Driving Tips

Driving a rented truck can be easily considered an art. If you do not have a driver´s license that is a few years old, and especially if you do not consider yourself a good driver, then you should completely forget about a moving truck rental.

A heavy loaded big vehicle that is driven badly can represent a danger both for its driver and especially for others. Too many car accidents happen each year in the United States, so try not to add to that number yourself.

If instead, you consider that you are up to the task, then you will find here a few tips that will make everything a little easier.

• More space: The first thing you should consider when driving a truck is that it requires more space than a normal car. This might sound obvious, but it really can cause too much trouble to be ignored.
• Getting comfortable: Adjusting the seats of the truck to a position that is both comfortable and that offers you an excellent view is among the first things you should do, before you actually start driving it.
• The controls: Take a good look at all the controls and try to get familiar with them. Depending on your everyday car, they might seem very strange at first. Do not let this discourage you, for you need to easy access them in order to drive the truck properly.
• A test drive: It would be a good idea to take the truck for a test drive. Go very slow and take everything easy. Drive in the area around your current house. It should be the area you are familiar with. If possible avoid crowded places at first, for it will allow you to find your way easier until you gain some confidence.
• Pay attention to traffic laws: Do not forget to fasten your seatbelt and to be prudent with the rest of the traffic laws. Since driving a truck is not as easy as driving a car, the laws that generally need to be respected in traffic suddenly become even more important.
• Do not go too fast: The speed limits for trucks are much lower than for cars. Keep this in mind all the time. Do not try to reach your destination faster, as one hour is not really worth all the risks that you are exposing yourself to.
• Turns can be a problem: You will find that turns will be much harder to take. They should be very wide, in order to avoid any possible collisions. Take your time, even if the driver behind you is using his horn every few seconds.
• Breaking might be an issue: Breaking for a truck takes much more time than for a car. An early brake is always recommended. Also consider the condition of the weather. If it is raining then break even sooner.
• Do not run out of fuel: Always keep an eye on the fuel gauge. It should never be lower than half full. Know that not all stations have diesel fuel, so look carefully at the signs that show the types of fuels available at each station.
• Heights: The height of the truck might also be a problem in some areas with bridges. You have to know the height of your truck and watch carefully the sings that indicate the limits. If at some point you might reach a limit, then do not take any chances, instead try to find an alternative route.
• Food and drinks: If you want to stop to get a burger and some coke you will have to park the truck in a good position that does not interfere with the traffic of other cars. This can be much more complicated than it sounds, especially in some areas, so be very careful.
• Mirrors are important: You maybe do not use your mirrors that much for your car, but when driving around a truck full with items then you will have to. Always try to see everything around you. Do not forget about the wheel though.
• Defensive driving recommended: Overall, try to drive prudently and rather defensively. It will definitely take much longer to reach your destination but it can save you from a lot of trouble. Remember that in some situations risks are not worth taking.