The ability to monitor your truck’s performance is a handy and effective tool for every driver. Trucking companies can also benefit from real-time monitoring of their fleets with this technology, as it helps them ensure that their drivers are safe and operating at peak efficiency.
For both drivers and carriers, monitoring your truck’s real-time performance ensures that you’ll be able to identify problems before they become any more serious. Here are ways how you can monitor your truck’s real-time performance:
Get a reliable OBD2 scanner
The first step in monitoring your truck’s real-time performance is to get an excellent OBD2 scanner. There are many options on the market, but they vary in quality and price. To find the best one for your needs, look for one that has all of these characteristics:
Affordable price
If necessary, consider purchasing online instead of at a brick-and-mortar store. You may also find coupons online or through social media if you search around online.
Easy to set up and use
Some scanners require plugging into your computer, while others have apps that allow them to connect wirelessly via Bluetooth or WiFi signals. It depends on what type works best with your device (iPhones/Android devices).
Reliable battery life
Depending on how often you plan on using this tool throughout each day—and whether there will be access points nearby where charging stations exist—this could mean saving money by investing in something else other than rechargeable batteries (which tend not to last as long)
Suppose you are still getting familiar with OBD2 scanners and how they work. In that case, look for a model with a user manual or at least an app that can help walk you through the process in case of any confusion.
Check your engine parameters
Aside from getting a reliable scanner, checking your engine parameters to monitor your truck’s real-time performance is also crucial. General parameters for monitoring your truck’s real-time performance include the engine temperature, oil and coolant levels, fuel level, exhaust gas temperature, and vacuum pressure. You should also check the speeds of your engine and its airflow.
You can monitor intake manifold pressure by checking the tachometer or a more specific gauge that measures this function directly. This can help you determine whether your engine is running correctly or not. You should also check your truck’s battery voltage, alternator output, and other electrical systems that rely on power from your battery. By checking these parameters, you can better understand how your truck is functioning and whether it needs any repairs.
Adjust your driving skills
While monitoring real-time performance, you must adjust your driving style to match the road conditions. Avoid sudden braking and acceleration. When possible, use the cruise control to maintain a safe speed. Avoid driving when tired or distracted by other tasks.
Use gears appropriately for your speed and fuel economy. Avoid overworking your engine by accelerating too fast in low gears or going too slowly in higher gears (e.g., having difficulty choosing which gear works best).
Drive safely from other vehicles—at least two seconds behind the car ahead of you if there is no traffic congestion. So, if they stop suddenly due to an accident or other obstacle on the highway, you’ll have enough time to react without slamming into their rear end.
Always be aware of your surroundings and avoid driving if you are too tired to concentrate on the road. If you haven’t slept well in a few days, take a break from driving so that you don’t put yourself or others at risk.
Invest in AI-tracking software
With the advancement of technology, AI tracking software can help you monitor your truck’s real-time performance. These AI-tracking software systems will improve your driving skills, save you money, and enhance fleet management.
If you’re into optimizing your truck’s performance, investing in AI software systems is the best way to go. These AI systems can help, especially those on last mile tire management and making sure that everything is under control throughout their trip. You can also use the AI tracking system to send notifications to drivers if they exceed the speed limit, leave their routes, or deviate from a designated path. It will also notify you if there is a problem with the truck that needs to be serviced before continuing on its journey.
In Closing
Hopefully, this article has given you a better sense of how to monitor your truck’s real-time performance. The key takeaway is that there are many ways to do it, and it all comes down to what exactly you want to track and how much money you’re willing to spend on equipment.
While it may seem daunting at first glance (especially if you don’t have experience with technology), once you get started with one or two methods of monitoring your truck’s performance, they’ll become second nature.