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There are few worse feelings for a driver than grinding to a halt on the roadside. But a bit of preparation, mental and physical, can make the experience less traumatic. Colin Barnett reports
Apologies if any of this falls under the heading of 'the bleeding obvious', but we've all overlooked the obvious on occasion, For starters, do your daily checks. Not only is it a legal requirement, but there is no better early warning system than a careful walk around your truck.Tyres and wheelnuts are the obvious objects of your attention, looking for damage, low tread (around the full circumference because the previous driver only needs to have made one emergency stop to produce flat spots) and low pressure.A full complement of working lights and correct number plates may be the difference between a hassle-free journey and one marred by a roadside pull from Vosa or the police.
While you are walking, have a good look for fluids underneath. Spotting the early signs of an oil or water leak could save much grief later in the day. Don't forget, though, that a large puddle of water beneath the cab could be from the air conditioning. Even if the rest of the truck is not spotless, a few minutes cleaning windows and mirrors, and checking the wipers and washer fluid, are a good investment.
Back-up plan
The most important things to know before you drive out of the yard are the phone numbers of whoever will rescue you when things go wrong. Maybe the transport office will sort things for you, or perhaps you will need to call the manufacturer or tyre company direct. If the plan is to call out a breakdown service direct, you will need to know the truck's VIN (chassis number) —or at least where to find it. It is also worth knowing how to identify a tyre size.
Given that the average truck handbook these days is the size of a hardback novel, you probably won't have time to read it, but at least ensure that it is on board.
One essential piece of kit that tends to be carefully hidden in modern trucks is the panel containing the fuses and relays. You might need to remove a trim panel or even the whole inside of the glovebox, but gaining access to it could make the difference between sleeping in your own bed tonight or not.
The days when it was worth carrying a selection of spares are long gone.The chances are that if you break down on the move, it will be because of an electronic failure, and only the technician's laptop will find it. However, you can help by noting any unusual error messages or warning lights on the dash.
Most breakdowns, though. are down to failure to start thanks to a flat battery, especially on lighter distribution trucks with smaller batteries. It is common sense, but leaving your headlamps on while you go round the back to operate the tail-lift is asking for trouble.
Own up to mistakes One thing every breakdown fitter will ask for is that you tell him the whole story. If you have done something silly, admit it at the beginning. It will be discovered eventually, and you will look even more stupid then. Owning up will also save your time.