Month: July 2018

When you’re about to head out with a load and your semi truck won’t start, the last thing you want to deal with is a major delay. Fortunately, there is a good chance you’ll find what is wrong and get on the road fast with a little bit of troubleshooting. Get your truck back to roadworthy conditions with these steps.

Check Your Cables and Sensors

Semi trucks are a maze of cables and sensors that you learn about during truck driver training. All it takes is a cable to shake loose or a sensor to go out for your truck not to start. Double-check these components to make sure nothing is out of place. If you spot an issue, reconnect or restore the problem part, and your truck should be ready to go. Don’t forget to pay close attention to your battery connection.

Look into Your Ignition Lock

Many drivers use ignition locks to protect both their semis and the valuable goods inside of them. However, if you fail to disengage the lock properly, it could end up preventing you from driving away. If your truck won’t start, make sure all of the security equipment is properly disengaged, so you can get on the road.

Wait for Your Glow Plugs

Many diesel trucks have glow plugs that have to be warm for the truck to run. Glow plugs generally heat very quickly—usually without you even being aware that it is happening—but sometimes the process can take longer. This is especially true of your truck has been parked somewhere cold. Even if the temps are cold, your glow plugs should warm up in about 30 seconds. Keep cranking for 30 seconds or so, and if the truck suddenly comes to life, your glow plugs were likely just taking some to get warm.

 

At Yuma Truck Driving School, we give you all of the tools you need for a career as a driver, from learning to troubleshoot your truck to building your skills at different types of driving. Find out how to enroll by calling (888) 647-3239.

Earning your CDL is the first step toward an exciting career as a truck driver. Operating a truck is an enormous responsibility, and drivers are held to a high standard. As such, there are a number of reasons that your CDL could be disqualified, either temporarily or permanently. Avoid these scenarios to protect your career as a truck driver.

DUI

In Arizona, there is zero tolerance for operating a truck under the influence of alcohol. Operating a truck is consent for a blood alcohol concentration, or BAC, test, and if your BAC is .04% or higher, you could lose your CDL for one year for a first offense or for life for your second offense. You will also lose your license if you refuse an alcohol test. You can also lose your CDL is you are involved in a DUI in your personal vehicle. If your personal license is disqualified, your CDL will be as well.

Leaving the Scene of an Accident

Accidents involving semi trucks are often serious. If you leave the scene, even if the accident was not your fault, your license may be suspended for a year. After a second incident, you can lose your CDL for life. If an accident is determined to be your fault, your license may also be disqualified. You can lose your license for a year if a fatality occurred in the accident and for 60 to 120 days if you committed a serious traffic violation, such as changing lanes erratically or speeding.

Failing to Submit to Medical Testing

To keep roads safe, the Department of Transportation requires periodic medical certifications. If you don’t undergo medical testing that is required and provide documentation of your test results, your license can be disqualified. It may also be disqualified if you fail to meet to medical standards set by the DOT.

Let Yuma Truck Driving School equip you with the skills you need to start your career as a truck driver. Learn more about our CDL training, job placement assistance, and paid externships by calling (888) 647-3239.