Six Mistakes Every Pickup Truck Driver Makes and How to Fix

Joseph Coupal - Tuesday, November 20, 2018

We buy trucks and we’re great at it. We have a patent pending formula that streamlines our process and quotes you the highest instant cash offer you’ll get anywhere else. There’s something else we prioritize around here; information and we’ve got some good stuff for you today. Even though we don’t like saying this, we’re going to anyway. You may have been driving wrong for years. Actually, we’re all guilty of these bad habits (yes, even us!) and we all need to make some new good safety habits. Although we’re in the business to get you to sell your truck to us by quoting you a high instant cash offer, we also have your wellbeing on our minds too. We know our bottom-line doesn’t come first, your safety does. The list below shows you six mistakes every pickup driver makes on the road and how to fix them.

#1 – Not Engaging the Parking Brake On rucks with Automatics Transmissions

Whether you’ve thought about it or not, the parking brake is not only for standard transmissions; it’s also an important and “handy peace of mind” feature. Use it to take stress off your heavy truck’s transmission; and regardless if your transmission is an automatic or standard, this is a good habit to call your own.

#2 – Used Incorrectly – Ventilation Recirculation Button Can Drastically Slow Down De-Fogging the Windows

When it’s really cold outside, you know, like in the winter months, don’t press this button. It will add extra time taking it longer to de-fog your windows. (In hotter months, feel free to press the button and your truck’s air conditioner will cool the cabin quicker.)

#3 – Not Using Those Cool Mounted Shortcut Buttons On the Steering-Wheel

Do you think convenience was the first thing on the invertor’s mind? No, it was safety. Cool and convenient came along for the ride. Making a conscious effort to gain a new habit is smart!

#4 – Ignoring Or Not Accepting the Fact A Blind Spot Really Does Exist On Your Truck OR You’re In Another Drivers Blind Spot!

OFTEN we drivers don’t pay attention to this at all or at least not often enough. When did this habit happen? So many people don’t even acknowledge it. So many times drivers have started easing over into a lane when there is clearly a vehicle present. NOT GOOD!

It doesn’t matter if you’re sitting still in traffic or driving down the road, this can be a perilous situation and can lead to an accident, injury, or worse. It’s really up to you to be on the defense here and stay alert. If you need to fall back a little to line up with the other drivers side view mirror range. Or if possible, continue past the vehicle so the driver knows you’re there. It could save a life.

#5 – Not Allowing 3-4 Feet of Space When In Traffic Between You and The Vehicle Directly In Front Of You

There’s no way to know when the vehicle in front of you will have trouble and get stuck. You may need room the room to go around it if so. Let’s not forget, sometimes drivers coming up from behind you may not stop on a dime either. Extra space in front of you will help you not get rammed into a vehicle ahead of you.

#6 – Not Checking Your Tires’ Tread

This may seem like something that shouldn’t make our list, but trust us it belongs here. Just take a look at the image above. Tire tread is often something people ignore. Most state laws require tires to be at a minimum of 2/23 of an inch deep of tread.

Use the “penny tire tread test” by putting a penny upside down with Abraham Lincoln facing you inside the groove of the treads. If you see his entire head, you need to purchase new tires.

Important to Remember – You MUST DO MORE than take a quick glance in your side view mirrors when checking if there’s no vehicle in YOUR BLIND SPOT! Your mirror most likely will NOT cover your blind spot.

In Conclusion

Even if you’re guilty of these six mistakes every pickup driver makes, it’s not too late to fix them and gain yourself so new healthy and safe ones. Get proactive out on the road and stay on guard, and if not all of these “are you”, give them some thought when you’re out driving next time. You might find you have more on your list than you realize. Don’t forget, we buy trucks and we’re always here when you want to sell your truck quick. To find out your truck worth, fill out our short form, then sit back, relax, and be prepared to be surprised at your high instant cash offer!