Some service may be performed by your truck dealer if you have manufacturer's or used truck warranty. If you get service without warranty you will pay fewer prices if you select some independently owned shop.
In such shop you usually develop a personal relationship with the owner and mechanics which helps you speed up repair and get better quality, and reduce idle time.
During the regular maintenance minor problems can be found earlier and major problems can be prevented. The excellent condition of your truck will allow you run a safe and profitable business.
Daily inspection must be a part of your maintenance program. You should check your truck inside and outside. Here is a plan of daily inspection for you:
• Overview of the entire vehicle
• Check fluid levels, fluid leaks, belts, battery, wiring, and compressor.
• Inside the cab-start the engine, check gauges and controls, check the windshield and function of wipers and washer, windows and mirrors, emergency equipment, test air brake, check steering, the log book.
• Check lights-high and low beams, four-way flashers.
• Walk around-check tires, wheels, turn signals, couplings, fifth wheel, landing gear, brakes, axles, sliders, spare tire, fuel tanks, exhaust system, cargo securement, suspension.
• Perform brake check.
• Check signal lights.
Your truck condition is controlled by federal law, which requires completion of an inspection report after each day. This report must be signed by the mechanic performing the repairs to certify the truck was repaired. This report has a list of items to check after each working day.
Your truck can be legally stopped by road inspector of the Department of Transportation at any place along a roadside, at a rest area, a scale, or at a port of entry station. This officer can declare the truck "out of service" if it fails the inspection: this means you are not allowed to drive your truck until repairs are made and a re-inspection takes place. After inspection you receive a sticker that is valid for three months.
So, we defined that you should daily check your vehicle. But also it is required to perform regular service check of your truck. The mechanics will replace parts before they wear out or fail.
Weather conditions require specific preventive maintenance. Hot weather usually requires check of the condition of coolant hoses and the tightness of the water pump and fan belts regularly. In cold weather - the antifreeze level, and the heaters and defrosters.
Finding a good semi truck can often be difficult particularly if you have no idea what you are looking for. The greatest aspect of being a trucker is owning your own truck. If you are planning to purchase a used truck then you should know a few things that can help you to decide which manufacturer may be more suited for your individual needs as a trucker. Kenworth trucks are of course on the list of most popularly chosen from truckers across the nation. Kenworth produces trucks that suit every budget and preference.
For those who are considering a Kenworth truck there are some buying tips to help you to find and choose the perfect used truck. If you are planning to purchase a new truck you can also keep these tips in mind although new trucks are typically under warranty from the manufacturer so you may not run into any aspects that you need to be aware of. Kenworth trucks whether new or used are among the most desired choices for truckers.
Those looking to save money by purchasing used trucks should ensure that the truck has been previously taken good care of. If the appearance is in good shape such as the interior then you can basically assume that the previous owner loved his Kenworth truck and went to all lengths to ensure that she was running smoothly and well maintained. Be sure to examine brakes, tires and the suspension system. If you are purchasing your truck via an online distributor you can contact the seller and inquire about these items. Even those trucks that may have high mileage are not necessarily over the hill. If the truck has been well maintained and the transmission and rear end are both in good shape then the high mileage should not pose a problem.
Many will choose a used Kenworth truck over another manufacturer's newer model simply because the name Kenworth has established a good reputation among truckers. Having your preference in the model of truck that you drive does not make you picky it simply states to the world that you know what you want. If owning a Kenworth is a long time dream then you can find used and new trucks from this manufacturer online. Many repo auctions can be found where you can purchase your Kenworth for much less than you may have imagined.
