Lorry drivers are an integral part of the country’s economy, essential in maintaining the flow of goods and services across different regions. This profession is highly sought after as it has a good earning potential, job flexibility, requires few academic qualifications and gives one a sense of independence and chance to travel.
Before securing the job, potential employers will evaluate various criteria to assess your understanding of a lorry’s technical aspects. One key element is the preoperational check, which involves performing a detailed inspection to confirm that the lorry is in optimal working condition.
Here is how to conduct a preoperational check on a lorry to pass your interview:
1. Open The Cabin
Open the cabin and ensure that it has been been locked. Locking the cabin head when conducting an oil check is a precautionary measure and is important for several reasons: your safety by reducing the risk of the hood falling or closing on your hands or arms, to ensure stability by preventing any movement that could disrupt your inspection, damage prevention as it holds the cabin and its components in place and helps you maintain focus on the inspection without worrying about the cabin moving or closing unexpectedly.
2. Check Oil Levels
The next step is checking the oil level in the lorry to ensure the engine has adequate lubrication and to detect any potential issues.
Here is a step-by-step process on how to check oil levels:
1. Make sure that the engine is turned off before conducting the check, and if it was on, allow it to cool down .This is because when it is hot, it can give an inaccurate reading and can be dangerous to you and the vehicle.
2. Open the cabin and locate the dipstick. It usually has a brightly colored handle, often labeled with an oil can symbol. Remove the dipstick out of the tube and check the oil levels. If covered in oil, wipe it clean with a lint-free cloth or paper towel and reinsert the cleaned dipstick back into its tube.
Remove it again to check the oil level by looking at the markings on the dipstick. It typically has two marks indicating the minimum and maximum oil levels. The oil level should fall between these marks. While checking the level, also examine the oil’s color and consistency. It should be a clear amber color. Dark, dirty, or gritty oil may indicate that it needs changing.
Add oil if necessary if it is below the minimum mark and make sure that it is the appropriate type and grade of oil as specified in the vehicle’s owner manual. Pour the oil into the oil filler cap, which is usually labeled and located near the dipstick. Wait a few minutes and recheck the level with the dipstick to ensure it is within the correct range. Replace the dipstick and ensure it is fully inserted.
3. Check Water Levels
Checking the water levels in a lorry, specifically the coolant or antifreeze level, is important as it prevents the vehicle from overheating and ensures proper engine function by regulation its temperature.
To check water levels, you should:
1. Ensure that the vehicle is parked on a level surface to get an accurate reading.
2. Allow the vehicle the cool to avoid injuries from hot steam or fluids.
3. Find the coolant resevoir after you open the cabin head. It is typically a translucent plastic tank labeled with a coolant symbol. Check the coolant level by looking at the markings on the side of the reservoir, which indicate the minimum and maximum levels. The coolant should be between these marks. If the reservoir is opaque, you may need to open the cap to check the level.
4. Check the condition of the coolant by ensuring that it is clean and free of debris. If it is discolored or contains particles, it might need to be flushed and replaced.
5. Add coolant if the coolant level is below the minimum mark, and ensure that it is the appropriate type of coolant or antifreeze as specified in the vehicle’s owner manual. Make sure to use the correct mixture of coolant and water if required. Replace the cap if you are satisfied with the levels to prevent leaks or spills.
Other preoperational checks include testing the brake functions, checking the tires condition and pressure, testing the vehicles lights and indicators, checking the steering wheel for stiffness ad well as checking the battery terminals to ensure that they are all securely connected.
With this in mind, you are well-positioned to distinguish yourself from other lorry driver candidates by demonstrating a thorough understanding of the crucial aspects of vehicle maintenance.
