Any large truck that is on the road has the potential to cause problems if it breaks down or malfunctions. Since a large truck is so big and heavy, it has the ability to crush other vehicles if it hits them. It may block the road if it breaks down, too, which may cause backups and crashes among other drivers.
Truck drivers should know how to maintain their vehicles. Failing to do so could lead to serious consequences, which is why it’s important to have maintenance scheduled and performed at regular intervals. If a malfunction occurs and does cause a collision, there is a significant risk that many people could get hurt or even die.
What are some common maintenance requirements for large trucks?
Most large trucks run on diesel fuel, so maintenance should include checking for hard carbon deposits and trouble with lubrication to avoid a breakdown. Regular oil changes are typical for large trucks.
During a maintenance session, some other areas that should be checked include:
- The tires
- Fluid levels
- The electrical system
- The wiring system
- The brakes
These are items that a driver should check prior to leaving for a trip in a pre-trip check and parts of the vehicle that should be closely reviewed by a maintenance team during scheduled maintenance.
During a scheduled maintenance call, all parts of the vehicle require review, from the drive shafts and horn to the wheels and brakes. Taking the time to check each part of the vehicle helps to identify any issues that could cause the commercial truck to break down or have a sudden malfunction on the road. This can directly prevent a truck crash due to improper maintenance.
What can you do to stay safer if you’re traveling around a commercial vehicle?
When you approach a commercial vehicle, it’s smart to look at the vehicle and assess its overall condition right away. If it looks well maintained on the outside, that doesn’t guarantee that it is, but it does mean that it’s more likely. If you intend to pass, do so swiftly.
If a commercial vehicle appears in poor repair, has parts dangling or there are other issues, you should back away from the vehicle. Call the police if the vehicle is potentially dangerous to others, or call the number on the back of the truck to get in touch with the driver or their employer. If you do get into a crash with a commercial truck, taking photos or using a dash cam to show the vehicle in poor repair can help your case.
