Tips for Preventing Common Trucking Breakdowns

Tips for Preventing Common Trucking Breakdowns

One of the worst things that can happen during a critical shipment is a truck breakdown. Unfortunately, due to the nature of trucks, occasional mechanical failures are inevitable. Every truck driver has experienced a breakdown at some time, and every customer knows to expect them every now and then. In this post we provide some Tips to prevent common breakdowns in trucks.

The good news is that there are many simple things drivers can do to minimize their chances of experiencing a breakdown. Preventive maintenance is extremely important in the trucking world and taking these precautions will ensure smooth delivery more often than not.

Perform Regular Inspections

Truthfully, inspections should be performed before every trip and even during scheduled stops. If a driver notices a bulge or penetration in the tire, he can take the proper action to fix it before it becomes a problem. The same can be said for any small issues that might show up in the engine or the cabin. Inspections are one of the keys to fixing problems before they even start.

In addition to tires, drivers should keep tabs on their electrical systems to make sure that batteries and wires are functioning at full capacity and haven’t suffered any cosmetic or functional damage.

Check brakes – or see a mechanic

Brakes take a lot of abuse and should be checked regularly. Degraded brake pads or problems in the internal braking systems can put a lot of stress on the overall truck. They can also pose danger for the driver and others on the road. If a driver isn’t qualified to monitor and fix brakes, there is no shame in taking the vehicle to a mechanic for an assessment and repair.

Change Air Filters

Air filters are often overlooked, but they are a vital part of your engine’s HVAC and air filtration system. If filters collect too much debris, not only will cabin air quality decline, but you might also end up having to replace ducts or your entire HVAC unit. Filters are a cheap and easy part to maintain, so there’s no reason to let them get too dirty.

Change Oil and Engine Coolant When Needed

This should go without saying, but many drivers go significantly over the recommended mileage before getting their oil and engine coolant changed. Proper oil levels and viscosity are essential in keeping an engine running smoothly. Coolant is important for preventing overheating and even protecting against water damage to many moving parts.

Keep Equipment Updated

It can be painful to allocate the funds for a new fleet, but trucks simply don’t last forever. New technologies make them more reliable and cost-friendly in the end. Carriers don’t have to replace their trucks every year, but it is better to update fleets on a regular basis. The cost of maintaining outdated trucks will be higher than the new purchase price in the long run.