5 Fall Truck Maintenance Tips from Lee-Smith

Happy fall, y’all! The changing of seasons means we will finally get some relief after what NASA says was the hottest summer on record. Now that the temperatures are beginning to fall along with the leaves, it’s time to focus on fall maintenance and preparing your semi-truck for the busy holiday season that lies ahead. Our team of experts at Lee-Smith has crafted a list of tips to help you keep your fleet operating in prime condition during these cooler months. Keep reading to learn more, and please share this vital information with your fellow truck drivers. 

Check Your Headlights

One of the only downsides of fall is that we lose daylight hours. Less sunlight means more headlight use. Check to make sure your head and tail lights are working. Signs of malfunctioning headlights include dimming and flickering. We carry LED and Halogen bulb replacements in our Lee-Smith Parts Department. LED lights are brighter and more cost-effective, but they can blind other drivers on the road. Halogen lights are easier on the eyes of other drivers. The debate between LED and Halogen will require you to consider whether you prefer only head-on views (LED) or complete side-to-side views (Halogen). Don’t let headlight issues go unresolved as you could end up in trouble with the law.

Fallen Leaves Ahead

In the South, we are privileged to have some of the most gorgeous trees in the fall. As these trees shed their leaves, however, they create dangerous situations for drivers. Piled-up leaves can make roadways slick when wet. They can also cover potholes and hazards in the road. We suggest treating leaf-covered roadways like ice. Drive slow and leave plenty of space between your truck and other motorists. Remember that jumping in leaf piles is one of the highlights of childhood. Kids could be playing around in leaves near the road, so please use extra caution. 

Prep Your Tires

Lower temperatures outside make lower tire pressure a seasonal concern. Underinflated tires can lead to expensive repair bills over time. Plus, it can lower your fuel economy making trips to the pump more frequent. Follow the truck manufacturer’s guidance for psi levels. With winter already arriving in some parts of the country, it’s not a bad idea to go ahead and pull those tire chains back out as well. Many states require chains. In Colorado, for example, chains are required between September 1st and May 31st. For more information on chain laws by state, click here. 

Foggy Mornings Ahead

Nothing says fall like fog. The National Weather Service wants to remind drivers to take extra precautions in foggy conditions. Start by slowing down and creating extra space between your truck and any other vehicles around you. Turn on your low-beam headlights instead of your high-beam lights. Brighter lights make it harder to see. If you cannot see where you are going, then it’s time to pull off to a safe place. We know not every driver can pull over in a parking lot. For those who must stop on the interstate, turn on your hazards and set your emergency brake. To avoid being rear-ended, turn off your tail lights by removing your foot from the brake. 

Oh…Deer

Seeing a deer out in the woods is one thing. Having a deer run in front of your truck is another. Over 1.5 million accidents involving deer occur annually according to the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety. An uptick in deer-related crashes is seen regularly during the fall hunting season. Deer are also migrating and breeding this time of year, so they are out and about. Rural roads with a speed limit of 55 mph or higher are likely areas for deer-related collisions. To protect yourself and other drivers, scan the sides of the roadway every 6 to 8 seconds to look for any deer that may bolt into traffic. Deer are unpredictable, so stay vigilant when driving in areas where they tend to congregate.

One Last Word

Drivers, safety is always our number one goal in every season. Please take these fall maintenance and safety tips to heart and do all you can to make sure that you get to and from your destination safely. Remember that our team of experts is here to serve you no matter the season. To contact us, visit our website or call 423-622-4161.