Maintenance Question

Would like to hear from some of you experienced drivers and some who are going through company training. My question is this, since you as the driver are responsible to make sure on a daily basis that the truck is in a safe mechanical condition are you required to perform such things as adjusting the brakes, replacing light bulbs in other words what do companies require or expect you to do other than adding oil coolant fluids and such. Not referring to O/O, just company drivers. I have heard alot of different advice and opinions on this.

If its something small go ahead and do it yourself. I replace my light bulbs, refill my fluids, change my wiper blades. They don't expect you to do it, they won't flat out say "do it yourself". If you stopped by the shop and asked them to replace your headlight bulb or wiper blades they would gladly do it for you. But it saves time when you do it yourself.

A lightbulb is very easy to figure out how to replace. You could get a ticket if a light is out. So why risk a ticket that the company won't pay? Replace it yourself and you won't have to worry about a ticket and a fine.

The brakes are self adjusting. So you don't really have to use nuts and bolts to fix them.

If its something like an air leak or something malfunctioning then its better to put it in the shop and let the experts fix it. Companies don't want you doing anything major with their equipment. So expect to do the small tasks, but if its anything that needs a wrench I take it into the shop.

You're supposed to inspect your equipment and report any defects. You're not expected to be a mechanic.

Daniel nailed it. It really comes down to saving yourself a little time by doing the really minor things yourself. The company will reimburse you for any money you have to spend on parts but they won't pay you to do the work. It's worth it though because otherwise you're sitting in a shop wasting time and not making anything.

But trucks nowadays are a lot more complex than they used to be and most of the trucks at major companies are under warranty. So they certainly don't want you getting in over your head with a big job or messing up their warranties. So the work you'll do yourself will indeed be very limited in scope. Basically if you can't fix it using a $30 tool set while holding a cheeseburger in one hand then let a mechanic do it.