Regardless of the source of the truck breakdown, the expenses of delays, repairs, and downtime can quickly add up. It is also inconvenient for the drivers, who must reschedule their days while dealing with the stress of a broken-down truck.
When something goes wrong, such as a tire blowout, a dead battery, or an oil leak, it is necessary to go to a reputable truck repair shop. Most of the time, these breakdowns can slow down the fleet’s operations. This is why it’s critical to understand the most frequent truck failures so that you can prevent them.
Keep reading to learn about the most common truck failures you may have to face as a trucker.
Faulty Brakes
While statistics on truck maintenance as a cause of accidents are notoriously tricky to obtain, it is believed that defective brakes are responsible for many truck failures. The braking system is arguably the most common reason truck repair services are requested. Due to the increased load on the brakes, modern vehicle braking systems are more vulnerable to fluid or air leakage.
Corrosion and contamination from dirt or moisture can also cause brake components to wear out or fail more quickly. If not addressed quickly, they can eventually lead to complete brake failure.
Engine Overheating
Another common reason for truck failure is engine overheating. Failure of the engine might result in many other difficulties that can cause considerable damage to the vehicle. Engine overheating might be caused by a problem with the gasket or something else in the fuel tank.
If the overheating is not treated early on, it may lead to further truck issues. That is why it is critical to present the truck to the experts as soon as possible so that they can prevent more damage. Likewise, investing a little more time and money in routine maintenance will help a fleet remain effective in the future.
Wheel Bearings & Tires
Important components such as wheel bearings are required for your wheels to move down the road with as little friction as possible. If the driver observes an unusual amount of noise coming from the wheel wells while driving, the bearings may be worn.
However, you can avoid major damage by ensuring that the wheel bearings aren’t making any noise. If they are, it’s time to replace them as they have lost their purpose.
Another clue might be jerky truck movements or unsteady road movements. These issues are fairly prevalent, even if your tires are properly inflated. Thus, you must always replace your worn-out tires and keep plenty of spares on hand.
Also Read: How To Select A Reliable Truck Repair Service
Oil Leaks
Common truck fault codes can stop drivers on the road, leaving them unsure if it’s safe to drive. Often, there is a problem that is not evident to the human eye, but there can be a number of things wrong with the car that might have caused the problem. One of these issues is oil leakage. Leaking oil might cause lubrication loss in fleet vehicles, increasing friction and pushing parts against one another.
Friction can be so damaging that it can cause parts to fail. Resultantly, it is critical to be aware of the problem. Routine maintenance and an annual truck inspection, as with many of these typical truck failures, will help you discover these issues early on.
U-Joint Failure
U-joints are required for proper vehicle operation since they carry power from the gearbox to the differential. But you should be aware that U-joints only function well when they are well-lubricated; in this case, the risks of wear and tear are small, resulting in a smooth motion. However, U-joint failure can cause significant damage to the vehicle.
As a truck driver, you must ensure that everything functions properly. When a U-joint fails, you will hear a clicking sound or feel a vibration in the truck. If you observe any of these signs, take your truck to a truck repair service immediately and discuss the problem.
About LLN Truck Repair
LLN Truck Repair is one of Calgary’s top commercial truck repair companies. It is a family-owned business with over 20 years of truck repair experience on staff. Our skilled team will assist you every step of the way, whether you need help with a truck, trailer, or heavy-duty equipment or you need help keeping your fleet of cars on the road. Learn more about LLN Truck Repair and our services.
For premium and cost-effective truck repair services, contact us now.