Truck drivers will be busier than ever this year because more people are shopping online due to the pandemic. This influx of orders means truckers will have to take extra safety precautions since their routes will be longer. It’s also vital to keep safety in mind during the winter because weather can be more hazardous during this time of year. As a result, employees should read this guide to pre-trip inspection for truck drivers so they can stay safe on the road. Not only will these actions prevent accidents, but they may also prolong the vehicle’s life.
Ignition Problems
One of the first things that truckers should do before starting their deliveries is to check their ignitions. Diesel engines are unique because they don’t have spark plugs. This means that they need additional heat for combustion to occur. Hence the reason why many trucking employees have difficulty starting their vehicles in colder weather. Anyone experiencing problems should contact a mechanic right away. The repairman might be able to replace the glow plugs that help the engine start in colder temperatures.
Leaking Oil
Before truckers hit the road, they should also be on the lookout for leaking oil. Of course, it’s natural for vehicles to expend a little oil when they aren’t moving. However, an excessive amount is concerning. Truckers who spot a pile of oil underneath their vehicles shouldn’t get on the road. An oil leak typically indicates problems within the combustion chamber or coolant system. If the cooling system of a diesel truck isn’t working properly, the engine may overheat. An overheated engine may cause the engine to stop working, which can delay deliveries and cause accidents.
Exhaust Smoke
A previous blog post discussed the different colors of exhaust smoke and what they mean. For example, blue smoke appears if the piston rings are damaged. Piston rings help keep oil in the combustion chamber. Consequently, blue smoke will appear if oil makes its way into the combustion chamber. In addition, black smoke arises when the air-fuel mixture needed for combustion is imbalanced. Unlike traditional vehicles, diesel engines need the perfect balance of air and fuel in order to start properly. If one element outweighs the other, the vehicle will not run smoothly, and black smoke will come out of the exhaust pipe.
Interesting Fact: Black smoke may make it more challenging for the drivers behind the truck.
White smoke is another type of smoke that may come out of the tailpipe. White smoke is concerning because it means the coolant is not being fed to the engine but rather is expending from the tailpipe. As a result, the engine may overheat and cause headaches on the road. Therefore, people should have a mechanic conduct regular maintenance to ensure that no unwanted smoke comes out of the system.
Tire Pressure
Tires are exceptionally vulnerable during the wintertime. This is because the cold air can penetrate through the rubber and cause rips. Consequently, truckers should check the tire pressure every time they go to a rest stop. The task isn’t as challenging as one may think. The driver must simply open the gauge in the tires to see what the tire pressure is. Typically, the gauge will indicate if the numbers are remarkably low. Anyone who notices surprisingly low numbers should fill their tires with air to avoid accidents on the road. Not only will low tires cause delays in deliveries, but it’s also dangerous for other drivers on the street.
Examine the Heating and Cooling Systems
It’s hard to believe that winter has finally arrived. Previous blog posts have examined the different strategies that truck drivers should utilize during the winter. After all, this season is unlike any other in the year. Since wintertime is so unique, truckers should always check their heating and cooling systems before hitting the road. The last thing anyone wants is to be stuck in the middle of the road with no heat. Staff members need to report heating issues as soon as possible. Hopefully, their supervisors will provide a new truck with adequate heating, so they’re sure to be safe no matter what weather conditions they’re driving in.
Are the Radio Systems Working?
No one wants to think about being stuck in an isolated area without anyone around. Yet, as undesirable as this situation is, it’s still important to prepare for it. One thing that should always be included in the guide to pre-trip inspection for truck drivers is checking the radio. Staff members must always be able to communicate with others on the road in case they find themselves in dangerous situations. Moreover, employees should be able to communicate with their bosses in the event they’re unable to complete a route due to some type of hazard.
Pro tip: Drivers can also use the radios to communicate with their coworkers about possible road construction or other hindrances they should avoid.
Don’t Ignore the Exterior
Silly as it may seem, truckers shouldn’t ignore the exterior of their trucks. One of the reasons why this is so important is that the truck represents the company’s name. This means that other drivers will get an impression of what the business stands for every time they see a truck on the road. So, though it is difficult to keep a vehicle clean during the wintertime, it’s essential to do so for marketing purposes. Truckers don’t have to go through a car wash to make sure everything is pristine. Still, they shouldn’t drive around covered in dirt and slush.
Performing a pre-trip inspection will keep truckers and other drivers on the road. Everyone in the industry knows how risky it is to drive during the winter. That is one of the reasons why these inspections are even more important during this time of year. Anyone who does find themselves stuck on the road’s side should contact the ATL Diesel immediately. We have top-of-the-line parts, including Cat c15 6nz cylinder heads, that’ll get every driver back on the road as soon as possible. Our team understands how busy truckers are during the holiday season. That’s why we try to work as efficiently as possible while maintaining transparency with our clients.
