If you’re driving trucks regularly, it’s likely that you’ll experience a breakdown at least once. This can be a stressful time, especially when you have cargo or goods to deliver imminently.
Read on to discover the common causes of truck breakdowns and find out what you can do to minimise the chances of this happening to you.
Braking bothers
Brake-related issues are a common cause of truck breakdowns – and one of the most dangerous. Brakes wear down over time so unless your truck is regularly checked, there’s a very real chance your brakes could fail you. Corrosion and wear, incorrect air pressure, overheated brakes, and internal water contamination can all lead to erosion, which can cause breakdowns and accidents. The best way to remedy this is to ensure your vehicle receives frequent maintenance.
Tire troubles
Tire troubles are another frequent cause of truck breakdowns. As the tires are the only part of the vehicle to make direct contact with the ground, it’s unsurprising they can cause you a lot of grief. Underinflated tires, low tread depth, and misaligned axels can all end up leading to breakdowns and even accidents. To prevent this, it’s important to inspect your tires before you set off on your journey and replace them when needed.
Electrical issues
The electrical components of your truck are some of its most important practical features, and so it makes sense that any failure of these parts can cause you to run into difficulty pretty quickly. With the potential for issues like flat batteries, a failing starter motor and faulty alternator, you’ll need to be on the lookout for any signs your electrical system isn’t working properly. Flickering lights, strange sounds when starting the engine, a strong sulphur smell and power loss in the engine are all things to watch out for.
Fuel shortage
An obvious yet still prevalent problem that leads to truck breakdowns is simply running out of fuel. Even the most experienced drivers can forget to check their tank, miscalculate or simply realise it’s too late to refill. Of course, making it a habit to regularly check your tank can help you avoid this frustrating issue. Further fuel-related problems include a dirty fuel filter or faulty pump. You can normally detect a failing pump by noticing sudden jolts at high speeds and unsteady acceleration.
If you need breakdown assistance, turn to Transcare. We specialise in truck servicing and our experienced and knowledgeable team are on hand to assist you with truck maintenance. You can rely on us to help you remain compliant with regulations and stay ahead of your competitors – from fleet management to lorry maintenance, we’ve got you covered. Contact us today to find out more about what we can do for you.
