The relationship between truck drivers and their trucks is truly symbiotic. For those who frequently work in transportation, drivers are deeply concerned about the daily maintenance of their vehicles. After all, 70% of a truck's reliability depends on maintenance, while only 30% relies on repairs.
Maintain Tires
Tire maintenance is a crucial aspect of truck upkeep, so drivers must always check their tires before hitting the road.
Check tire pressure.
Ensure pressure is neither too high nor too low, adjusting it based on environmental conditions.
Example: During rainy seasons or in high temperatures, avoid overinflating tires. When temperatures drop suddenly, add air to maintain proper pressure.
Inspect tires for damage.
Look for issues such as cracks, uneven wear ("cupping"), or cracks in the wheel rim ribs.
Example: If any damage is found, replace the tire promptly.
Rotate tires based on wear and load distribution.
Front and rear tires wear differently and carry varying loads.
Example: After a certain mileage, rotating the front and rear tires can help extend their overall lifespan.
Maintain the Braking System
The braking system of large vehicles requires special attention to ensure driving safety. Light-duty trucks rely on brake fluid to transmit braking force, while heavy-duty trucks use pneumatic braking systems, so the two types require different maintenance approaches.
01. For vehicles with hydraulic brake systems, before each trip, pay attention to the following:
Check the brake fluid level. If the fluid level drops, immediately inspect the brake lines for leaks.Brake fluid absorbs moisture from the air and loses effectiveness over time, so it is best to replace it annually.
02. For vehicles with pneumatic braking systems, before each trip, pay attention to the following:
Regularly drain accumulated water from the braking system and replace the air dryer periodically.Moisture in the pneumatic system can corrode pipelines and affect braking performance, and in severe cases, may even lead to brake failure.
*Note:* Also frequently check the condition of the air compressor and the wear of the compressor belt, and replace them as needed.
Maintain Wiper Blades
After long-distance journeys, rubber components such as wiper blades on large vehicles can deteriorate significantly. To ensure trouble-free driving, it is best to replace the wiper blades once a year.
When replacing wiper blades, truck drivers should avoid arbitrarily changing the length or width of the blades. Trust the original manufacturer's design-while increasing the blade length may expand the visible wiping area, it also comes with drawbacks, as it places additional strain on electrical components such as the wiper motor.
Maintain Tires
Especially as autumn and winter approach, vehicle lights are crucial equipment for truck drivers to ensure safety. Owners should inspect and maintain their vehicle lights.
01. **Check whether lights such as brake lights, side turn signals, and fog lights are functioning properly.**
If any bulb appears darkened, replace it promptly.
02. **Inspect the dust covers of the lights for damage.**
If damaged, rainwater may seep into the light housing during driving, causing fog to form inside. This can reduce the brightness of the lights and, over time, lead to corrosion of the connectors and wiring.
