintenance schedule. Set reminders for when you’re due for normal maintenance, and put aside some downtime to prioritize what your truck needs to perform optimally. Considering you drive your vehicle daily, any differences in performance should be clear indicators to search for a  “commercial truck repair shop near me” before you’re on the side of the interstate with help hours away.

8. Use Professional Driver Discounts

There are many places on the road that will give you a CDL discount – that is, if you ask for it. Hotels are usually more than happy to accommodate professional drivers and provide perks for frequent guests. Rental car companies provide discounts to drivers, and often don’t require their insurance coverage as drivers have their own. And some restaurants even offer discounted rates for drivers – especially during the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic.

9. Use Cruise Control

As you can see, there are plenty of ways to save money on the road by taking the time to reorient how you perform your job, day-in and day-out. Whether you’re looking for truck repairs ahead of time, planning your meals, or padding out your savings, you’ll have more money at the end of the week.

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

Odd as it may sound, your car is not designed with the needs of a truck driver in mind. That means you might be tempted to use things like iced coffee or even an ice scraper when on the road. You might also think that some things are too large to fit in the glove compartment or center console and figure they’ll stay out and take up space instead.

This information will help you understand what your truck supplies to have in your truck and why to better prepare for every trip. Once that’s done, we’ll go over where everything goes so that it doesn’t get lost or jumbled together, so badly you won’t know which way is up anymore!

Things a Truck Driver Should Never Be Without

Truck drivers are like the marines of the road. They require having prepared for anything every time, and because of that, they tend to carry around certain things with them. Here’s what no tow truck driver should go without:

• First aid kit
• Spare belts and hoses
• Basic toolset
• Spare fuses
• Maps
• Spare tire
• Cable tire chains
• First aid kit

You never know when you might need this, and therefore you shouldn’t leave home without it. Make sure, you include not only bandages but things like antiseptic wipes and triple antibiotic ointment as well.

Spare Belts and Hoses

You don’t want to be stranded on the side of the road with a broken belt or hose. The reason is that you need to get broken belts and hose changed to get back on the road as quickly as possible. Spare belts and hoses are the perfect solutions because you don’t need to wait for them to be ordered if your truck breaks down.

Basic Toolset

You might not need tools every day, but when you do, they will come in handy. There’s nothing worse than running out of gas on an empty tank, two states away from home. What is needed? A socket wrench set, pliers, screwdriver(s), hammer, and any other tool that might help you in the long run.

Spare Fuses

You may know it’s a good idea to keep spare fuses with you at all times in your car, but did you know it can also be helpful in your truck? Things like blown headlights or taillights can be fixed quickly with the spare fuses you keep in this kit.

You should read: Properly Monitor Truck Tire Pressure

Maps

Maps may seem odd to carry around with you, but they are invaluable tools that many truck drivers refuse to go without. You never know when you might need them! Best of all is that they don’t take up much space, so there’s no need to leave them at home.

Spare Tire

You always require a spare tire in your truck because if the one on it needs to be changed. It is therefore important for a truck driver to have basic truck repair skills; otherwise, then there’s no telling where you’ll end up! That’s why it’s generally better to have two. A spare tire is always there to bail you out when the one on your car fails.

Cable Tire Chains

For winter, after bad storms or both of these, you’ll want to always have cable chains with you. They are easy ways to get yourself back on track even in the worst conditions, so that’s why they belong in everyone’s emergency kit.

Conclusion

Truck drivers need to be always prepared for anything, and these are just a few of the many things to keep your truck safe once you’ve bought and assembled everything, you can mark and label where it goes so that there is no confusion the next time you need to use something.

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

Tires are an integral part of any truck’s performance. They provide traction, braking and contribute to fuel economy. Properly maintained wheel pressure will also make sure that your tires last longer. Here is some helpful information on properly monitoring your truck’s wheel pressure, the indicators for repair (such as low air), and details of various repair services that can fix the issues.

Reasons Why Tires Often Lose Pressure

There are many variables that can cause your tire pressure to go down, but here are a common few.

• Leaks
• Punctures in the tire sidewalls
• Over-or under-inflation
• Natural wear and tear.

A tire needs to have sufficient air pressure to maintain good traction on the road surface – when your truck’s tires are under-inflated, they tend to wear down faster. Furthermore, the vehicle suffers in fuel economy when this happens, which affects your pocketbook too!

You should read: Common Causes Of A Truck Breakdown And How To Avoid Them

Some signs that show your wheel pressure is low, or you need to get them checked:

1. Noising (e.g., air whistling out of the valve stem)-You can hear this noise when the air pressure in your tire is too low.
2. Unusual wear and tear on the tire treads could indicate that the wheel pressure is too low, or there is another issue with your tires.
3. Uneven wear across the treads or sidewalls-usually caused by under-inflation, huge cracks on the sidewalls or treads that are not typical of the vehicle’s age (e.g., cracks appearing at faster than usual rate)
4. Tires that appear to be “flat” (lower than usual air pressure)-when you check their level with a tire-pressure gauge. Check the wheel pressure gauge’s accuracy if your truck’s tires are low.
5. Wheel pressure warning light on the dashboard-This is a sensor alarm that tells you when your tires are under-inflated. If this indicator has turned on, stop driving immediately to avoid further damage.

Why you Should Properly Monitor your Truck’s Tire Pressure

It would be best to have your truck’s wheel pressure checked regularly. You can do it yourself with an air compressor or go to a local service station with wheel pressure equipment. It’s also good to familiarize yourself with the correct wheel pressure ranges for your truck – this information is usually in your owner’s manual.

If you find out something wrong with the tires (e.g., leaks, punctures, over-or under-inflation, etc.), it’s best to bring your truck into a truck repair tire service center that can handle the problem.

Various Repair Services that can Fix the Issues

There are many types of services that generally perform this task. The most common ones include TPMS (tire pressure monitoring systems), TPMS Rebuilds, TPMS Sensor Replacement, TPMS Service Centers, wheel pressure gauges, and of course, tire services.

TPMS are electronic systems that record the air pressure inside your truck’s tires. The system is designed to regularly monitor the air pressure level in all your vehicle’s tires, so you’ll know when to take your vehicle for truck repair.

Components of TPMS:

1. Sensors
2. Controllers
3. Warning indicators

A TPMS rebuild service is quite self-explanatory; it means that the technician will inspect your system to see if there are any issues with sensors or valves (which need to be replaced) and then re-install the TPMS system back to your vehicle.

The TPMS sensor is a very common part that’s replaced for this service. When the TPMS light comes on, it indicates that one or more sensors have failed. These sensors can be easily replaced using several methods: the mechanic may use a tire mounting machine, a professional TPMS tool, or your car’s owner manual.

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

Commercial trucks experience breakdowns just like every other vehicle on the road. Sometimes they are preventable by properly scheduling service for your vehicle at a professional truck repair shop.

Downtime is expensive, which is why getting regularly scheduled maintenance at a professional truck repair shop is so important. There are several common signs that indicate repair that our truck repair shop will identify and prevent from growing into a more significant problem. While these issues can be minor at first, they can steadily grow to become significant issues.

Tire Issues

The continuous strain of the road on your commercial truck’s tires causes tire issues. This is due to the wear and tear of the road and also the strain from the weight of your vehicle. Performing regular maintenance on your truck tires can ensure your tires can last and don’t cause issues while your truck is on the job. There are various indicators for tire issues that you may not be aware of! They are:

• Underinflated tires
• Overinflated tires
• Uneven wear on your truck’s tires
• “Balding” tires

All these indicators can showcase low-tread depth, misalignment, or more significant issues. You can avoid these issues by taking your truck to a specialized truck repair shop for tire repair and preventative maintenance! Knowing what causes these issues and actively seeking out a solution could be the difference between having a breakdown or not the next time your truck is on the job!

You should read: Everything to Know About Weigh Stations

Faulty Brakes

Another common issue is faulty brakes. Your commercial truck’s brakes are constantly exposed to friction, heat, and pressure, which causes them to wear down. If not properly maintained, then your brakes can lead to unfortunate circumstances leading to an accident.

These issues are preventable by providing your commercial truck with ample space to stop in an emergency during your drive. Also, receiving regular brake checks from a professional truck repair shop is a great way to ensure your brakes are in the best condition possible to ensure your safety and the safety of everyone else on the road.

Electrical Problems

The electrical system in your commercial truck has its share of potential issues. The electrical system comprises many components such as the alternator, battery, ignition system, and starter. These components can fail if not properly maintained and can cause issues with your electrical systems. This can prevent you from starting your truck or keeping your truck on!

End Note

A way to avoid these issues is by scheduling regular preventative maintenance for your commercial truck. Professional truck repair shops can find out these issues while they are still small and resolve them before they become more significant problems leading to a 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

Some truck drivers may see weigh stations as an inconvenience that keeps them from reaching their destination in time during their travel, but these stops are incredibly necessary for many reasons.

A truck driver is responsible for many things, and that includes stopping at a weigh station during their travel to ensure that their vehicle is safe for the road, with several inspections. Unitruck offers aftermarket parts for Freightliner M2s, Volvos, Macks, and more, to get your semi-truck back to the level of safety it needs.

There are also serious consequences for trucks that fail to meet the standards in place, which is why truck drivers need to be well-versed in everything there is to know about weigh stations as part of the job. Continue reading for what you need to know about weigh stations.

What is a Weigh Station?

A weigh station is an area off the highway where truck drivers pull over to have their truck weighed and inspected. They’re referred to as a “port of entry” when they’re near a state border, but they can also be in the interior of a state, especially in an area where there’s a lot of freight movement.

Why Weigh Stations Are Necessary

Semi-trucks are notoriously massive vehicles that carry a ton of weight and, because of this, some roads, bridges, and overpasses might not be able to handle the weight. This can not only pose a threat to others on the road, but it can also lead to structural damage to the surface a truck travels on. Weigh stations used to collect taxes if a heavier truck passed through because of how much more harm it can cause the road.

Today, weigh stations are a way to make sure that semi-trucks are safe for the road ahead, with an inspection to ensure the U.S. Department of Transportation (DOT) guidelines are followed. Without weigh stations, the road’s various risks would be much higher for all drivers.

What Happens at a Weigh Station?

It used to be that weigh stations did just what the name implies; weigh semi-trucks. Now, the role of a weigh station is much broader. In addition to weighing trucks to make sure they’re under the legal limit, (the federal limit is 80,000 pounds) weigh stations may also check to make sure that drivers are in compliance with all FMCSA and DOT regulations. This includes checking for HOS violations, looking at freight paperwork, and checking for other safety violations related to the truck, similar to a standard DOT inspection.

When approaching a weigh station, the driver will first look to see if it’s open. There will be flashing lights or a sign saying if it is or not. If it’s open, the driver will get in the correct lane and pull over, either getting in line to be weighed or driving up to the scale if it’s open. Some scales are portable, and the driver can be weighed while driving, while others are stationary and require the driver to stop the truck. Once the driver has been weighed, they’ll either be waved off or signal lights will let them know that they’re subject to a further inspection.    

Can I Bypass a Weigh Station?

If your carrier participates in a bypass solution like, PrePass or Drivewyze, then you may be able to.  These are mounted devices that can be put in your cab to alert you when a weigh station is approaching and if you’re able to bypass it or not. Be aware, there are some types of loads, like oversized and hazmat that always need to be checked, no matter if you have a bypass device. 

Get a free repair estimate today! Call us today at 407-334-7200.

What Happens to an Overweight Truck?

If you go through a weigh station and the truck doesn’t meet the legal requirements, there are a variety of consequences a driver may face. The punishment can differ in each state, but here is what a truck driver could potentially face:

• Fines – An overweight truck can lead to a major fine or a ton of small fees and is all based on the state you are in. The fine can fall anywhere between $100 to $10,000. The fine you receive can also be based on how many offenses you have had in the past, with second offenses potentially costing double or triple the amount of a fine. Some states will even charge you based on how much you are over the limit.
• Jail Time – The most severe punishment for driving an overweight truck could land you in jail with a sentence up to two months. If you are sentenced to jail time, states will also revoke a truck driver’s CDL license once legal proceedings take place.

A truck’s weight is a serious matter that a driver should be aware of when they are traveling. This is not just because it can cause harm to others, but also because of the expensive fines and potential prison time you could face.

While many drivers consider weigh stations a frustrating part of the job that adds time to their runs, they do serve a purpose. Weigh stations are meant to make sure that overweight trucks aren’t causing major damage to the country’s highways that could lead to major road maintenance, delays, and possible accidents. As long as drivers follow all posted signage and keep all their freight documents in the truck, they should be out of weigh stations and back on the road in no time.  

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

A clutch may survive for more than 70,000 kilometers if adequately maintained, and some people have had their clutch plates changed as early as 10,000 kilometers.

If you live in a city, your typical driving schedule during rush hour must be something like this: clutch* brake* clutch* brake* clutch* brake*. This is quite damaging to your car’s clutch. Driving in the city or using the grip for long periods takes a toll on the automobile, the engine, and the clutch plate and leads to transmission clutch repair. Your automobile clutch experiences significant wear and tear because of your driving style and other things.

Several undesirable practices cause the clutch to fail considerably sooner than intended. Here are six terrible patterns that might sabotage the grip and should never be done.

1. For extra pick-up, slipping the clutch

It’s a prevalent belief that not entirely releasing the clutch pedal and accelerating leads to a stronger off-the-line start. Professional drivers maintain a tight balance between the clutch pressure plate location and the accelerator for excellent launches, which they accomplish via practice.

Slipping the clutch on purpose causes overheating and severe damage to the clutch plates, rendering them useless considerably sooner than they should be. Doing so slows you down rather than making your automobile accelerate quicker. Due to partial clutch engagement, the gearbox does not get the entire amount of power delivered by the engine. Always release the clutch smoothly and as fast as possible for the smoothest starts and accelerations.

2. Riding the clutch

Riding the clutch is one of the most common and straightforward mistakes rookie drivers make while driving a manual gearbox. However, we’ve seen many expert drivers do it as well. Riding the clutch entails driving the automobile without fully releasing the clutch pedal. Although diesel automobiles have a firmer grip, putting your foot on the clutch in a petrol vehicle destroys the clutch plate and reduces fuel efficiency. In this situation, the slight pressure on the clutch lever prevents the clutch mechanism from thoroughly engaging, causing it to slip a little, resulting in abnormal clutch wear.

3. The foot is resting on the clutch

Because most automobiles don’t have a dead pedal, many individuals end up resting their foot on the clutch, which is a terrible habit. Diesel automobiles, as previously said, have a little stricter grip and can thus withstand the strain of a lightly maintained foot, but always ensure that your foot is not depressing the clutch pedal at all. On the other hand, petrol automobiles have a light clutch while having different clutch plate functions, and even the slightest weight causes the pedal to release the clutch partly. This causes rapid slippage and wears and a reduction in fuel economy.

4. Too quickly releasing the clutch

The holy trinity panel (accelerator, clutch, and brake) must work perfectly for the automobile to perform at its best. Most professional drivers learn how to use the grip flawlessly early in their careers. Many people who drive automobiles regularly release the clutch too quickly, causing the car to jolt and unnecessary strain on the engine and transmission. This causes the clutch to overheat again, causing it to deteriorate.

According to the clutch working principle, when the first gear is engaged and the clutch is gently released, the clutch plates engage, moving the gearbox and the automobile forward. If the clutch is terminated abruptly, the stationary gearbox will apply opposing force, causing the clutch to wear out considerably faster than typical. Quickly removing the grip might potentially cause catastrophic transmission damage.

Get a free repair estimate today! Call us today at 407-334-7200.

5. Using the clutch pedal during traffic signals

It’s like killing the clutch yourself if you keep the grip pinned down, knowing you’re not going to move for the next 20 seconds. Stop and put the car in neutral if you know the automobile will be motionless for long. This disengages the clutch and allows you to rest your leg for a moment. Keeping the grip held down for lengthy periods might ruin the clutch assembly’s ball bearing and can lead you to visit a local truck engine repair shop. Although the bearings can be replaced, this can only be done after removing the entire set-up. As a general rule, the less your car’s critical components, such as the engine and gearbox, are opened, the longer it will likely operate without problems.

6. Clutch balancing

Said clutch balancing is the process of keeping the automobile on an incline while utilizing the clutch and accelerator. While such maneuvers should be performed using the brakes, clutch balancing causes the transmission clutch repair. Certain situations can result in immediate clutch failure, mainly if the clutch is already worn out. Clutch balance shortens the clutch’s life and places excessive stress on other moving elements. While the clutch sends enough power to the transmission to keep the car from rolling backward, it also causes the grip to slide and heat up excessively, resulting in significant damage.

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Semi-trucks weigh somewhere between 35,000 and 80,000 pounds. That is a lot of weight to stop once it gets going, which is what makes the braking system so vital on a semi. Having a damaged, improperly functioning or worn-out brake system is a danger to all those on the roadways. Therefore, it’s important for drivers to be aware of brake issues that could plague their rig and know what signs to look for to get ahead of the problem.

What Kind of Brakes Do Semi Trucks Use?

Before looking at what can go wrong, one should consider the makeup of the semi-truck brakes themselves. Most semi-trucks utilize a brake system consisting of three parts. This includes air brakes, parking brakes, and emergency brakes.

The overall system is cleverly designed and works amazingly well in most cases. Air brakes utilize friction, which is applied to the brake pad to compress the air that’s stored within the truck’s tank to push against a piston that will put pressure on the brake pad.

Parking brakes are another element of the system, and they keep the rig from rolling away when parked, hence the name. Emergency brakes, as one might imagine, are equally important to large machines like big rigs. Some rigs are even equipped with automatically engaging emergency brakes, though others must be manually engaged.

Common Semi-Truck Brake Issues

The following are some of the most common causes of semi brake issues:

1. Imbalanced Brakes

Brake shoes come in pairs. Therefore, they are meant to wear evenly. However, in some cases, they become imbalanced and wear improperly or unevenly. This makes one side weaker and can lead to brake issues. Signs of this include squeaking or scraping noises, or a truck that is less responsive to braking than designed.

2. Improper Loading

Loading a rig correctly is vitally essential, as improper loading can cause all sorts of issues, not excluding problems in stopping.

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3. Improper maintenance

Brakes, as well as many other aspects of a semi, need to be constantly maintained to ensure they are working as designed. We aren’t talking about a minor issue if a huge semi-truck can’t stop. This is serious. So, maintenance is a must, especially for the braking system and the emergency backups.

4. Over-braking

Drivers don’t want to overtax the braking system by braking needlessly or using excessive force.

5. Brake Fade

Brake fades occur when drivers inadvertently overheat the brake drums by over-braking or over-pumping the brakes. Brakes fades are a weakness of the air brake system. Creating this issue can be avoided by using short, hard, intermittent brake applications instead of holding the brakes for long periods of time.

6. Brake Lock

This happens when the brake shoe on the truck becomes stuck. Signs of this include a sluggish acceleration, almost like the truck is being held back. This is because the shoe is struggling to release itself after being engaged.

7. Damaged Airline

Due to its air system, brakes can become damaged when certain parts of the truck’s airline itself are either punctured, cracked or broken. This means the air is no longer being pressurized properly and can lead to ineffective braking.

What To Do if You Experience Brake Failure

There is nothing scarier for a truck driver than being unable to make their rig stop due to brake issues. Some ways experienced drivers can offset these issues and keep themselves and others on the roadways safe are as follows:

• Downshift
• Use the emergency brake to stop.
• Pump brakes (if hydraulic)
• Find an escape route
• Use an escape ramp

Keep all the information outlined above in mind to ensure the semi brake system is functioning properly.

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Improving fuel economy not only saves drivers money, but also benefits the environment by releasing fewer emissions into the air and reduces a nation’s dependence on oil and oil imports. Reducing the amount of driving we do—by carpooling, using public transportation, and combining trips—has the greatest effect on how much gas each person uses.

Drive More Efficiently

Our driving habits have a significant impact on fuel efficiency.

1. Go Easy on the Pedal

Speeding, braking, and rapid acceleration waste gas. Depending on the type of vehicle, poor driving habits can negatively affect fuel economy between 15% and 30%. Based on the current national average of $3.09 per gallon (for regular gasoline), driving sensibly, and not like a race car driver, can lead to an equivalent gas savings of between 31 cents and $1.24 per gallon.

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2. Slow Down

Gas mileage efficiency tends to decrease above 50 miles per hour. According to fueleconomy.gov, for every five miles per hour that exceed 50 mph, drivers pay an equivalent of about 22 cents more for each gallon of gas. While each vehicle has its own optimal speed for fuel efficiency, speeding can result in 7% to 14% reduced fuel economy. Driving at slower speeds can save 22 to 43 cents per gallon.

3. Turn off the Car

Idling gets zero miles per gallon and collectively consumes several billion gallons of fuel per year, according to the U.S. Department of Energy. The California Energy Commission (CEC) advises that vehicles should be turned off if the expected wait will be longer than 10 seconds, since an idling vehicle can burn as much as one gallon of gas each hour.

Turning the car off can save about 3 cents per minute.

4. Fill Your Tank Early in the Morning—or Late at Night

Fuel is dispensed by volume. If you fill your tank when it is coolest outside—early in the morning or late at night, and avoid the heat of the day—the fuel will be denser. As a result, you will get more gas for the same amount of money.

The Bottom Line

Reducing the amount of driving we do, whether it’s by carpooling or foregoing an unnecessary trip, is perhaps the most effective way to decrease the amount of gas that each person uses and make fill-ups at the gas station last longer. Proactive steps can be taken to improve fuel efficiency by paying attention to and changing gas-guzzling driving habits, and following a vehicle’s maintenance schedule. Improved gas mileage is good for you, good for your car, and good for the environment.

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