Truck Wheels and Learning to Drive a Truck

There is something truly American about driving a pickup truck. This must be the reason why you see so many trucks on the road today. And it must also be the reason why trucks are outselling cars.

Before we drift off into a series of cliches about the American flag, country music and Chuck Norris, let us just say that there are still people who have never driven a pickup truck in their life. Maybe this person is you.

Maybe you have never owned a pickup truck before, and maybe you have never driven one, yet you are ready to take the plunge and purchase one. We applaud you for your decision to jump on the pickup truck bandwagon.

There are a few things you need to know before you head to your dealership. First, after you buy your truck, swap out the stock wheels with a great set of custom truck wheels from BB Wheels. The second thing you want to do is come to terms with the fact that driving a truck is nothing like driving a Hyundai Elantra or Honda Civic. Driving a truck is an entirely different beast altogether.

Follow these essential tips and you will be just fine behind the wheel of your new truck.

Learn to Turn

You probably think that you already know how to turn. It is an act that is quite simple, indeed. All you have to do is turn the steering wheel in the direction you want to turn and go.

Wrong!

This is how you used to turn when you drove that little sedan.

We have already established that a truck is an entirely different beast to drive, this includes turning. Now, since a truck is bigger and longer than your car, you will need more room to make that turn.

This means you can’t just cut the corner and turn on a dime. In a truck, you have to learn to respect the limitations of distance and space. Once you master that, then you will know how to properly make a turn in a truck.

Take it Easy

Just like the infamous Eagles song, you gotta take it easy while driving a pickup truck. We apologize for the Eagles reference, it seemed appropriate and even slightly humorous at the time.

One of the first things you will notice about your new truck is that it carries a ton of power. You are used to your Hyundai or Honda cranking out a little more than 120 horsepower, peanuts compared to the Chevy Silverado which cranks out as much as 445 horsepower.

All this means is that while punching the gas pedal on your Honda when the light turns green was perfectly acceptable, and even called for, in no way should you do this in your pickup truck.

When you own a truck, the traditional rules of accelerating no longer apply. The same can be said about braking as well.

Back Up With Caution

Driving a pickup truck is kind of like driving a tank, minus the ability to blow your neighbor’s house to smithereens. Your field of vision is limited in a truck, which makes it difficult to see what is behind you.

Even with the addition of backup cameras, it is wise to back up with great care.

Gain New Perspective

When you are sitting in the driver’s seat of your new truck, one thing will hit you right away. You will immediately notice how high up you are in your truck. This will give you a totally different perspective compared to your car.

While you are better able to see what is in front of you in the distance, even the biggest of mirrors aren’t going to help you spot vehicles in your blind spot, Especially those small cars like the Hondas and Hyundais.

Practice Makes Perfect

If you don't have a whole lot of experience behind the wheel of a pickup truck, then seriously consider a refresher driving course. If not, then at least practice driving in the high school parking lot on Sunday until you feel confident in your ability to drive a pickup.

And don’t forget to visit BB Wheels and buy a set of sweet custom truck wheels.