Keeping your truck in tip-top shape and running smoothly is a must-have when driving a truck. Because you are driving a big vehicle, there are a lot of different things that will and can harm your vehicle if you are not careful. Treat your truck as you would a baby. If you hear your truck making a weird sound or it started to drive different than usual, start checking your liquids and, if possible, do a quick check under the hood. Here are some tips for making sure that your truck drives efficient and nice.
Check Tire Pressure
The first tip that is most helpful when you will be driving for a long time before you reach a truck stop is to check your tire pressure. Doing this before you get on the road can affect the way you travel and keep you from getting stuck on the side of the road, especially when you will be driving for days at a time. Wears and tears in the tire can cause a lot of damage and may even be the result of an accident. Making sure that your tires are inflated and up to date can be a life or death situation. Causing an accident is not on your list of things you want to do, so make sure before you leave, you check the pressure of each of your tires and increase air pressure in your tires if needed.
Frequent Oil Checks
Most trucks will be on the road for hours at a time, and this causes your oil to run out faster than you might think. You will usually need to change your oil about every 10,000 miles, which seems like a lot, but believe me once you get on the road, it will go by fast. This means, on average, trucks will need an oil change every month. Don't forget to use caution. If a truck's oil runs too low or gets dirty, it may cause damage to the engine and even a possible breakdown, which, as we all know, is very expensive and takes up way too much time.
Other fluids
Whether it's during the rain, snow, or even summer heat it's always a good idea to check your windshield fluid just in case any ice or dirt gets on your windshield. Another liquid you should keep an eye on is your radiator fluid, make sure there are no leaks, and if there are make sure to have them fixed as soon as possible, otherwise it could overheat, and that's never fun. If it's wintertime and you will be traveling through snow, make sure that your antifreeze is full and in check.
Securing your Cargo
Most trucks will have something connecting the back of them, whether they do this using chains or straps, making sure that you keep them clean and ready to go is a must. While most of the equipment is built to last, it's still essential that they stay that way. Make sure that before you get on the road, you check your chains for broken links, straps for any tears or rips, and your hooks for any rust and cuts.
CTC is dedicated to providing excellent service. If you are interested in driving truck and want to know your options contact us at 435-637-2190 for Price and 801-461-9746 for Utah. You can also contact us online for any questions.
