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How much knowledge must i know about mechanics?

Discussion in 'Questions From New Drivers' started by Julian from San Francisco, Jul 17, 2011.

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  1. Jul 17, 2011 #1
    Julian from San Francisco

    Julian from San Francisco Bobtail Member

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    I read stuff about testing your brakes, etc... How much knowledge do you have to know about the trucks condition?
     
    Julian from San Francisco, Jul 17, 2011
    Julian from San Francisco, Jul 17, 2011
    #1
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  3. Jul 17, 2011 #2
    BigJohn54

    BigJohn54 Gone, but NEVER forgotten

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    Most of what you must know you will be taught in driving school. You have to know how everything works and whether it is working correctly. You have to understand when something is broken or bent. This will come into play on pre-trip and post-trip inspections. If something is not working it needs to be written up and if it is a safety violation then the vehicle should not be operated.

    You need to be able to change bulbs and glad hand seals. Much will be learned through experience and trial and error. You are responsible for the condition of the vehicle you operate so you need to understand it.
     
    BigJohn54, Jul 17, 2011
    BigJohn54, Jul 17, 2011
    #2
  4. Jul 17, 2011 #3
    walstib

    walstib Darkstar

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    I have always considered myself mechanically challenged but have learned quite a bit since driving...
     
    walstib, Jul 17, 2011
    walstib, Jul 17, 2011
    #3
  5. Jul 17, 2011 #4
    rjones56

    rjones56 Heavy Load Member

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    You are right-they need to know.The life you save may be your own.If you don`t know you will have an equally clueless dispatcher goad you into doing something that may get someone killed.
     
    rjones56, Jul 17, 2011
    rjones56, Jul 17, 2011
    #4
  7. Jul 17, 2011 #5
    Allow Me.

    Allow Me. Trucker Forum STAFF Staff Member

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    You really should be mechanically inclined.
     
    Allow Me., Jul 17, 2011
    Allow Me., Jul 17, 2011
    #5
  8. Jul 18, 2011 #6
    okiedokie

    okiedokie Road Train Member

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    Get to know your truck.......you will be spending a lot of time with her. You will talk to her and sleep with her. Cuss her and kick her. Some days you will ask yourself why did I ever leave home with her and other days life is good. It's a partnership. Take care of her and she'll take care of you.
     
    okiedokie, Jul 18, 2011
    okiedokie, Jul 18, 2011
    #6
    BigJohn54 Thanks this.
  9. Jul 19, 2011 #7
    Jarhed1964

    Jarhed1964 Road Train Member

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    Lupe?


    :biggrin_2554:
     
    Jarhed1964, Jul 19, 2011
    Jarhed1964, Jul 19, 2011
    #7
    papa1953, 123456 and trucker_101 Thank this.
  10. Jul 19, 2011 #8
    GasHauler

    GasHauler Master FMCSA Interpreter

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    The more you drive the more you learn and it never stops. You'll gain knowledge as you experience the problems. Say for example when your mirrors are shaking so much you have a hard time seeing out of them. Most of the time that will be a drive shaft and you can catch it before it explodes. At least it will be something that is not normal and you start by checking the tractor over. You don't wait. When you smell oil burning that might be the seal on the turbo giving out. You catch that before you have a fire. Little things like these can save you alot of time and damage if caught before they totally go out. You drive with all your senses, feel, smell, and sight.
     
    GasHauler, Jul 19, 2011
    GasHauler, Jul 19, 2011
    #8
    BigJohn54 Thanks this.
  11. Jul 19, 2011 #9
    GasHauler

    GasHauler Master FMCSA Interpreter

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    Plus hearing as a sense, sorry.
     
    GasHauler, Jul 19, 2011
    GasHauler, Jul 19, 2011
    #9
  12. Jul 19, 2011 #10
    otherhalftw

    otherhalftw R.I.P.

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    So....."righty tighty, lefty loosey"....wouldn't be enough?


    Man....I'm screwed!
     
    otherhalftw, Jul 19, 2011
    otherhalftw, Jul 19, 2011
    #10
    BigJohn54 Thanks this.
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