TIPS FOR STARTING A BIG RIG

615914

{"text":"Starting a big rig truck and the steps to take before driving off, aren’t as simple or as fast as starting a car. It takes some time to warm up the diesel engine and to check to make sure all is in order before hitting the road.\r\n\r\nAs a professional driver, it’s important to do it right. If the proper steps aren’t followed, the trucker could cause harm to the engine or drive train of the truck, or endanger himself or others.\r\n\r\nSTARTING A BIG RIG\r\n\r\n-Depress the clutch\r\n-Grab the gear shift and make sure it’s in neutral position\r\n-With the clutch depressed, start the truck.\r\n-Then slowly ease off the clutch (to be sure the truck isn’t going to take off!)\r\n-Check the oil pressure gauge to be sure there’s sufficient oil pressure (eg. about 60+ on a cold start)\r\n-Check to be sure there’s no warning lights or buzzers indicating problems with the truck\r\n-Let the motor idle to warm up. Don’t rev up the engine(Let it run for at least 10 minutes)\r\n-Make sure the brakes are set ( Pull out the brake buttons)\r\n\r\nIN THE TRUCK\r\n-Go to the bunk and make sure everything is secure, so nothing flies forward when driving\r\n-Be sure all walk areas in the sleeper berth and cab area are clutter free and clear.\r\n-Air pressure should be at 120\r\n-Now engage air to the trailer, by pushing in the RED button on the dash (TRAILER)\r\n-Watch the air pressure gauge to be sure the air pressure doesn’t drop below 100lb. If it does, you’ve got a problem that needs immediate attention.\r\n-Wait until the air pressure builds back up to 120 lb.\r\n-Get out of the truck and listen for any air leaks\r\n-Check to make sure trailer air bags have inflated\r\n-Check all lights to be sure they are operating properly.\r\n\r\nFollow the steps to starting a big rig every time you depart on a trip or leave the yard. Professional truck drivers know that it’s just the smart, safe thing to do.\r\n","pics":"[{\"description\":\"\",\"height\":640.0,\"name\":\"980/android_1550670801238.jpg\",\"url\":\"\",\"width\":960.0}]","canComment":true}

737182

{"replyTo":"","text":"my truck doesn't have a clutch.  does that mean I'm not a real trucker?  also, my truck won't idle for more than 5 minutes when the temperature is between 20-70 degrees, so my engine won't get sufficiently warm.","replyToPid":0}

96080

{"replyTo":"","text":"I have MPH taken away for punishment, if idle too long.","replyToPid":0}