Long distance hauling in Quebec is no easy business. A great deal of logistical organization is required to ensure trucks depart and arrive in a timely manner. Intimate knowledge of regulations and safety requirements prevents any unnecessary hold-ups or problems during transportation. Skilled drivers are needed to get the job done correctly. And, another important aspect of long distance hauling in Quebec that many people may not immediately think of, is the proper truck maintenance required to keep operations running smoothly. Companies that value their customer’s needs know that trucks require special care to keep them on the road, and here is just a summary of all that is required to do just that:
Engine maintenance
Keeping a diesel engine in top shape is critical to ensuring a truck is fit for the road. As with any engine, certain components are more important to check routinely than others. Detailed records are kept on most quality trucks to know what maintenance has been done and when—this way future maintenance isn’t a guessing game. Some of the most commonly inspected parts are the glow plugs. Glow plugs allow for proper and immediate ignition, and since they operate in a very harsh environment, need to be routinely checked or replaced. The gaskets on the engine are also critical to proper operation, and therefore need to be inspected very often. Like all other types of engines, oil changes and consistent fluid checks are also necessary.
Brakes and tires
A clean running engine is of course crucial to long distance hauling in Quebec, but actually is worthless if other parts of the truck aren’t properly taken care of. One area of special concern to truckers is properly functioning brakes. Brakes of course are critical to driver safety, especially in adverse conditions. Also, the brakes on large trucks can face much more wear and tear than average vehicles, so routinely checking them is necessary to keep the trucks on the road and for overall highway safety.
Similarly tires ensure proper traction and driver comfort. We have all seen the occasional truck on the side of the road due to a blown tire. Sometimes an accident such as this is unavoidable, yet to reduce the overall risk of it, professional mechanics and knowledgeable drivers must pay special attention to the conditions of the truck’s tires. Failure to do so is dangerous and can cause unwanted delays in shipments.
Electrical systems
Less critical to safety, but almost equally important, are the complicated electronic systems running throughout a truck. The many sensors and electronic devices throughout the truck are critical to proper running and keeping the driver informed of many things. This could include sensors alerting the driver about the condition of the vehicle, mapping systems, communication devices, and many other things as well. Sometimes electronic malfunctions happen and little can be done about that, but part of routine maintenance should include physical inspection of all electronic devices and wiring.
This is only a brief sketch of all the work that goes into keeping a truck on the road. This part of the industry is maybe the least glamorous, but potentially the most important for safety and timeliness, so we can all thank great mechanics for that!