Three Tips To Help Truck Drivers Handle Vehicle Breakdowns

If you are a commercial driver, it is an unfortunate reality that you will likely experience mechanical problems with your vehicle one day while you are working. There are a few basic tips that you will need to keep in mind to help limit this risk as well as to ensure you are prepared to respond when your vehicle experiences malfunctions.

Appreciate The Importance Of Vehicle Maintenance

One of the most effective steps that you can take to minimize the risk of experiencing a vehicle breakdown is to ensure that your truck is properly serviced on a regular basis. Commercial vehicles often must haul extremely heavy loads, and they will have to travel great distances. These two factors will greatly increase the amount of wear and tear that the vehicle sustains. By having it serviced at least once every couple of months, you will be able to have minor issues repaired before they cause your vehicle to break down.

Keep The Contact Information For A Commercial Truck Towing Service In Your Cabin

When your vehicle does break down and needs a tow to a repair facility, it is an inconvenient reality that many tow truck services may not be able to help you. This is due to the unique challenges and demands that are required to tow a heavy commercial vehicle.

In situations where you are stranded on the side of the road, it may be extremely difficult for you to find the phone number to a tow truck service that can meet your needs. For drivers that make local deliveries, it is advisable to keep the contact information for a tow service in the cabin where you can easily find it. However, if you will be driving long distances, you may want to sign up for a commercial vehicle roadside assistance plan. These plans will allow you to contact the roadside assistance provider, and they will dispatch a tow truck to you. You will still be required to pay for the tow, but utilizing these services can greatly reduce the stress of trying to find a local tow service that can accommodate your large vehicle.

Have An Emergency Kit In The Truck At All Times

When you are driving during periods of intense heat or cold, it is important to be prepared for a breakdown. A tow truck may take several hours to reach you, and exposure to these elements could cause serious health problems. Therefore, you should make sure that your truck has blankets and ample amounts of water. Additionally, you may want to invest in a battery operated fan, as this can help you to stay comfortable if the air conditioning system in your truck is inoperable while you wait.

Contact a company like Michael's Towing & Recovery to learn more.


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