DIY work?

Depends on the company, but I'll bet the answer is universally 'No.' That's why they hire mechanics. And if you're on your ten and you work on the vehicle, then, technically, you're on-duty. And . . . where the hell are you going to dump 41 quarts of oil? If you're a company driver you don't
determine oil-change intervals.

If something's wrong, you tell your company. Unless it's something like a light bulb, relax and let them take care of it.

 

At least you will be ahead of the "game" if ever deciding to be an owner-op..

 

Most company trucks are under warrenty if they are 3-4 years old.. They don't want some driver botching somthing up and causing a lot more problems than there was at first..

Sure a lot of drivers can do simple stuff like hang a mud flap, change a headlight, but when it comes to anything else.. they want a certified mechanic to adjust brakes, do oil changes, ect.

On todays trucks you need to many specialized tools and laptop computers with $1000 software to diagnose a trucks sensor problems.... plus a ton of tools.. You couldn't carry enough tools with you to do anything..

If you want to do somthing.. keep your truck clean, (most companies wont mind if you polish your aluminum) Leave the mechanical stuff to the company.

 

If you ever decide to try even minor repairs yourself do not tell your the company you hope to work for that you did it. Most big companies have a policy like this:
You Work On It, You're Fired!

 

Allowme has a very good point. If you are able to diagnose the problem that will save you a lot of time. Could make the difference between a tow truck or not too! If your on the side of the road and you know what part you need to fix the problem then that will definitely expedite the process. Road call will know what to bring with them. This is crucial if you are 200 miles from a shop!

Like the other posters said as far as everything else the companies are going to want their guys doing the fixing and maintenance. Most companies won't even send you to certain shops over the road. They have their own network of people out there that fix their stuff. Hell even if you are leasing, they want you to use their shops! On these big rigs they do oil analysis with every oil change just so that they can keep their warranties on these things. Other than that stuff it's good to keep bulbs, fluids, mud flaps, hoses, nuts and bolts and tools with you. Now the reefer is a different story. If that thing goes "kaput" then they want you to do whatever it takes to keep it running.

 

Maybe get a job in the shop? Or work for a small outfit, and maybe wrench on the weekends?