Truck Mirrors – What to Know Before You Buy

Truck Mirrors - What to Know Before You Buy
Truck Mirrors – What to Know Before You Buy

Unlike small and easily maneuverable yard trucks, your large and powerful rig requires careful care in operation to keep fellow travelers in smaller highway vehicles safe. Your mirrors are an essential feature in helping you accomplish this, granting you a greater vantage point of the things surrounding you. But as with many products, not all things are created equal.

‘If You Can’t See My Mirrors, I Can’t See You’

Anyone traveling America’s highways knows this phrase. This simple sticker says it all, alerting passenger vehicle drivers that it’s a crucial responsibility to stay in sight of trucker’s mirrors. It’s just as crucial for you, as a truck driver, to carefully choose and maintain these mirrors that are so essential to protecting yourself and fellow motorists.

Truck Mirrors Broken? Avoid these Purchasing Pitfalls:

Be Wary of Non-OEM Replacement Mirrors
Avoid bargain basement stick-on mirrors and the like. If your factory truck mirrors have broken, obtaining an exact replacement from the manufacturer is best. Your truck’s mirrors are precisely sized and curved to allow for the best visual range for its specific size and features. However, that’s not to say there aren’t any good aftermarket replacements, because some of them offer additional features that improve safety.

Upgrade to Heated Mirrors if Driving in Cold Climates
Heated mirrors are a great investment for those driving in areas that commonly experience frost, snow, and ice, ensuring a clear mirror in these already dangerous conditions.

Consider Additional Mirrors to Expand Your View
Installing additional mirrors on the cab of your truck can help you eliminate blind spots and increase your viewing range.

Get a good look at true trucking business efficiency. Learn more about yard trucks from DJ Products today.

Some Truck Stops Stand Out Above Others – What to Consider

Some Truck Stops Stand Out Above Others - What to Consider
Some Truck Stops Stand Out Above Others – What to Consider

To put an end to the monotonous ‘meh’ feel of truck stops, many centers have lately been striving to up the ante by offering added comforts and conveniences and boasting bright, shiny exteriors to lure you in and gain your business. There’s now a plethora of places for you to pick for a bit of respite on the road. Almost too many.

Tips for Choosing Truck Stops that are Worth Your Time:

Plan Your Stops for Easier Access to Added Services

Terminal tractors can go forever… but you can’t. Preparations for your journey should include your need for food, leg stretches, bathroom breaks, sleep, etc. You should PLAN your stops versus an on-the-fly haul, so you can take advantage of the services of specific truck stop locations. With the influx of freight shipping and drivers, truck stops are offering quite a bit more than they used to. What would you like to do on your trip?

-Laundry?

-Shower?

-Relax and watch TV?

-Address dental or medical needs?

-Renew DOT certifications?

Look for Superior Parking Facilities

Gas and food are a given, but a great parking setup with wide spaces and great lighting are signs of a quality truck stop.

Major Chains May Offer Bigger Advantages

While there are some great independently-owned truck stops, as a general rule major chains tend to offer more services. Major chains also tend to sport cleaner bathrooms, better food, and more reasonably priced gas than independently-owned stops, due to their increased purchasing power and corporate connections.

Hostler dead on his feet? Ensure the help you need, increasing efficiency and lightening the workload with the help of terminal tractors from DJ Products today.