Rust is the sworn enemy of trucks, a silent adversary that, over time, erodes the strength and beauty of the vehicle. For a truck owner, whether you rely on your truck for work or play, preventing rust is essential to preserving your investment. That’s why it’s critical to know some tips and strategies for how to stop rust on a truck. 

In this article, we’ll look closer at this destructive nemesis, delving into the cause of rust in trucks, identifying the most vulnerable parts of your vehicle, and providing invaluable tips to defend your truck against the corrosive attacks of rust.

What Causes Rust in Trucks?

Knowing the enemy is the first step to defeating it. Put most simply, rust is the oxidation of iron or steel when exposed to moisture and oxygen. When talking about how to stop rust on a truck frame or any other part of your vehicle, there are several factors to take into account:

Moisture: Trucks frequently encounter moisture in the form of rain, snow, and even dew. That moisture then seeps into the crevices of your truck, and thus begins the process of corrosion.

Salt and Road Chemicals: Road salts and de-icing chemicals are notorious rust accelerators, particularly in colder regions. They create a corrosive environment that can rapidly deteriorate the metal.

Scratches and Dings: Any scratches, dings, or chips in the paint or protective coatings can expose the metal beneath to the elements, providing an entry point for rust.

What Parts of a Truck Are Most Susceptible to Rust?

Rust can attack from any number of angles and entry points. Here are the areas of your truck that are most susceptible due to exposure to moisture, dirt, and road debris:

• Undercarriage
• Wheel Wells
• Frame
• Chassis
• Doors
• Fenders

How to Prevent Your Truck from Rusting

1. Regular Wash and Wax – Wash your truck frequently to remove dirt, salt, and contaminants from the surface. Follow up with a high-quality wax to create a protective barrier against moisture and elements.
2. Undercoating Rustproofing – Apply rust-resistant coatings to your truck’s undercarriage, frame, and chassis. These coatings act as a shield against moisture and road chemicals. Reapply them periodically, especially before winter.
3. Parking – Whenever possible, park your truck in a covered area like a garage or carport to protect it from rain and snow. If no covered parking is available, invest in a waterproof truck cover.
4. Regular Inspections – Keep an eye on your truck’s body and chassis for any signs of rust. Address even minor patches of rust immediately, scrubbing them off and applying a rust converter to prevent spreading.
5. Mud Flaps and Splash Guards – Install mud flaps and splash guards to minimize exposure to road debris and moisture, particularly in the wheel wells and undercarriage.
6. Scratch and Ding Management – When it comes to how to stop rust from spreading on a car or truck, promptly repairing any scratches or dings to prevent rust from taking hold and spreading out from these vulnerable areas is essential. Use touch-up paint or clear coat for small imperfections.
7. Clean the Undercarriage – Regularly clean the undercarriage, paying special attention to suspension components and the frame. Remove accumulated dirt and debris that can trap moisture and encourage rust.
8. Responsible Off-Roading – Be cautious when off-roading in wet or muddy conditions, as these can expose your truck to increased moisture and contaminants. After off-roading, thoroughly clean your truck.

As you can see, preventing rust from attacking your truck requires vigilance, maintenance, and smart choices. By understanding the causes of rust, identifying vulnerable areas, and implementing preventive measures, you can extend the lifespan of your truck and protect your investment. Remember, a little effort in rust prevention today can save you from costly repairs and replacements down the road!

Another great way to protect your investment is to have a reliable commercial roadside assistance plan for your fleet of trucks. Reach out today for a free quote!

As we take a firm grip on the wheel and drive into the fast-approaching future of trucking, we find ourselves in an exciting yet challenging transformation. Technological advancements in truck design, the development of sustainable fuel options, the growing implementation of artificial intelligence and machine learning in logistics, and continuously evolving regulations set by international standards and local governments paint a compelling picture of change.

Moreover, the relentless demands of a rapidly globalizing economy continue to push the boundaries of what is possible within the trucking landscape.

Despite all these seismic shifts, one essential factor remains as crucial as ever – the necessity for dependable, efficient, and prompt roadside assistance services.

The Essential Pillar of Trucking: Commercial Roadside Assistance

Picture yourself as a truck driver journeying across state lines on a delivery. You are hundreds of miles from your destination when suddenly a tire blows out or your engine starts acting up. Unpredictable incidents like these highlight the importance of comprehensive trucking roadside assistance in keeping the flow of goods moving across the country.

At Best Roadside Service, our mission is more than merely providing a temporary solution to your breakdown. Our range of services includes battery jump-start assistance, fuel delivery, lockout service, and more. By providing swift, effective, and efficient solutions to your roadside hiccups, we help ensure that your operations run smoothly and your timelines are minimally impacted.

The Best Roadside Service Advantage: Your Trustworthy Roadside Partner

At Best Roadside Service, we take immense pride in our exemplary commercial fleet options. Our skilled technicians and state-of-the-art equipment, combined with our commitment to customer service, mean that our customers can expect an impressive average response time of just 58 minutes. We understand the cost of downtime, and we won’t let you stay stranded for long. Our efficient team works diligently to get your drivers back on the road as quickly as possible.

To make things even more convenient for you, we have a simple, easy-to-use request form for our commercial fleet roadside assistance. Fill it out, and we will promptly respond, ensuring your vehicles get back on the road fast.

Other Major Contributors in the Commercial Roadside Assistance Sector

While we at Best Roadside Service strive to offer superior service, it is worth acknowledging other significant contributors in the commercial roadside assistance industry:

1. AAA

One of the best-known names in the business, AAA has an extensive network of nationwide service providers. Their commercial roadside assistance program ensures prompt response and support for various emergencies, including flat tires, battery jump-starts, lockouts, and fuel delivery. Whether it’s a small business or a large enterprise, AAA commercial roadside assistance offers reliable and efficient solutions to keep businesses moving forward.

2. Progressive

A leading US insurance company, Progressive also offers a comprehensive roadside assistance program for its customers. Progressive’s roadside assistance is available as an optional add-on to their auto insurance policies, covering various emergency situations that commercial drivers may encounter on the road.

3. TTS Road Service

Noted for their personalized customer service, TTS Road Service caters services to match customer requirements. Features like flexibility in handling service calls, online status updates, and cost-effective solutions are their hallmarks. They maintain an average call to roll time of less than two hours, demonstrating a commitment to quick and efficient responses.

4. Roadside Masters

Specializing in heavy-duty emergency roadside assistance for commercial vehicles, Roadside Masters provides nationwide coverage to trucks, buses, vans, and limousines. Their services include extensive towing and multiple tire changes per year, making them a reliable choice for large vehicle fleets.

The Future of Truck Driving Jobs

As the industry undergoes significant changes, organizations like Future Truckers Of America are stepping in to reshape the future of truck driving jobs. By offering comprehensive training and creating opportunities for new drivers, these institutions are nurturing the next generation of truck drivers, equipping them with the skills, knowledge, and experience to handle the challenges and opportunities of the evolving industry.

Our Unwavering Commitment to the Future of the Commercial Trucking Industry

As we prepare for the future, we are excited about the potential that emerging technologies, such as autonomous and electric trucks, bring to the commercial trucking industry. We understand that as the industry evolves, the significance and role of roadside assistance services will also need to adapt.

As your trusted partners, we at Best Roadside Service remain committed to innovation and adapting our services to meet future demands. We pledge to continue being a reliable pillar of support, ready to tackle the challenges of this rapidly advancing industry.

As we journey into the future together, we look forward to the exciting prospects on the horizon. Feel free to contact us for any inquiries or to learn more about how we can support your fleet’s needs. We’re here to ensure your journey into the future of trucking is as smooth, efficient, and productive as possible.

This past year was a roller coaster ride in terms of oil & gas fleet costs, with fuel prices rising to over $5.00 a gallon at one point. The fluctuating prices were due to a variety of factors, most notably the war in Ukraine and supply-chain issues, and proved a real headache for commercial fleet companies–fuel and gas account for roughly 60% of a typical company’s operating budget, making it the second-largest annual expense.

While owners and managers of commercial fleets obviously can’t control global events, there are ways to manage this expense and still turn a profit despite volatility in the market. 

Below we’ll look at how oil prices affect fuel costs and vehicle purchasing decisions, as well as some strategies for combating the ever-fluctuating costs of oil and gas.

How Oil Prices Affect Fleet Operating Costs

It’s impossible to give an accurate answer to the question: “How much gas does a fleet consume each year?” But it’s safe to say—as everyone in the commercial industry learned this past year—that fleet operating costs can rapidly balloon when gas prices rise, no matter how much fuel your fleet consumes. Some companies saw their weekly fleet fuel costs nearly double, adding potentially millions of dollars to the annual ledger.

Vehicle maintenance, particularly engine oil, has experienced price increases as well, which has been exacerbated by supply-chain issues involving additives and “end-of costs” like plastics, cardboard, labels, paper and other packaging materials.

How Oil Prices Affect Automobile Purchasing Decisions

When oil & gas fleet costs are high or wildly unpredictable, it inevitably leads to a tough decision. Should you purchase a new truck or van for your commercial fleet, or pay for the maintenance needed to keep the older vehicles running?

When costs are low and there’s disposable funds available in the budget, it’s easier to account for the cost of financing the purchase of a new vehicle. But when fuel costs are as volatile as they currently are, the decision becomes much trickier.

That’s why it’s so important to develop a comprehensive strategy for combating–as best as you can–the whims of the global oil and gas market.

How to Combat Fluctuating Fleet Fuel Costs

As the owner or manager of a commercial fleet of vehicles, there are two main areas to focus on to combat the roller coaster of oil and gas prices: 1) driver behavior and 2) monitoring, maintenance and purchasing decisions.

Driver Behavior

• Eliminate Speeding/Aggressive Driving – Not only is speeding a safety hazard and illegal, but for every five miles that a driver travels over 50 miles an hour it costs the company $0.20 per gallon of gas, with that number rising the faster the vehicle is driven—traveling at 85mph uses 40% more fuel than at 70mph.Accelerating too quickly and braking too late can add to a vehicle’s fuel consumption as well. 
• Cut Down on Idling Time – An idling truck runs about 0.8 gallons of fuel per hour, and is one of the biggest wastes of money in the commercial fleet industry. Luckily, most idle time can be eliminated by a conscientious driver. Stuck in a traffic jam, taking a break, talking on the phone in a parking lot or unloading a truck–these are all situations where the engine should not be running. 
• Avoid Highways During Rush Hours – Stop-start driving is as fuel-intensive as it comes, and nothing sucks up gas like a slow-moving highway during rush hour—traffic congestion can reduce a vehicle’s fuel economy by as much as 40%, so have a driver plan ahead to avoid traveling at the most high-trafficked times.  
• Moderate A/C Usage – Running the air conditioner puts extra load on the engine and can increase fuel consumption by up to 20%. Encourage A/C use only when the weather outside absolutely necessitates it.

Managerial Decisions

• Route Planning Software – If you’re looking for efficiency, route planning software can help guide your drives through their day in the most fuel-efficient way possible.
• Vehicle Monitoring – Utilizing fleet management software allows you to easily compare monthly fuel data and see how it affects your fleet operating costs in order to make more informed decisions.
• GPS Tracking – With a GPS device you can track driver behavior–including speeding, idling, hard braking and sudden stops–so that you can better optimize performance and minimize oil & gas fleet costs.
• Use the Right Lubricants and Tires – Lubricants can improve fuel efficiency, especially if you use greases that aren’t petroleum based, and a set of properly inflated tires can help you save a bundle in fuel costs as well.
• Purchase Electric Vehicles – With the price of electric trucks becoming economically viable, it’s been estimated that by the end of the decade it will be 50% cheaper to purchase and operate an electric vehicle than a diesel truck. That’s some savings worth saving for!

No matter how volatile the oil and gas market gets, by taking steps to reduce the wasteful use of gas and encourage fuel economy, you can better prepare your commercial fleet for fluctuating fuel prices. 

And if you need emergency roadside service for your commercial fleet, including free gas delivery of up to three gallons, contact Best Roadside Service for a free quote!

If you want to see more of the country, it may be time to add some driving trips to your summer schedule. Driving is more affordable and convenient than flying, and it also provides you with lots of opportunities to stop and explore while you make your way to your destination. And because summer means clear roads and sunny skies, there’s no better time than right now to check out one or more of the best summer road trip destinations. 

Not sure where to go? We’re sharing some of our favorite summer road trip ideas, featuring fun spots across the U.S. that are worth hitting the road for. 

Best Destinations for Summer Road Trips

Summer will be over before you know it, so make the most of it by planning a road trip adventure. 

Road trips are a great way to take in the scenery and see new places and offer a level of flexibility that you can’t get by train or airplane. They’re also a smart choice for vacationing with kids since road trips offer a better alternative to the stress and overall chaos of air travel.

As for where to go, there is no shortage of stunning destinations in the U.S., with tons of options for all types of travelers. Of course, where you go is up to you, but here are six epic summer driving vacation ideas to get the inspiration going. 

1. Santa Fe, New Mexico

If you like good food, good art, and good hikes, then Santa Fe is the place to go. This New Mexico city gets even more colorful in the summertime, with festivals and street fairs on the schedule most weekends. And while the days are hot, the evenings tend to cool down just in time for sunset cocktails and tacos on a cozy patio.

A place to visit on the way: Taos, New Mexico

2. Aspen, Colorado

Aspen may be one of the country’s most famous skiing destinations, but don’t sleep on it in the summer. In lieu of ski runs, Aspen’s mountains offer an abundance of warm weather activities, from hiking and mountain biking to ziplines and ropes courses. If you’re feeling really adventurous, book a paragliding tour and get a whole new view of this picturesque resort town.  

A place to visit on the way: Telluride, Colorado

3. Blairsville, Georgia

It might not have the name recognition of Atlanta or Savannah, but Blairsville can hold its own as a summer road trip destination. Spend a day (or an entire week) exploring Chattahoochee National Forest, then slow it down with a day of golf at Blairsville’s Butternut Creek Golf Course, complete with amazing mountain views. 

A place to visit on the way: Blue Ridge, Georgia

4. Door County, Wisconsin

Summer is the perfect time for a Great Lakes road trip, and a visit to Door County is a must while you’re doing it. This locale is particularly ideal for families and features beaches, orchards, and a charming downtown that you’ll be sad to leave when the trip is over. Sit down for a fish boil while you’re there and definitely save room for cheese curds, too. 

A place to visit on the way: Two Rivers, Wisconsin

5. Columbia Falls, Montana

Drive on up to Columbia Falls, which offers easy access to nearby Glacier National Park and its fair share of local attractions if you want to extend your stay. This includes river rafting and golfing, plus the chance to do some memorable llama-guided hiking. There’s also the Big Sky Waterpark if your kids want a day that’s just for them. 

A place to visit on the way: Missoula, Montana

6. Hot Springs, South Dakota

You can probably guess what you’ll find in this South Dakota “hot” spot. Yes, Hot Springs is home to several serene thermal springs, which have been a spa-like destination for more than 140 years. Just be sure to dry off long enough to go visit the Mammoth Site, an active paleontological dig site with the world’s largest concentration of Columbian mammoth fossils.

A place to visit on the way: Deadwood, South Dakota

Your next adventure is just a drive away. Enjoy your summer travels and stay protected on the road with a reliable roadside assistance plan. We offer plans for both vehicles and motorcycles, as well as additional perks like travel savings and theme park discounts.   

Contact Best Roadside Service today for a quote, and make sure your summer road trip is as carefree as possible.