At J & M Trailer Repair, we’re pleased to provide semi truck roadside assistance in Florida to drivers of commercial vehicles in need of aid on the highway. Here are some of the most frequently asked questions we receive from truckers about these services and about how they can stay safe on the roads.
Q: How can I avoid rollovers?
Rollovers are among the most common types of semi truck accidents. While poor driving conditions certainly play a role in their occurrence, there are many circumstances in which rollovers can be prevented. Make sure you properly load your vehicles, avoiding overloading or uneven loading. Inspect your truck before every trip, stick to the marked speed limits (and slow down when weather calls for it) and make sure you know how your truck handles, even if it’s not one you normally drive.
Q: What’s the best way to avoid jackknifing?
Jackknifing occurs when your trailer skids, causing your entire rig to push forward before it turns. It is often a result of under-loading your trailer, so make sure you’re not towing loads that are too light—your brakes are designed for heavier loads. You should also avoid slamming on the brakes—ease them down instead. Avoid driving behaviors such as braking and swerving or skidding, and make sure to keep up with general maintenance, including brake repair, tire replacement and suspension maintenance.
Q: What should I include in my vehicle’s emergency kit?
You’re going to want to have an emergency kit stored in your vehicle in case you’re stranded on the side of the road and need to seek roadside assistance. Some examples of items you should have in this kit include a gallon of water, enough food to last you a couple days (non-perishable, of course), a charger for your cell phone, your credit card, a multitool, a change of clothes, an atlas, sunscreen, a first aid kit, a slip with your emergency contact information and a thermal blanket.
Q: What will a roadside assistance service do for me?
Most people tend to think about standard passenger vehicles when they think about roadside assistance services, but these services are also capable of helping truckers. A commercial roadside assistance service will assist you if you experience any of the following: a lockout, breakdown, flat tire, dead battery, empty gas tank or accident. These services are available to you whether you’re on a city street or a rural highway—all you need to do is place a call.
Q: Do all semis have APUs?
Auxiliary power units are a type of engine that has its own cooling system, generator, heating system, alternator system and air conditioning compressor. The most common type of APU for commercial vehicles is a small diesel engine, and they are quite common technologies. However, you won’t necessarily find them in every semi, so plan accordingly.
Looking for more information about semi truck roadside assistance in Florida? Contact J & M Trailer Repair today and we’ll be happy to answer your questions.