Semi trucks are the workhorses of the roadways. They transport goods, materials and supplies all over the country, and they are a critical part of the economy.
But like all vehicles, they need to be able to adjust their speed in order to remain safe on the highways. The process of changing a semi truck’s speed is relatively straightforward, but it requires some understanding of how the powertrain works and an appreciation for safety.
At the heart of any semi truck is its engine. The engine is responsible for turning power and torque into motion, propelling the truck across various terrains and speeds.
In order to change the speed of a semi truck, you will need to adjust either the engine’s RPMs or its gearing system.
Adjusting Engine RPMs
RPM stands for “revolutions per minute” – a measure of how fast an engine is running at any given time. By adjusting the RPMs, you can effectively change a semi truck’s speed. This can be done manually by turning a knob located on or near the steering wheel, or it can be done automatically with an electronic system.
Adjusting Gearing System
The other way to change a semi truck’s speed is by adjusting its gearing system. This involves shifting gears up or down depending on the desired speed. Manual transmissions require drivers to actually shift gears themselves using a clutch pedal; automatic transmissions do this automatically based on driver input.
Safety Considerations
Changing any vehicle’s speed carries with it certain safety considerations that must be taken into account. First and foremost, always make sure that you adhere to posted speed limits – both on highways and in residential areas – as speeding increases your chances of being involved in an accident.
Furthermore, when changing speeds manually (either via RPM adjustments or gear shifting), make sure that you do so smoothly; sudden changes in speed can cause your tires to skid on wet surfaces or cause your engine to overheat.
Conclusion: Changing the speed of a semi truck requires some understanding of its powertrain systems (engine RPMs and gearing). It also requires adherence to posted speed limits as well as smoothness when adjusting speeds manually. With these considerations in mind, drivers should have no trouble adjusting their trucks’ speeds safely and efficiently.
