Nothing beats driving on the open road. You can hear yourself think clearly when you’re making your way down that stretch of asphalt for miles at a time. It’s one of the benefits of the truck driving lifestyle.
But of course, all good things come at a price. And in this case, the price is your safety. Truckers are subject to a variety of risks while driving. So when accidents are a real possibility, it’s best to take any precautions and preventative measures when possible.
One way to lessen the risks of a severe accident is to maintain your big truck mirrors and keep them in pristine condition.
After all, your sight may be your most important sense while driving.
Make sure your field of vision is always clear as day by following these next few tips for clearer big truck mirrors.
Fix scratches and cracks as soon as they happen
Scratches are relatively easy to fix and in fact, you can keep the necessary tools right inside of your truck.
You will need:
- A clean towel, preferably one that’s lint free
- Glass cleaner
- Jeweler's rouge or any brand of whitening toothpaste if you’re in a pinch
Now for the steps.
- Clean your mirror
- Apply a small amount of the jeweler's rouge
- Use a buffer to smooth out the scratch until your mirror looks like new again!
Keep in mind that you can do this for all of your mirrors—the side and rearview mirrors. So the next time you notice a scratch obstructing your vision, take action. It's a simple enough process so you can get rid of it then and there, no matter where you are.
Truck replacement parts: Replace the mirror as soon as possible
Let’s say you’ve encountered something that’s a bit more difficult to fix.
It happens to the best of us. Accidents happen and sometimes getting a bit too close to another vehicle or large object can knock your mirror clean off.
Big side truck mirrors and big truck parts are easily replaceable. The key though is to order the new part immediately. Putting it off can cause you more trouble down the line. Why wait, when your life could potentially be on the line?
Additional big truck mirrors
Sometimes your truck’s standard mirrors are not enough. In fact, some states require truck drivers to have one to two mirrors capable of reflecting 200 feet behind them. If you want to feel one hundred percent in control when on the road, install a blind spot mirror or any other additional mirrors that will help improve your field of vision.
Wrapping Up
The trucking lifestyle offers so much freedom, but your truck's maintenance is one responsibility you must adhere to no matter what. Monitor your wheels and engine regularly and try to check your mirrors on a daily basis.
By cleaning and repairing them often, you'll be taking your safety into consideration, as well as the other drivers on the road.
Reduce the risk of an accident by implementing these simple tips, so you can enjoy the open road safely and worry-free.