Useful Truck Maintenance Tips From the Pros

Useful Truck Maintenance Tips From the Pros

As a truck owner, you know that maintenance is key to keeping your vehicle running smoothly. But it can be tough to stay on top of everything, especially if you’re not a mechanic yourself. Here are some tips from the pros to help you out. Just give them a read and you’ll be keeping your truck in tip-top shape in no time!

Temperature Control 

The inside of your truck should always remain comfortable, and temperature is the main factor through which you can achieve this. Lots of rig drivers are looking for after-market HVAC parts from Shoreline Manufacturing as a way to ensure their vehicles will remain cooled down during the summer heat and warm in the winter. This may seem like a small addition, but it’s a pretty significant one. Temperature control is also important for your engine. Make sure you check the thermostat and cooling system regularly, as too much heat can cause serious damage to components.

Check The Fluids Frequently 

You must keep an eye on various fluids that go into your truck. These are the following: 

  • Transmission fluid: lubricates and cools the gears in the transmission
  • Brake fluid: provides power to the brake
  • Power steering fluid: helps to make steering easier by providing power assistance
  • Coolant: helps to keep the engine cool
  • Fuel: provides the energy needed to run the engine
  • Differential oil: lubricates the gears in the differential (which allows the wheels on the same axle to turn at different speeds)

These are the main fluids that are used in a truck, however, depending on the specific truck, it could have other fluids such as DEF, grease, hydraulic fluids, etc. It is important to keep an eye on the level and condition of these fluids and to change them as needed to ensure that the truck is running smoothly and safely.

Keep The Vehicle Clean

Cleaning your rig is another essential thing you simply must do if you want to keep it healthy and in one piece. The process is a bit more involved than cleaning a car, due to its larger size and the fact that it is often used for work and may have picked up dirt and debris as a result. Gather the supplies you’ll need, including a bucket, soap, a wash mitt or sponge, a wheel brush, a tire cleaner, a wheel cleaner, and a chamois or microfiber towel. You’ll also want to have a hose or pressure washer on hand. Hose down the truck and apply soap and water to it. Once the truck is washed, rinse it off with water again to remove any remaining soap residue. Clean the wheels and tires and then dry the whole vehicle with chamois or a microfiber towel. Additionally, don’t forget about the interior as well. 

Have It Serviced Regularly 

Regular service and maintenance are crucial for the overall health of your truck. It helps to ensure that your vehicle is running at its best and that any potential problems are caught early before they can lead to more serious and expensive repairs. This can help to prolong the life of your truck by keeping it in good working condition as well as keep your truck running safely. Regular service and maintenance of your truck also serve as a preventive measure to minimize the risk of breakdowns and unexpected costly repairs. Keep a good record of regular maintenance and service to ensure your vehicle is running smoothly and safely.

Check The Brakes Often

Checking your truck’s brakes before each ride is an essential step in ensuring the safety of you, your passengers, and other road users. They are responsible for slowing down and stopping the vehicle. If your brakes are not functioning properly, it can be difficult or even impossible to stop the truck in a timely and safe manner, which can lead to accidents and injuries. This way, you can detect and address any issues early on, before they become more serious and costly. This includes things like worn brake pads or drums, low brake fluid levels, or a malfunctioning brake system.

Keep An Eye On Warning Lights

It’s absolutely essential that you pay attention to the warning lights on your dashboard. If you see any of these illuminated, it means that something is wrong and needs to be addressed as soon as possible. This can range from a simple issue like low tire pressure to more serious issues such as an engine misfire or malfunctioning brakes. It’s important to diagnose and address the issue immediately in order to avoid further damage and repair costs. If you can’t identify the issue, it’s best to seek professional help as soon as possible. 

Listen To The Engine 

Look into the noises your truck makes when the engine is running in order to detect any potential issues. Listen for odd noises and vibrations that could indicate a problem with the engine or other parts of the truck. If you hear anything unusual, seek professional help to get it checked out and fixed as soon as possible. This is one of the best ways to prevent major problems from occurring as listening to your truck can often alert you to small issues before they become more serious.  It’s also a great way to stay on top of maintenance and service in order to keep your truck running smoothly and safely.    

Read The Manual 

The owner’s manual will explain how to take good care of your truck, as well as provide useful information about the vehicle’s systems and components. It will also provide helpful maintenance tips and advice on how to troubleshoot any issues you may have. Reading through the manual is a great way to familiarize yourself with your truck and understand its workings better. This can save you time and money in the long run, as it gives you an understanding of what needs to be done for preventive maintenance or repairs.  Additionally, reading the manual can help you spot potential problems early on before they become more serious and costly to fix. Finally, this will ensure a safe ride.  

Your truck has to be maintained at all times in order to ensure the safety of you and everyone else on the road so make sure to control the temperature inside it and check the fluids often. Keep the vehicle clean and have it serviced regularly. Make sure to check the brakes before every ride and keep an eye on your dashboard to see if something’s wrong. The same should be done by listening to the engine and you should never step into the truck without reading the manual first!

Post Truck Accident Procedures: 5 Steps to Take

Post Truck Accident Procedures: 5 Steps to Take

Trucks are a lot heavier than regular cars, so they create a much bigger impact when an accident happens. This could lead to catastrophic and life-altering injuries. That’s why it’s important to know that there may be ways to seek legal help to recoup financial damages. The sooner you take action after an accident, the easier it is to prove and protect your rights. So, if you’re in a truck crash and walk away with a minor injury, there are some steps you need to take afterward that will help your recovery. Consider seeking medical attention and documenting your injuries and the extent of your losses. This way you’ll be able to protect your rights and provide evidence to your personal injury lawyer so they can make a claim for you. In this article, we’ll explore the steps you need to take if you’re in an accident and sustain any injuries that may or may not be your fault.

Call 911

You should call 911 immediately. The police and ambulance services should be informed of the crash if it is serious enough to warrant it. The police will be able to document any evidence from the crash scene as it’s still fresh and you’re able to describe it in more detail. This is a key part of the procedure as it leaves little to speculation and ensures the authorities know as much as possible. Even if it doesn’t seem like there will be any serious consequences, always have the officer fill out a police report. The report is critical in establishing liability and negligence, and in some countries, such as Colorado, it is required by law. Keep in mind that getting compensation for truck accidents in Colorado, for instance, may be easier if you contact an experienced truck accident attorney to guide you through the process and help you file a claim.

Seek medical attention

Even if you don’t think you were injured, it’s always a good idea to get checked out after an accident. You may find that your body is going through pain in places you can’t see or understand. If you want to get better, you need to see the doctor as soon as possible. A doctor will help you determine what caused the injuries, and you’ll be able to show that they happened as a direct result of the crash. This is essential for seeking damages when you recruit a personal injury lawyer.

Document the evidence at the scene of the accident

You need to make sure that you have documented as much information as possible, especially if you are confident that your actions did not cause the crash. You’ll need to present a log to the police, including all relevant information about the crash, such as information on drivers, witnesses, hazards present in and around the area, and any other important details. A lot of important data and evidence can be lost if it’s not documented correctly, so it’s important to get to detail things that happened the moment they did. That means taking pictures of the vehicle and getting statements from witnesses. You should also get a copy of any photos taken of the crash by other people and look for anybody capturing footage from dashcam devices.

Contact an experienced truck accident attorney

If you’ve been in an accident with a truck, make sure you contact a skilled truck accident attorney. You will want to discuss your legal options with an attorney who can address the specifics of your situation, and offer you advice on how to protect your rights. Keep in mind that truck accidents are some of the most complex cases in the legal field. That’s why you’ll need someone who knows truck law to be by your side protecting you. Make sure you seek legal advice from a local attorney that is familiar with cases in this area of law, so they can help you file a claim.

Avoid posting to social media

You might think about posting on social media after an accident, but things might not go well for you, because this can hurt your case. Anything you post online, or do for up to 72 hours after the accident, might be used as evidence in court and affect your case. Assumptions about how the accident happened can also affect your case in court. So, stay offline and focus on getting better.

Final thoughts

Getting in an accident with a truck can be very upsetting and the aftermath can be difficult to manage. However, following a few important steps can help you manage the situation and get appropriate compensation. That’s why you need to collect evidence and contact an experienced truck accident attorney to handle your case.

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5 Tips to Stay Safe When Driving a Truck at Night,

5 Tips to Stay Safe When Driving a Truck at Night

5 Tips to Stay Safe When Driving a Truck at Night

It is very important that all drivers practice road safety when traveling. That’s why we see many traffic rules, signs, and guidelines set on the sides of the roads so serious accidents and injuries can be prevented.

For example, truck drivers need to be extra careful when traveling. Most of them prefer driving long distances at night because there are fewer vehicles around them. While this can be a great advantage to motorists, truck driving at night can also be very dangerous. In fact, the number one cause of truck driving accidents at night is fatigue as drivers can easily get tired and fall asleep at the wheel. Luckily, there are several precautions you can take to ensure your safety on the road and prevent unpleasant incidents from occurring. Here are five essential truck driver safety tips you should follow when driving at night.

Do a thorough pre-trip truck inspection

If you are planning on going on a long-distance journey, it is important that you do a thorough pre-trip truck inspection. This way you will ensure that your vehicle is in great condition and it is ready to hit the road in full force. A basic detailed inspection includes double-checking the brakes and tires as well as making sure all of your truck lights are working.

In fact, the latter is very important to do because your truck’s lights are the best and only way to communicate with other vehicles and passengers on the road. So, make sure your headlights, clearance lights, and even your led rotator lightbar are working properly so you can be visible at all times.

Don’t go over the speed limit

Although following the speed limit should go without saying, its importance cannot be stressed enough. The thing is trucks are often heavily loaded when on the road and if the driver goes even a little bit over the appointed speed limit, there is a greater risk of getting into an accident. This is especially important to follow when taking wide turns on the road. Driving at a high speed can cause the driver to lose control of the vehicle, so being aware of the speed limit can instantly reduce the risk. Besides, driving over the speed limit can also result in steep fines if stopped by the police.

Avoid driving between trailers

Avoiding driving between trailers is a safety tip that applies to all truck drivers. Failure to do so can be dangerous for two main reasons. For one, tractor-trailers need plenty of space when they need to make a turn. If you are driving your truck close to the trailer, you can increase the risk of collision between the two vehicles. Another reason is that the likelihood of a crash is much greater when the driver of the trailer applies brakes in an emergency and you are not maintaining a safe distance behind it. So, make sure you keep your eyes open for trailers, especially at night when visibility is significantly limited.

Be aware of the weather conditions

Extreme weather conditions can also increase the risk of a crash occurring when driving at night. Although you cannot control the weather, you can be extra careful and avoid driving in heavy rain, snow, or wind. If you happen to be on the road during such unpredictable weather conditions, there are ways you can practice safety. For example, if it’s raining or snowing heavily, lower your speed, keep your lights on at all times and maintain a safe distance between you and other vehicles on the road.

Be a responsible driver

Part of practicing road safety when truck driving is being a responsible driver. This doesn’t only include following the speed limit, but also wearing your seatbelt at all times and avoiding driving drowsy or under the influence. Driving at night requires staying focused and being aware and cautious of the potential hazards on the road. Also, because truck driving usually involves traveling long distances, you should take regular breaks to stretch and freshen up. Find a suitable rest area where you can park your truck safely and rest for as long as you need to.

Final thoughts

There is no denying that driving a truck can be hard and dangerous. However, there are measures you can take to practice road safety and avoid getting into severe or fatal accidents. From doing a thorough pre-trip truck inspection to being a responsible driver, be sure to follow the basic guidelines of driving at night and always stay safe when on the road. 

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How To Start Your First Food Truck Business,

How To Start Your First Food Truck Business

How To Start Your First Food Truck Business

Passionate chefs are striving to bring commuters their favorite dishes and offer them unparalleled convenience. In the past few years, food trucks have become so popular that many towns are now known for their delicious food truck scene. If you are thinking about starting a food trucking business, you are in luck. This industry is growing at a rate of 7.5% and according to The Economist, there are around 4,000 food trucks operating successfully in the USA. Food trucks have the potential to become one of the best business options for entrepreneurs that have a passion for the stove. Furthermore, food trucks allow entrepreneurs to get into the food industry at a much lower cost than opening a traditional restaurant. If you want to open a food truck business, you need to follow these essential steps.

Research the Local Food Truck Scene

Before you commit to the idea of opening a food truck business, make sure your concept is unique and that it will bring value to the market. To achieve this, you can do your research and see whether there are other food trucks in your area. Next, you can analyze which cuisines and which concepts are attracting customers. It’s a good idea to take inspiration from successful food trucks and add a little twist of your own creativity to create a successful business. However, if there is a cuisine that you want to bring to a certain area and you feel confident about your skills, all you have to do is come up with a compelling marketing strategy.

Select a Concept And Write The Business Plan

After you have done your research, choose a food truck idea that blends with your style and the needs of the community. After that, it’s best to consider choosing a name and a logo that will represent the cuisine that you will serve. Once you decide on the idea, it is time to create a food truck business plan. A well-written business plan will help you long-term, and allow you to have a better chance of a successful startup. Also, you will be able to plan your business much better and outline where it needs to improve. This is also the document that will help you obtain investments and bank loans. Here’s a list of essential elements that every business plan should cover.

  • Executive summary;
  • Market analysis;
  • Management and organization plan;
  • Range of products;
  • Advertising and sales strategy.

Obtain Food Truck Permits and Licenses

It is very important to adhere to all safety and health regulations when you are operating a  food truck business. There are three types of permits required including a general business permit, a food service permit, and a commercial vehicle license. Each food truck license can cost anywhere from $100 to $500, depending on where you live. An employer ID and a permit for a mobile food truck, as well as a parking permit, health permit, parking permit, or zoning permit, will also be required. Furthermore, it’s very important to protect yourself and your food truck along with your employees by obtaining solid insurance coverage. Accidents can occur and to proceed without insurance could be detrimental to your financial situation. To be safe, consider obtaining general liability and workers’ compensation policy.

Get The Right Truck

It is important to pick a truck that will work well for your business. The truck will account for the largest portion of your startup expenses. The cost of a food truck can range anywhere from $50,000 to $175,000 depending on whether it is used or a new one. However, if you don’t have that kind of money, you can consider leasing a used truck. Once you have a vehicle, it is time to equip your truck with the right supplies and equipment. These items are essential for cooking food and keeping your truck fully functional. You will require cooking equipment such as toasters, grills and fryers, food preparation tools, disposable cutlery, cups, ice machines, and refrigerators.

Final Thoughts

Starting a food truck business is not an easy task, but with the right tactics and solid business plan, success is always attainable. Conducting thorough research and obtaining the right permits will help you achieve your culinary dreams. In addition, if you want to boost your chances of success, consider launching a social media marketing strategy to help your brand grow.

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How to extend the life of your pickup truck,

How to extend the life of your pickup truck

How to extend the life of your pickup truck

Every year, it is estimated that 10.5 million pickup trucks are sold. Of these, roughly 3.5 million are sold to individuals who need a truck to help with their everyday life. It is also estimated that 15% of all pickup trucks are used as taxis or for commercial purposes. Many people don’t realize that the longevity of their truck is dependent on the owner, who will be using the truck for various purposes each day. The parts of a truck that are used the most are the engine and the transmission, which need to be well maintained to ensure that they last as long as possible. The engine needs to be checked regularly to ensure that it is functioning correctly, while the transmission needs to be regularly serviced to ensure that it is running smoothly and efficiently.

Check and keep tires inflated

Keeping your tires inflated is a simple way to make your pickup truck’s life last longer. You might not think that a flat tire could be a problem, but it can be. A flat tire can cause your truck to overheat and break down, which can cause a lot of damage. Keeping your tires inflated is also a safety issue, according to the American Automobile Association (AAA). Underinflated tires are more likely to blow out and cause a crash.

Change engine oil and fluids

When it comes to extending the life of your pickup truck, keeping up with preventative maintenance can help. Changing the oil and fluids in your pickup truck is a vital part of making sure that it runs well. If you neglect these fluids and your pickup truck runs inefficiently, you will end up burning them faster. That can result in your pickup truck needing repairs sooner than it should. By changing the oil and fluids regularly, you can make sure your engine runs smoothly and last longer.

Regular oil and fluid changes can help your truck’s engine run smoother for a longer period of time. For trucks that are used for work, running the right type of engine oil and transmission fluid can help prevent transmission problems, which can bring your truck to a stop. For example, if the engine is already filled with transmission fluid, then you’re less likely to cause transmission problems in the future.

Inspect the alternator

If you have an older pickup truck with a manual transmission, check that the clutch is not slipping. If it’s slipping, it can wear out your clutch, throw off the alignment of your engine and make it wear out faster. If you have an automatic transmission, make sure to check its performance. If the car is shifting hard or if it seems to rev up too high for its speed, the transmission may be going out. If the truck has a manual transmission, check the condition of the clutch, the flywheel, and the pressure plate. If the clutch is worn out, you’ll need to replace it with a new one. If the flywheel or pressure plate is worn out, you’ll need to replace that, too. If the flywheel is cracked or warped, you’ll need to replace it.

Keep inspecting the suspension system

Having a vehicle for a few years is no big deal. However, having one for more than a decade is a different story. In the case of trucks, the suspension system is what keeps them on the road. Therefore, it is important that you keep inspecting the suspension system. The suspension system is composed of different components such as the tires, the shocks, the springs, the struts, and the ball joints.

Replace air and oil filters to keep clean ones

Most pickup trucks require you to change your air filters every 15,000 miles and your oil filters every 30,000 to 45,000 miles. Air filters are relatively easy to replace, but you will need a crescent wrench, a ratchet, and an extension to loosen the oil filter. You can sometimes unscrew an oil filter by hand, but you might need a wrench or pliers to get the job done. For more instructions and handy tips, you can get a manual. You can buy a Ford Thunderbird Repair Manual if you own this car and make easy DIY repairs yourself.

When you’re towing a load of materials, you need your truck to be in top condition. If you don’t replace your air and oil filters, your engine will be under strain, which can result in poor gas mileage, poor engine performance, and in the long term, expensive repairs. An air filter keeps large particles from entering the engine and potentially damaging it. An oil filter keeps contaminants from entering your engine’s lubricating oil.

Brake wear and failure

With a pickup truck, you have to be extra careful with the brakes. The brakes are going to take a longer time to wear out, but if they do, they can be dangerous. The brakes are probably the most important part of the vehicle when it comes to stopping. It is the only thing that is in contact with the road when you stop. If the brakes fail, you become a hazard to the other drivers on the road. Brake wear and failure are both preventable. But, they are also both very expensive fixes. And there are a number of ways that you can extend the life of the brakes on your pickup truck.

The first thing you want to make sure of is that the brakes are working properly. The easiest way to test your brakes is to take them to a local mechanic and have them do a brake inspection. Another way to test your brakes is to start driving your truck and pump the brakes. If you see your truck slowing down, then your brakes are working.

Inspect lights

When was the last time you looked at your pickup truck’s lights? Are all the lights working? If not, it’s time to replace them. It’s not just the brake and signal lights that will help keep you from getting pulled over by the police. Mirrors and lights on the truck bed can also help prevent accidents.

Replace spark plugs

Spark plugs are necessary for the efficient and effective operation of your vehicle. When they wear out, they stop sparking, and they are unable to ignite the air/fuel mixture in the chamber. Spark plugs are used in internal combustion engines to ignite the mixture of air and fuel that powers the engine. Chevy spark plugs should be replaced every 5-10,000 miles or sooner.

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Top Ways to Find a Great Truck Accident Lawyer

Top Ways to Find a Great Truck Accident Lawyer

When you are involved in a truck accident, it is important to have the right legal representation. You need a lawyer who understands the complex laws and regulations that govern truck accidents. Here are some tips for finding a great truck accident lawyer.

Do Your Research Online

One of the best ways to get information about a law firm is through online reviews. You should always check out the firm’s website, but you can also do some research on other review sites. Make sure that you only read the reviews that are posted on websites that have active profiles for both the lawyer and the law firm. You can consult with the attorneys at https://www.mkhlawyers.com/legal-services/athens-personal-injury/truck-accident-lawyer/ as a starting point for any questions you might need answering. If you find several positive reviews, then it might be worth your time to drop by their office or give them a call. If they are unwilling to speak with you or offer an appointment, then this could be a sign that something is not quite right with this particular attorney.

Be a Good Judge of People

You might not be able to tell from online reviews, but you might have a good sense as to whether or not the attorney is someone that you want on your side of the case. For example, if you are interviewing several attorneys and one particular one seems willing to speak with you at length without being too busy, then this could be a sign of their character. On the flip side of this, another sign could be evasiveness or any unwillingness on the part of the attorney to answer your questions directly.

Don’t Undervalue Experience

A truck accident can be very complex because it involves multiple parties and various factors which will likely affect who is liable for the accident. For example, the driver of your vehicle could be at fault or perhaps it was a defective tire that played a role in the accident. There are many different variables to consider when filing an insurance claim after a truck accident and you may need more support to win your case in court. You should make sure that you find an attorney with plenty of experience dealing with cases like yours before hiring them. The best way to determine this is by asking for their track record in similar cases. Also, if you know anyone who has had a similar case, then you can ask them for advice concerning their attorney.

Go For Someone Who Specializes In These Cases

If you are involved in a truck accident, you must make sure the lawyer specializes in these types of cases. This is because some technical laws could affect your case and an attorney who does not specialize in this area might miss something important. Your lawyer needs to know how to investigate the accident scene and pull together all of the evidence needed to prove that someone else was at fault for the collision. You can find attorneys that specialize in these kinds of cases with just a few internet searches, so do your research. Here, you also need to know the experience of the attorney because some cases are very difficult to win.

Be Upfront With Your Needs And Wants

You need to be honest about what you want out of this case when interviewing lawyers. Some people will only want compensation for their medical bills or perhaps vehicle repairs. Others might want to punish the other drivers involved in the accident. It is important, to be honest about what you are looking for so that your attorney can properly represent you. This is also important because some attorneys might charge you a flat rate, whereas others will take your case for a percentage of the settlement or court award. 

Ask About Fees Upfront

You might be thinking about hiring an attorney on a contingency fee basis, but you should know that most attorneys charge hourly rates regardless of whether or not they take your case. You can usually find information regarding their fees right on their website, so make sure you take the time to read those details before signing any contracts. If they cannot give you a price quote upfront and rather wish to review your case first, then this should be a huge warning sign that you could be dealing with incompetent attorneys.

You should call several attorneys until you find one that answers all of your questions directly without dodging or misinterpreting anything that you ask during an initial consultation. If possible, try calling several different law firms until you figure out which one is the best fit. You will need to find someone that you can trust and who understands the specifics of what you are dealing with.

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