Driving on improperly inflated, worn out or damaged tires is dangerous and against Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration regulations. The good news is potential tire-condition violations can be avoided.
Your next loading dock is 45 minutes away. With a quick glance at the dashboard, you notice the fuel level is low, and the tire inflation light is on. Should you pull over to fuel up and check out the problem or is it safe to continue driving? While some dashboard lights and instruments indicate emergency situations, others notify the driver of issues that could be concerning if they aren’t serviced soon.
While some breakdowns may be unavoidable, you might be surprised at the number of equipment issues that could be prevented with the right information about your fleet. But how do you get that info?
Since 1998, more than 3.4 million truck brakes have been inspected as a result of the Commercial Vehicle Safety Alliance’s (CVSA) Operation Airbrake Program. Each year, this program hosts Brake Safety Days across the United States, Canada and Mexico to ensure commercial vehicle brake systems are in proper working condition. The next event is coming up on September 7.
Which electrical component is the primary power source for a vehicle when it’s running?
Did you know it usually takes the length of two football fields for a semi-truck traveling at 65 mph to stop moving when brakes are operating normally? Because big rigs have longer stopping distances, it’s important to understand the different types of brakes, how they function, and how to maintain them so you can drive and stop safely. Commercial vehicles have air brake systems that are equipped with drum or disc brakes (or both) — the information below can help you understand each type.
Like with any car or passenger truck, heavy-duty vehicle components simply last longer with routine care. Failing to maintain equipment could result in the immediate need for repairs or replacements — costs many fleets aren’t prepared for on short notice. A preventive maintenance (PM) program can be budgeted throughout the year in small, regular installments, and help you avoid paying for repairs at unscheduled times.