Being a truck driver means having to take long rides for hours on end, every day. Considering the use it gets, your vehicle should be in top shape. But the same goes for your body too. While the mechanical parts of your vehicle are very important, you shouldn't overlook the importance of the seat on your body. The right seat will not only keep you comfortable but will also prevent certain health risks that come with being a truck driver and sitting all day. So, to make sure you have the right seat for your job, here's what you need to consider.
There are two types of driver seats, mechanical and air suspension. Mechanical truck seats are a system of coil springs, shock absorbers, levels and joints which can cause the seat to move sideways and vertically to reduce the strength of the vibrations caused by movement. These types of seats are more affordable than air suspension seats and also easier to fix when a problem arises. While they can be a great option initially, with time and use, mechanical seats can become less efficient. They are also designed to meet the needs of truckers with average weight and built, and aren't very adjustable.
On the other hand, an air suspension driver seat relies on sensors to release pressurised air into the seat in order to dampen the vibrations and shocks as the truck moves on uneven surfaces. As a result, these types of seats can make minute and very precise adjustments and unlike mechanical seats that use coils, will maintain constant pressure. As a result, driving around in an air suspension seat is a lot more comfortable and can lead to less back pain.
The sensors allow the air suspension driver seat to adjust to all sizes of drivers and unlike mechanical systems, these seats don't become less effective with time. However, an air suspension seat can be more costly than a mechanical one and is often more difficult to repair due to its complex parts. With that being said, if you opt for an air suspension model it's essential that you regularly service and check your seat to make sure it works properly.
Once you're done selecting the mechanism, you can move onto looking for ergonomic features. Just like any seat you use for long periods of time, your truck seat should be ergonomically correct and support the key points on your body. A high backrest that supports your neck and keeps your head in an upright position is essential. It's also important that the back rest offers supreme support in the lumbar area.
