Mechanical Aptitude Test

Rank, I like your picture. Looks like your Pete is well taken care
of. I never ran one quite like that. I put a lot of miles on a mid-roof.
I think the flat-tops look better though.

 

Thanks. I just put it away for the winter today.

I'm only 5'-9".....I can stand up if I bend my neck some. I think people were shorter in 1986.

 

It's getting to the point where it may not matter. Some of these new trucks would require a full set of tools and the removal of a number of parts to check all the things you ought to be checking on a pretrip. They simply are not designed to be checked on or worked on by anyone other than a mechanic anywhere other than a proper shop. Too much plastic and heat shielding in the way, too much stuff crammed together too tightly.

 

Yes he did... Did not want to wake me up. He though he made the right decision, truck was still running right?! Why would I wake you up.

 

2011 western star 4900sa

 

Good point. I guess I usually end up driving older trucks that can still
be fixed. Company leased a new International several years ago. Couldn't
see the engine for all the shields and coolers on it.

Another pet peeve of mine is the bad habits some drivers have.
Like letting the engine over-rev rather than shifting up a gear. Revving
up the engine and riding the clutch to take off in 3rd gear. Using the
clutch brake to stop at the stop sign. When sitting in mud, on a jobsite,
they try to take off in second. The truck stalls, rolls back in the mud,
so they really rev it up, poor clutch is smoking.......Most trucks
do have a lower gear. Sometimes it needs to be used.

 

Can you really call it vacation if you're taking care of business?

 

My road/driver test starts with 2 questions.

1.) What does the Tractor Protection valve do ?
2.) What is the axle interlock for, & how do you use it?

I've found that to be an fairly accurate indication of...well, you know.

 

Don't forget it comes with a bachelors degree in broken fingers and a master's in colorful language arts.

 

Scenario: You're in your truck. You are now on Donners Pass which has some very steep down grades. As you make your way down, the brakes fade and then go away completely. Your speed begins to increase rapidly.
Test Question: What is the first thing you do?

Applicant: I'd wake up Bubba.

Test Proctor: Bubba? Who's Bubba?

Applicant: Bubba, my best buddy. He's in the sleeper.

Test Proctor: OK. Please explain why you'd wake up Bubba......

Applicant: I'd wake up Bubba because Bubba ain't never seen no accident like we fixin to have......