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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.

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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.

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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.

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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.  

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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.

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

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.

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

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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For a truck driver, stress can be all around you. From driving long hours, meeting deadlines, driving through hectic traffic, or simply being away from a support system, like family and friends, it’s easy to see how driving a truck can create a lot of stress for a person. However, stress doesn’t have to ruin your day or affect your health. With healthy tactics to cope with your stressors, you can alleviate your stress and its control over you.

1. Meditate

Before starting the engine, take a moment to meditate. Clear your head and regulate your breathing – doing this will allow you to start your day with a clear head. Meditation can also relax the muscles by effectively alleviating tension on your body and creating more mental clarity. Meditating before or after your driving shift has many benefits, including these, and understanding why meditation is good for your overall health will create more peace in your life.

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

2. Listen to Audiobooks or Podcasts

Audiobooks and podcasts can be great ways to get your mind off your stressors – driving-related or not. Before you start driving, pick a compelling book or podcast that peaks your interest – not something that might put you to sleep! Allowing yourself to listen to the words spoken aloud might give you the opportunity to catch up on some reading, news, or interesting thoughts, but it can also help take your mind off your stressor(s). As you listen, however, just make sure you’re always properly focused on driving safely!

3. Get Out and Stretch

If you are at a truck stop, gas station, or rest area, take a minute to stretch. Stretching can relax the muscles that might be tense from your long drive – moreover, it can clear your mind and help prepare you for the remainder of your drive.

4. Listen to Music

If audiobooks or podcasts aren’t your things, listen to music instead. When you are in a stressful situation, try playing calming music, such as classical music or something even simpler, like ocean sounds or babbling brooks (if you’re driving, or if you know that calming music can make you drowsy, turn it off once your stress has subsided). However, if you don’t like classical or other calming music, just pick an artist, genre, or song that you will enjoy – find the music that helps you take your mind off your stressors and makes you happy (not tenser)!

5. Be Mindful

Most people are thrown into stressful situations that they have no control over, and they waste energy focusing on things that they can’t change (bad drivers, heavy traffic, weather, road reroutes, and changes at work or in the industry, to name a few). And, while it’s great to try to create positive changes when you can, it’s also important to be mindful of the situations – or thoughts – that you just need to step away from. Be mindful of the situations or topics that cause you stress, and try to avoid them. If situations or thoughts that trigger these stressors pop up, try to think about things that make you happy, or try any one of the steps above!

Don’t Let Stress Control You

Stress is a natural thing that almost everyone encounters on the job, but for truck drivers, that stress often multiplies. We know that dealing with life on the road, as well as leaving behind family for various periods of time, can be very stressful. That’s why we hope these healthy ways to relieve stress while driving, along with many more ideas on the web, will help ensure that stress doesn’t control you. If these tactics to control truck driver stress don’t work for you, or if you’re dealing with long-term stress, anxiety, or depression, be sure to seek medical help from a professional.

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You may save a lot of money by performing preventative fleet maintenance. A well-maintained car consumes less gasoline, breaks down less frequently, and contributes to lower operating costs. Taking a proactive attitude also allows you to stop issues in their tracks before they become dangerous.

Of course, like with many things in business, saying it is simpler than doing it. It is not always the case that good intentions translate into successful action. Human error, unplanned growth, and inadequate driver training can all wreak havoc on your fleet’s overall health—and when your cars’ condition deteriorates, so does your bottom line. So, what can you do to ensure that your fleet is in tip-top shape?

1.Look After Your Tires

The whole driving experience is heavily influenced by tire pressure. It has an influence on the vehicle’s handling, fuel efficiency, and overall wear and tear. Keep in mind, however, that tire wear will not be consistent throughout your fleet. Weather, road conditions, and individual driving habits can all influence how rapidly tires deteriorate. As a result, it’s critical that your fleet inspector check the pressure before and after each journey. Drivers must monitor it while on the road, especially on longer trips.

Your drivers and fleet management should keep an eye on overall tire deterioration in addition to pressure checks. According to one recent research, worn tires can reduce a light truck’s handling abilities by up to 28 percent, so make sure you check tire wear on a frequent basis.

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

2.Keep Your Vehicles Clean

You wouldn’t meet a client with muck on your shoes (or at least we hope you wouldn’t). Similarly, having an unkempt fleet does nothing to improve your company’s image. Keeping your cars clean and polished gives your organization a professional appearance and gives your drivers a better sense of job satisfaction while they’re on the job.

Keeping the exterior of your car clean also aids in the early detection of concerns such as corrosion and degradation. Establish a working partnership with a fleet maintenance company that can assist you in keeping your fleet in good shape. They can handle car cleaning, freeing you up to concentrate on other aspects of your organization. They’ll also be professionally taught to recognize problems early on, before they become bigger, more expensive problems.

3. Preventive maintenance

Vehicles that are well maintained have fewer unscheduled repairs and downtime. Oil changes, tire rotation/inspection, and basic vehicle safety checks are examples of preventive maintenance. Maintain tire rotations and general vehicle checks on a regular basis, whether you follow oil change intervals at a specified mileage or utilize an oil life monitor. All too frequently, this is the only time a vehicle is thoroughly evaluated for fluid levels, tire air pressure, and other issues.

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Semi-trucks range in weight from 35,000 to 80,000 pounds. Once it gets rolling, that’s a lot of weight to stop, which is why a semi’s braking system is so important. Everyone on the road is at risk when their braking system is broken, malfunctioning, or worn out. As a result, it’s critical for drivers to be aware of potential braking problems and know what indications to look for in order to avoid them.

Common Semi-Truck Brake Issues

1. Brake Shoes: Brake shoes are sold in pairs. As a result, they’re designed to wear evenly. However, they can become unbalanced and wear unevenly in some circumstances. This weakens one side and might cause braking problems. Squeaking or scraping noises or a truck that is less sensitive to braking than it should be are signs of this.

2. Incorrect Loading: Properly loading a rig is critical, since improper loading can result in a variety of complications, including troubles stopping.

Brakes, like many other parts of a semi, must be serviced on a regular basis to ensure that they are operating properly. If a massive semi-truck can’t stop, we’re not talking about a trivial issue. This is quite serious. Maintenance is therefore essential, particularly for the braking system and emergency backups.

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

3. Over-brake: Drivers do not want to overwork the braking system by braking too hard or too often.

Brake Fade happens when drivers mistakenly overheat the brake drums by braking too hard or pressing the brakes too hard. The air brake system has a flaw in the form of brake fade. Instead of holding the brakes for lengthy periods of time, use short, forceful, intermittent brake applications to avoid this problem.

4. Brake Lock: This occurs when the truck’s brake shoe becomes jammed. A slow acceleration, almost as if the vehicle is being held back, is one sign of this. This is due to the shoe’s inability to disengage after being engaged.

5. 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.

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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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