If you drive or own a heavy duty truck you don’t have to know how a diesel engine or a hydraulic steering cylinder works. However, you should be able to perform a maintenance check each day and recognize problems before they get worse. Here are some helpful tips for maintaining your big trucks to make life a little easier.
Before Driving
Most operators have a check list and they are supposed to check off all the items on the list before starting up and driving their rigs. However, this is not always the case. It’s up to the business owner or supervisor to make sure maintenance check lists are printed out and available to all drivers. In fact, it is a good idea to have your drivers fill out these forms and turn them in each day.
Maybe you are trying to save on paper and paper work. Consider smart phone or tablet PC apps which allow operators to make daily maintenance checks and send the data to a supervisor or processing area. Simple information like maintenance checks informs the right people about worn tires, chassis and engine problems, and hydraulic steering cylinder leaks. This can help to avoid costly repairs in the future and significant downtime.
Things Drivers Should Listen For
During the shift, your driver may put many hours on your vehicles and as they are driving they should be aware of certain sounds and feelings which can foretell future problems. For example:
Brake Noises
Brakes should operate smoothly and with no unusual noises. When brakes becoming noisy the driver may hear a squeaking sound each time the brakes are applied. This may be a sign the brake pads are hardening or there could be dirt or debris in the brakes. Drivers should especially be aware of grinding brake noises and if it sounds like metal touching metal, the truck should immediately be taken out of service.
Tire and Chassis Noises
Drivers may notice noises from the tires or chassis. For example, a high pitched squealing sound from the wheels may point to a wheel bearing problem. Metallic noises each time you hit a bump may mean the shocks are worn significantly.
Under the Hood
During the day, drivers should pay attention to noises coming from the engine compartment. They should always be on the lookout for squealing noises which can come from loose belts and unusual noises during shifting. These problems may not be serious like a hydraulic steering cylinder or major engine trouble, but little things can add up and make the difference between profit and loss.
