Auto Maintenance: Benefits of Keeping the Car in Shape

Maintain Your Tractor Trailer With These 3 Tips

23 July 2015 by Brent Porter

A tractor trailer needs to get products from one place to another safely, and if you're operating a heavy duty vehicle like this, that may be your focus. However, you need to make sure that the trailer is able to be on the road safely so that you can do your job. Here are some maintenance tips for you to do so that your trailer continues to work well.

Check Your Tires

Your tires are extremely important to your tractor trailer. It is important that your tires contain the proper amount of air pressure. You don't want to have break down on the side of the road and delaying your trip. All of the tires on the trailer should indicate how much air they need, which is usually etched into the outside of the tire themselves.

While you're checking out the air pressure, make sure to look at your tires for any other signs of wear and tear. If your tires seem excessively run down in spite of having enough air, you might need to investigate for other issues. For example, watch and listen for signs that tires are vibrating or wobbling, which could men a problem with your alignment or suspension.

Prevent Corrosion in Winter

Corrosion can attack the electrical systems and metal parts of your tractor trailer, so it's important that you keep an eye out for any signs of rust or corrosion. This is especially important during the winter, when your trailer is exposed to de-icing salts, which can cause corrosion.

To avoid problems in the colder months, make sure to wash your tractor trailer regularly so you can wash away any de-icing chemicals. Of particular importance is to wash the undercarriage, which is closer to the ground and therefore has more exposure to these chemicals.

Check for Holes and Other Inside Problems

It is important to make sure that the trailer can run properly, but it's also a good idea to watch for any signs of a problem inside the cab and cargo space of your trailer. Particularly, look for holes in the roof and signs of leaking. Such problems can end up damaging cargo, so it's important to notice early signs so you can get repairs if necessary.

Use the tips above to make sure you keep your tractor trailer in good working condition. If you suspect a problem or need help assessing the condition of your trailer, enlist the help of a mechanic who specializes in heavy duty truck repair, so you can be confident that you'll be safe on the road.

For professional help in this area, contact a company such as King George Truck & Tire Center.

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