Newb's please read.

Problem is alot of people in my generation (i'm 26 btw) have this attitude like I'm not going to do this or that and have a sense of entitlement. They always had their dad fix their car and they expect the same out of trucking. I think some would do good to have to pay out of pocket for these service calls. Might fix some of that

 

How do you lock your keys in a peterbilt?

 

Was wondering that also. Every Pete I drove, you had to use the key to lock the door. You could not just pop the lock and shut the door as it would unlock when the door was shut. You had to shut the door and insert the key and lock it.

 

Great topic and discussion!! I learned at an early age that you need to be prepared to perform minor repairs. I remember admiring a friend on a winter trip to Yosemite National Park. He had a few feet of bare wire in his toolbox that came in handy in wiring together loose tire chain ends that were hitting inside his car's wheel well. My toolbox was not as well equipped at that time - but I'm now much more prepared for unforeseen circumstances. When you are prepared and willing to perform minor repairs you are much less dependent on others.

 

They should offer courses like Swift does and Im sure other companies do as well. Its 2-4 hours I forget which, they tell people how to fix airline leaks, change bulbs, fix fuel leaks, etc and GIVE you 2 tool boxes, one filled with tools, and the other filled with lights and other things you might need.

They also give you some air hoses and fittings so you can fill your own tires if you have a slow leak and need to get to a shop.

Alot of the big companies offer these classes, sad how many people dont take advantage. Im very mechanically inclined and I learned a few things. Did you know you can temporarily fix a leaking fuel tank with a styrofoam cup or a bar of soap?!! I didnt. Or you can fix a leaking air hose with a pen cap and some duct tape.

 

im a mechanic i went to school for it and the biggest thing i learned was "duck tape fixes all" lol

if you find yourself in a pinch most of the time you can find a way to get off the road and into a shop with duck tape at your side

 

I know of 1 company that won't allow the driver to add coolant. He/she has to go thru road service for that. Thats Gordon Trucking out of Pacific,Wa. Most companies let the driver carry a couple of gallons of coolant and don't mind if the driver does minor repairs like change a light they can reach or change a wiper.

 

I had to wait at a truck stop for 12 hrs yesterday waiting on a refuse truck to come and empty my trash bin.

 

checking coolant levels are part of the pretrip. One would assume that filling it when it is low would be as well

 

I have no idea. I just know he did it and I was being mean and wouldn't help. I've never driven a peterbilt. I have my company issued international I've named Thelma. And an extra key in my pocket.