Long haul drives are definitely no walk in the part. Like any other trip or long drive, long haul drives for semi trucks require proper planning and some research beforehand to ensure a safe and hassle-free travel. So, if you’re feeling worried about going on your first long haul drive, don’t worry, we get it. Here at WTX Truck Repair, LLC we understand that worry more than anyone. After all, we are a truck repair service provider in Dallas, Texas and we’ve met our fair share of truck drivers that needed roadside assistance in the early hours of the morning.
The good news is that you can do something to keep the nervousness at bay. You can actually prepare in advance before you start travelling. By doing thorough long haul trucking maintenance, you’re making sure you’ve done your due diligence to protect your safety and the safety of the cargo you’re carrying with you.
Here’s a short maintenance checklist for trucks of how you can prepare for long-haul drives on your truck for your peace of mind and overall safety.
Plan for Your Drive in Advance
Any experienced trucker knows that planning ahead and preparing for extended hours is crucial for survival in the truck-driving industry. Before accepting a load, you should first find out the distance of the trip as well as the expected delivery date. Also check out the weather of the areas you’ll pass on your route so you can prepare for any delays brought about by weather disturbances. Calculate the time you’re going to spend on driving, eating, and sleeping. To be safe, always add in a few hours as leeway to make sure you’ll still arrive at your destination on time despite any delays you may not have prepared for. Planning ahead is essential. Not only will it help your trip go smoothly but planning ahead can also help decrease your stress levels.
Check Your Semi Truck Maintenance Checklist for Long Haul Drives
Before setting out on a long-haul drive, check all of your equipment to make sure they’re all working properly. Long drive trucking maintenance significantly reduces your chances of experiencing a sudden vehicular malfunction.
Checking your truck’s condition before driving out helps make your long-distance drive successful and stress-free. It will also help you catch potential problems before they worsen and cause accidents. Aside from checking to see that all of your truck’s parts are in perfect health, you should also have with you a survival kit.
A survival kit can have any combination of the following:
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- First-aid kit
- A tool kit for emergency repairs
- Tire gauges, tire thumpers, tire plug kits, jumper cables, air hoses
- Extra fuel, replacement headlights
- A chain or thick towing rope
- Electric charger wire
- Flashlight
- Screwdrivers and wrenches of different sizes
- Bungee cords
- Pliers
- Hammer
Preparing and storing this kit before your drive ensures your safety on the road no matter the circumstances.
Have Emergency Contact Numbers Ready on Speed Dial
Lastly, you have to admit that it’s impossible to prepare for everything. After you’ve done your part in making sure your semi is in good condition and you have prepared all the necessary kits and tools for your safety, the only thing left to do is ensure you can call for help when you need it the most. Have emergency numbers of the areas you’ll be passing through on your route and have them on speed dial on your phone. You should also consider contacting trusted roadside service and repair shops nearby if the need ever arises.
However, if you still want a second opinion on the performance of your semi trucks before going on long haul drives, you can always reach out to us here at WTX Truck Repair, LLC. We offer various truck maintenance and truck repair services to ensure the health of your fleet before every drive.
NEED HELP WEATHERPROOFING YOUR TRUCK?
At WTX Truck Repair, LCC, we provide quality truck maintenance in Dallas, TX. You can rely on our team to provide expert service and fast repairs. We are experienced with most makes and models of trucks, having worked on them all, so you can rest assured that we know what we’re doing. Whether you need preventive maintenance or serious repairs, our experts will restore your vehicle’s original charm. We have the tools and the expertise to accurately diagnose all mechanical problems. Our goal is to make sure your vehicle rides like new by identifying and implementing the right repair solutions.We are a veteran owned and operated truck repair company straight out of Texas, offering 24 hour roadside service and repair. We service trucks, trailers, reefers, buses, and heavy equipment. Trust that our mechanics can get you back on the road as safely and as quickly as possible when you avail of our services. For easy and trustworthy truck maintenance in Dallas, TX, contact WTX Truck Repair, LLC at (432) 444-3284 or get a direct quote from our website.
