How much mechanics should you know

I try and fix anything within reason. Headlight, brake light, and other minor problems to avoid having to deal with the terminal, or shop. If I need some kind of fluids, I do it. Better me doing it than spending hours calling the company, going to get it fixed, plus downtime. If it's something engine wise, it's on them.

 

I'm a company driver but personally I like to do little things like changing fuel filters, adding antifreeze and oil. I like working on my truck.

sent from DrtyDiesel

 

Lights, fuel filter. The rest is up to you. Don't be too ready to work on truck. You may regret it.

 

You may not want or need to do the repairs, but it is good to have enough mechanical knowledge to recognize a problem as it is approaching as opposed to getting stuck on the side of a highway, or worse broke down in a rough neighborhood!

Mikeeee

 

You should know enough mechanics to understand what service life is. How to plan for it. How to schedule it. And either do it yourself or know where to get it done ...

All before it becomes an unplanned cost by being a breakdown expense to the business.

 

As mentioned, if you're going company, at least have an understanding of what makes the truck work. How the air system works, the electrical, coolant, engine/transmission/rear-end. You don't need to know how to fix it, or even WHY it does what it does. Most problems can be relayed simply by being a good observer. Know what to look for.

That way if you do experience a problem you can at least point out what is causing the problem.

Also, as mentioned, doing a pre/post-trip is required, and you will be taught to know what to look for.

CR England did a pretty decent job teaching me from the get-go when I was still a rookie what to do.

PMS/CDL.

Properly Mounted and Secure / No Cuts, Damage, or Leakage.

Pretty simple. Nothing should be 'loose' on the truck. Especially if it's not supposed to be. Brackets, wiring harnesses, clips, clamps, etc. Secondly, check the hoses and wires for fraying, cracking, chaffing, etc. No dents, cracks, etc in anything else. Nothing leaking. Oil from the engine is a so/so thing, but power steering fluid and coolant shouldn't be leaking. Oil should be no more than 'a few drops'. If you can watch it drip/pour, it's leaking too fast. Your wheel seals will be a big thing. Only way to check them is to get under the truck with a flash light and look in around the axle and see if they're leaking oil.

If they really blew out all the way, you'll see oil gunked up all over your brakes (not legal). The brake and seal would need to be changed then.

For brakes, no cracks (there's the word again) on the shoes or drums that you can see.

And the last big thing you'll need to know how to inspect are the brake stroke/slack adjusters. Your company should teach you.

Brakes are the biggest cause of out-of-service issues. And they're honestly pretty simple to inspect if you take the time to do it. Slip-seating from one truck to the next is a big problem. But, if you're in the same truck every day, check out the brakes occasionally to make sure the slacks are working fine. Don't take a shop mechanic's opinion, understand and measure them yourself. You'll be the one with the mark against you if your brakes are bad in an inspection, or worse in an accident.

 

I gotta ask where the reg is for that? I thought it was the same thing and answered it that way on the "practice quiz" here on TTR the other night. And got the answer wrong. So I have been searching for the answer to that since then.

Because when I look at all of Subpart C on brakes. I can't find it.
http://www.fmcsa.dot.gov/rules-regulations/administration/fmcsr/FmcsrGuideDetails.aspx?menukey=393

This is the only information I can find.
http://www.fmcsa.dot.gov/rules-regulations/administration/fmcsr/Fmcsrruletext.aspx?contentid=3702

 

I like breaking down and rebuilding my trucks motor during resets, but that's just me. Seriously if you work for a mega you don't need to know squat, even less than squat if you're a woman because face it, they get catered to.

 

The bare minimum is the ability to identify problems. The sooner the better. Not everyone is mechanical minded. But it helps if one is. The truck won't run is a good clue.

AZS, I know a woman mechanic that is ASE certified that can run circles around most men. You better hope she don't see your post! I also know men that can't put a nut on a bolt.

 

Also,

If/when you get pulled in for an inspection, answering the first few questions knowledgeably will give the officer the feeling that you know your stuff and therefore might be more likely to be doing proper, thorough, inspections.

Mikeeee