A Pre-Departure Checklist For Commercial Trucks
When driving big commercial trucks over long distances, there’s a lot that can go wrong. It’s important to ensure you take all the necessary precautions to ensure that your fleet of trucks is safe and ready for the road.
Here is a checklist to complete before every journey:
Check your brakes
Your brakes are very important and if they don’t feel right, it isn’t something you should ignore. Before you leave, check your brakes aren’t making any sounds they shouldn’t and that you feel as though you are slowing down at the right rate. If your truck is taking longer to come to a complete stop, it’s worthwhile getting them checked before you head out.
Check your fluids
Fluids are very important and ensure that your engine runs smoothly. Get an engineer to check your brake fluids, transmission fluids and your oil and ensure they are all at the right levels. The oil is important because it lubricates and cools it, so without enough oil, your engine could overheat.
Check your tyres
Make sure your tyres have plenty of tread and have not been worn down too much. This will drastically affect your stopping distance or lead to aquaplaning, which can be extremely dangerous. It’s also important to check your tyre’s pressure to ensure your truck can be safely operated. Your tyre pressure will also impact your fuel efficiency so make sure they’re pumped up.
Check your truck’s lights
It’s vital all your truck lights are working, particularly in the dark winter months. Before you leave, check your headlights, brake lights and tail lights as even a small problem with your lights could cause an accident.
Inspect your air filter
Your air filter is vital to the performance of your engine so check it isn’t clogged with any dirt or debris. If it is clogged, it’s worthwhile replacing it as soon as you can. Your air filter will also have an impact on your fuel economy so it’s a good idea to keep an eye on it.
Test your battery
The battery is what will make your truck start, so make sure it’s still in good condition. The last thing you want is for your battery to fail while you’re out running deliveries or shipments. Check the output voltage on your battery and reduce the chances of it failing on you.
Are you looking for truck repair and maintenance? At Transcare, we specialise in fleet maintenance services to keep you and your trucks on the road. Whether you need repair services, bodywork and accident repair or diagnostic services, we’re here to help. We provide a high standard of services at great prices in Derby, Nottinghamshire, Leicestershire, Staffordshire and Yorkshire. Visit our website to learn more.