Common Heavy Truck Problems and How to Fix Them

Heavy truck problems

There are more than 200,000 truck drivers in Canada, and recent events and protests have spotlighted this vital career. While policy and pay debates are topics for another day, one thing is frustrating no matter what the situation: broken-down trucks.

But what are the most common heavy truck problems that people are likely to encounter? And how can they be fixed? Read on for everything you need to know!

What Are Some Common Heavy Truck Problems?

The unfortunate reality is that truck breakdowns are often an unavoidable part of the job. Even with good truck maintenance, parts will wear down and things will break with all the miles put on the machinery.

There are some vehicle problems that are more common than others. To assist you in troubleshooting your heavy truck, below are some of the most common truck problems and possible solutions.

Overheated Engine

An overheating engine is a common problem with trucks. Repairing it can be costly, but it’s always better to fix it as soon as possible. If you don’t repair a broken engine immediately, it won’t last long and will cost you additional money.

Blown gaskets and fuel leaks are common issues that can overheat engines. If something like this happens on your semi, it needs immediate attention from professional mechanics.

Improper maintenance can also cause an overheated engine. If you’re not maintaining and changing your fluids, it can lead to engine damage. Checking the oil, coolant, and other fluids regularly to help catch issues early and prevent bigger ones from forming.

Brake Problems

Because of their heavy payloads, large trucks frequently experience brake problems. Regular maintenance and repairs are critical, but even with reasonable care, brakes can still fail. Frequent checks of brake lines and fluid levels will prevent and detect any issues with your truck brakes.

The good news is that even if one brake fails, the truck should still be able to stop with the help of the other brakes in the independent brake system. However, it is always a good idea to immediately replace or repair any brakes or brake lines that fail.

Starters

When cold weather hits, starters struggle a lot more. Trying to start a sluggish engine when the temperature is below freezing is very difficult for the starter motor, and it can quickly burn out.

If you or your drivers notice the truck is having issues starting, it may be due to the starter mechanism. It’s generally a good idea to replace these before they break entirely, as this can prevent your truck from getting stranded on the side of a highway in the middle of a winter storm.

Wheels and Tires

Your tires and wheel bearings go through a lot of mileage and will often wear out on the road. If you feel any shaking in your wheels or hear any noise from the wheels, your wheel bearings are probably wearing out. When that happens, you probably need to replace your wheel bearings before things worsen and damage more of the wheel.

It’s also important to carry spare tires with your truck. Having plenty of spare tires on hand ensures a blowout is a simple inconvenience rather than a huge burden.

What If You Can’t Fix Them?

Trying to fix heavy truck problems on your own can be tricky. However, the sooner you take care of the problem, the sooner your trucks can get back on the road to do their job safely.

A heavy truck service and repair company like RJames Management Group Ltd., can work wonders for commercial truck fleets. Many trucking companies outsource their truck repairs and maintenance to ensure fast, and reliable service. This enables them to keep their fleet running safely and efficiently.

More About Heavy Truck Repairs

Now that you know more about some of the common heavy truck problems you may encounter, you can better prepare your fleet to prevent and treat them. They can be frustrating, but good maintenance helps a lot!

If you’re interested in repair services for your semi-trucks, we’d love to help! Feel free to contact us at RJames Management Group Ltd., and we’ll do our best to figure out a solution that works for all your trucking needs.

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