Quality torque on roadside assistance
November 20, 2018
Working on roadside assistance jobs can be challenging to provide the same high-quality results as you do in the workshop. Here are some tips to do your job quickly and efficiently, while ensuring safety and productivity.
Called to fix a van, pickup, truck or tractor that has broken down when transporting goods or working in the field? You need to get the vehicle moving again as quickly as possible. If not, it can have a real impact on your customer’s business and it could also create a safety threat to other vehicles on the road.
But how to get these vehicles moving again when they’re stuck on the road? Ultimately, it’s all down to tool selection. By carrying the appropriate equipment, you’ll be able to get your customer up and running again in no time at all. When it comes to tightening, it’s critical to apply the correct torque as highlighted in our Torque sense when changing wheels blog, without compromising on quality or safety.
What equipment should be considered for roadside assistance tasks?
- Environment: Jobs can take place in awkward locations, under diverse weather conditions. However, tools should perform to the highest standards regardless of the situation.
Our advice: It is important to choose tools that can be relied upon in the most challenging of circumstances. Tools with integrated LED will be really helpful when working with insufficient lighting. - Space: Roadside assistance professionals often arrive at a breakdown with little idea of what issues they may be facing. You must be prepared for every eventuality by carrying the appropriate tools.
Our advice: Choose compact designs, you can fit everything into your truck and benefit from improved maneuverability in hard-to-reach areas, such as under the hood. - Ergonomics: Lightweight tools are essential for operator’s comfort. They improve maneuverability and are easier to use, increasing productivity levels on the roadside.
Our advice: Prefer tools manufactured in lightweight materials, such as composite or aluminum. - Power: If using pneumatic tools, remember that compressors in service trucks are smaller than those in workshops.
Our advice: Opt for 1” impact wrenches that consume less air. This also helps to reduce operating costs, while achieving the required performance.
What are the essential tool kits?
- For loosening jobs, you should decide which type of impact wrench suits you best: pneumatic or cordless impact wrench. If pneumatic tools are the preferred option, a compressor in the truck will be vital.
- For tightening tasks, whether you need to do the job in your shop or you have to carry it out on a roadside, the same high standards need to be delivered. Therefore, we recommend the same tools selection: a combination of impact wrenches and torque wrenches. When accuracy and repeatability of the tightness of screws and bolts are crucial, nutrunners will be the best choice.
- Lifting equipment is also a must: air hydraulic jacks and trolley jacks are helpful to quickly and securely raise vehicles. Last but not least, it is vital to use jack stands and have safety equipment to protect the operator while working signs to highlight the working area on the road.
To deliver the right tightening on roadside assistance as you do in your workshop, it’s vital to have the suitable tools at hand.