Is Your Tractor Trailer Road Ready?

18 wheeler maintenance is crucial before you hit the road. This can prevent unnecessary issues from occurring that could cost you a fortune in repairs. Trucks require a lot of upkeep and maintenance due to their massive sizes. Sometimes it can be challenging to remember every single thing to check while you are inspecting your truck.

Preparing Your Tractor Trailer for the Road

When performing big rig maintenance, there are several things that you must look for. Use this as a guide during your inspection to help the process go smoothly.

Check Under the Hood

One of the first things you should do as a part of your pre-inspection is to check under the hood of your 18-wheeler. There are several things under the hood that will also need to be inspected. Ensure that all oil levels are within the required criteria. You should also check the following:

• Hoses and radiator
• Frame
• Fan shroud and blades
• Alternator
• Oil fill tube
• Turbo
• Water pump

Make Sure Your Truck Is Not Uneven

This part of the inspection should be performed right after you check under the hood. The best way to ensure that your truck is properly leveled is to stand directly in front of it. If you are still unsure whether your truck is leaning, you can also have a professional mechanic check it out. If your truck is leaning, it could be due to any of the following:

• Faulty torsion bar
• Twisted chassis
• Binding shock absorber
• Broken suspension parts

Ensure the Cabin Is Safe

All parts, both exterior, and interior should be inspected thoroughly. Your cabin should be safe at all times. You can do the following when conducting a cabin inspection:

• Reflective triangle
• Fire extinguisher
• Spare electrical fuses
• Ensure there are no defects in your seatbelt
• Check to make sure that the splitter and shifter are properly working
• Make sure that your windows and mirrors are in good condition

Inspect Your Brakes

Your brakes are just one of the many things that help keep you safe while driving on the road. Having brakes that function properly will mean all the difference between life and death for you and anyone else on the road. Ensure that you have no leaks coming from your brakes. And perform a static brake check.

Check the Coupling System

The coupling system has a lot to do with whether you can safely transport cargo with minimal risk of accidents. The most important parts to check are the kingpin and fifth wheel, in addition to the skid plate, release arm, and many other components.

Check the Trailer for Defects

If your trailer is not secure, you will not be able to transport cargo no matter the distance. This will also put you at an increased risk of an accident. When you are performing a trailer inspection, check for any mechanical flaws in addition to the headboard, frame, landing gear, and cross-members.

If you could use a trailer truck inspection, contact us at Complete Truck Service, Inc. today!

Categorised in: Trucking Tips

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