Vital Tips For The Best Mountain Truck Driving Experience By The Big USA Trucking Companies
Driving on the mountain is something every truck driver undergoes predominantly. But riding there isn’t that easy. You might endure unexpected patches of heavy rocks and terrains on the way.
For a safe mountain driving, follow these vital tips (recommended by Oklahoma-based trucking companies). But before heading further, check your engine’s brake and fuel level. Also, we recommend taking a first aid kit along with you on the journey.
- Don’t Be Overconfident
The first and the most vital tip (also the most underrated) is not to be overconfident. You are acquainted with the route, but that shouldn’t reflect your confidence level. See the grade signs on the way to have an obstacle-free experience.
- Ensure Not To Lose Your Traction
This can happen many times, both uphill and downhill. If you are confronting this issue, follow these steps:
- Don’t let your engine overheat. Have an eye on the temperature gauge. If it’s above the permissible temperature, turn on the engine fan or stop it right there.
- Incase the road is slippery, throw the extra tires down and use all of them to pull up the hill.
- Don’t accelerate the truck too much. Also, don’t decelerate even. Keep the engine in the permitted RPM range.
- Stay Update With The Weather
Another crucial tip every truck driver should adhere to. Mountain weathers are often unpredictable. So, better to check the weather forecasts well in advance; at least a day before. If the weather isn’t feasible, check for an alternative route and follow that.
- Avoid Tailgating
Sometimes, during extreme traffic, truck drivers often maintain a closer distance from the adjacent vehicle- tailgating. In hilly conditions, we highly recommend avoiding that. The reason is the fewer chances to control your vehicle on this path. Give yourself plenty of space with the side vehicle; preferably 5 meters. It’s a good idea to completely decelerate your truck at the corners.
- Use ‘Descend Mode’ In Good Traction Conditions
If you are driving the latest truck (used by the big trucking companies In the USA) with the AMT (automated manual transmission), use the ‘Descend Mode’ feature regularly. To do so,
Manually shift the Jake brake to an active level, then set the cruise control to the desired descent speed. This descent mode will use your engine braking to keep the truck within the permissible speed range. However, please note not to use it on wet paths.
- Use Light Brake Pressures In The Opposite Case
Go slowly within 25kmph, and better not to use the ‘cruise control’ feature here. Instead, rely on the light braking pressure (intermediate braking) to the bottom of the hill. The best thing about this; it will also keep your engine cool (as discussed in our 2nd tip).
- Install Chains On Your Truck’s Tyres
Tie a chain on your truck’s tires on snowy roads and climbing. You should do well in advance. It ensures a firm grip on the road boosting its traction control.
- If Possible, Use Runway Lanes
Runway lanes are steep roads dedicated especially to heavy vehicles. The plus point is you won’t find traffic there and can navigate easily to your designated routes. Last but never least, always wear a seatbelt.
Final Thoughts!
We hope the post is fascinating and practical. These vital tips will surely help in hazardous mountain conditions.
But if you are an aspiring truck driver, you need a reputed trucking company to uplift your career path; by giving it a new success definition.
Stevens Trucking will certainly help! We are among the best trucking company to start your lucrative truck driver’s career. There are reasons to justify this! To know further, visit stevenstrucking.com right now. To apply, follow this link:
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