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Getting
your truck serviced regularly and keeping it
well maintained will help prevent costly repairs
and breakdowns on the road as well as extends
the lifespan of your equipment.
Your truck dealership will perform some of the
service work, if your truck is covered by a
manufacturer's warranty or if you purchased
a used truck warranty. However, dealerships
usually charge higher prices than independently
owned shops.
Many service stations at truck stops offer specials
for basic services. You may find it more convenient
and time efficient to get routine maintenance
such as oil changes done at truck stops while
you are on the road.
As
an alternative, find a small and independently
owned repair shop where you can develop a personal
relationship with the owner and mechanics. This
will help you get your truck repaired or serviced
without long waiting periods, maybe even on
weekends, so you can get back on the road without
delay. This will reduce unproductive downtime.
Regular preventive maintenance and inspections
will help you spot minor problems early and
you can repair them before they turn into major
problems. The truck is your business and you
have to keep it in excellent operating condition
in order to run a safe and profitable business.
Make the daily pre-trip inspection part of your
preventive maintenance routine. During the daily
inspection, check a list of items on the truck
and trailer's in- and outside. Follow the same
daily routine, so nothing gets missed or overlooked.
If you are leased to a carrier, you may be required
to follow a specific inspection pattern. Otherwise,
use this outline:
·
Overview of the entire tractor-trailer:
· Engine compartment-check fluid levels,
fluid leaks, belts, battery, wiring, and compressor.
· Inside the cab-start the engine, check
gauges and controls, check the windshield and
function of wipers and washer, windows and mirrors,
emergency equipment, test air brake, check steering,
the log book.
· Check lights-high and low beams, four-way
flashers.
· Walk around-check tires, wheels, turn
signals, couplings, fifth wheel, landing gear,
brakes, axles, sliders, spare tire, fuel tanks,
exhaust system, cargo securement, suspension.
· Perform brake check.
· Check signal lights.
Federal law requires a driver to complete an
inspection report after each day. Any defects
noted must be repaired. The mechanic performing
the repairs must sign the report and certify
that repairs have been made. The inspection
report serves as a reminder of items to check
after each day of driving. It also provides
proof of inspection and the repairs.
The Department of Transportation (DOT) also
conducts roadside inspections, and officers
can legally stop a truck at any time. This officer
may be a federal or state department of transportation
(DOT) employee, a highway patrol officer, weigh
master, or other government official. This inspection
can take place along a roadside, at a rest area,
a scale, or at a port of entry station. If your
truck fails the inspection, the officer can
declare the truck "out of service."
This means you cannot drive your vehicle until
the repairs are made and a re-inspection takes
place. An inspection takes about thirty minutes.
When your truck passes the inspection, you will
receive a sticker that is valid for three months.
A preventive maintenance program consists of
the above outlined daily routine check and the
regular service check. These service checks
include replacing parts before they wear out
or fail.
Service checks have three levels. Items covered
at the basic service Level A include grease
jobs, brake adjustments, check of fluid levels,
tread depth of tires, and leaks. Level B includes
all the work done for Level A plus changing
the oil and the oil and fuel filter. Level C
service includes engine tuning, brake jobs,
and replacing or rebuilding worn and failing
parts.
Climatic or seasonal weather conditions require
specific preventive maintenance. When you operate
in hot weather conditions such as in the Southwestern
U.S., you need to check the condition of coolant
hoses and the tightness of the water pump and
fan belts regularly. In cold weather conditions,
regularly check the antifreeze level, and the
heaters and defrosters.
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