As with any machine, you need to perform regular maintenance to ensure your truck runs well over time. In addition to the inspections and maintenance you perform every few months, there are also a few steps you can take every day to ensure that your vehicle is in excellent shape. Here are the top daily maintenance tips for truck drivers.
Notice Oil and Coolant Levels
Before you drive your vehicle, you should look at the oil and coolant levels. It will take time if you need to refill the oil or coolant while on the road, so it’s best to do this before you leave. Low oil levels can cause a plethora of problems for your vehicle, such as friction within the engine that can lead to other issues. Coolant prevents your engine from overheating. Therefore, it’s essential to check this level before you leave. When an engine overheats, it can sustain permanent damage, which means you may need to purchase a new one entirely. To prevent all these issues, remember to check your oil and coolant levels every day.
Inspect Tires and Tread
Another top daily maintenance tip for truck drivers is to inspect the tires and their treads. When examining your tires, look for any cuts, scrapes, punctures, cracks, and bulges. If you notice any of these problems, you may want to replace the tire before leaving for the next destination. You can also check the tires’ pressure levels to ensure that they’re in great condition. This simple tip will save you lots of time and energy while you’re on the road.
Clean the Windshield and Mirrors
Cleaning the windshield is one of the easiest tips to follow, yet many truck drivers forget to do it. Before driving your vehicle, remember to clean and inspect the windshield for cracks, scratches, and other damage. A clean windshield will make your drives safer and more pleasant. Additionally, if there’s any damage, you can make a note to fix it as soon as possible. You can also clean and inspect your mirrors. If you notice any damage and need to purchase truck mirrors, contact Unitruck today for quality aftermarket mirrors.
Watch for the ABS Light
When you notice any lights on your dashboard, it’s probably best to inspect your vehicle before driving. One of the primary lights to look for is the anti-lock brake (ABS) light. If this light is on, you should inspect your brakes before you leave. Faulty brakes can lead to accidents and other problems, so you want to ensure that they’re in excellent condition.
Test Turn Signals and Lights
If you drive at night, you should always inspect your turn signals and lights. Before driving, check your turn signals, brake lights, and headlights. If they all work correctly, you can begin the journey to your next destination. However, if you notice one of these lights is out, you need to replace it as soon as possible for your safety. So, remember to test your turn signals and lights before getting on the road.