Handling a truck breakdown is something that every driver must go through at some point. It’s tremendously frustrating to be stranded on the highway with cargo that needs to be delivered.
Being a professional driver with a crew that is empathetic and supportive in these situations might help ease some of the tension. It can be nerve-wracking, though, if you’re left alone.
While some problems are hard to anticipate, others may be avoided with prompt intervention.
Truck Breakdown – Trouble With Tires
Tire issues are by far the most prevalent cause of truck breakdowns, accounting for more than half of all roadside issues. Tires are one of the most important pieces of a truck since they are the only direct touch it has with the ground. It’s only natural that if they’re not properly cared for, they might create a lot of problems.
The tire examination should be included in every truck driver’s pre-trip checklists. Deflated tires, low tread depth, and axle misalignment are all things to look for during a checkup.
Truck Breakdown – Brake-related problems
Brake-related issues are as common as they are frightening. These incidents are the ones that are most likely to endanger other drivers on the road. And road safety is not something to be taken lightly. That is why brakes must be properly maintained regularly.
Truck brakes are subjected to continual pressure and friction, which causes them to wear down over time. Corrosion and wear, improper pressurization, overheating, and internal water contamination are the most typical causes of brake failure.
Truck Breakdown – Trailer problems
If operating a truck with a refrigerated trailer, any trailer fault might result in the loss of the whole load. If a problem does arise, repairs must be completed as soon as possible, as the temperature-controlled products cannot be left in insufficient circumstances for an extended period of time. As a result, it’s far preferable to keep the trailer in good working order, examine it before each journey, and keep a constant eye on it during the transport.
Truck Breakdown – Electrical System Issues
The starter motor, battery, and alternator are the three basic components of the electrical system. Either of these parts might fail, leaving you stranded on the road. You can’t start your truck without a functional battery and/or starter motor. And, with a broken alternator, your battery will rapidly be exhausted, leaving you stranded.
As a result, you must always be on the alert for any indicators of electrical difficulties. These are some of them:
- The engine is losing power
- Unusual crunching sound under the hood
- A heavy sulfur odor
- When turning the key, there is a clicking or screeching sound
- When the key is placed into the ignition, the starter does not turn on immediately
Truck breakdown – problems with the fuel system
Running out of gasoline is the most typical cause for a truck driver to have to make an unplanned stop. Of course, you may avoid this by inspecting your tank on a regular basis. But, every now and again, someone may make a mistake or just fail to refill until it’s too late. A dirty fuel filter or a malfunctioning pump are two more common issues. Sudden tugging at high speeds and inconsistent acceleration are early indicators of a failed pump.
What to do if your truck breaks down
Even with all of the safety procedures in place, it is nearly impossible to completely prevent truck breakdowns. So it’s a good idea to have a plan in place in case something goes wrong. There is no way to account for all possible breakdown scenarios. If you’re trapped in the heart of a city, on a freeway, or on a country road, it’s not the same. However, in the event of an unexpected halt, there are three things you must always do:
- turn on your hazard lights
- reposition yourself to the side of the road
- Set up your caution triangles
You will prevent becoming a danger to other motorists this way. After that, you may proceed with caution in creating a plan to get your vehicle rolling again.