Who you gonna call? Common truck breakdowns (and how to avoid them)

Having a breakdown is any driver’s worst dream, but it’s doubly true for truck drivers who rely on their vehicle for business.

Not only does a breakdown affect customers and potentially the cargo on board but have a significant cost in time and money.

Even the most careful driver will encounter an issue with their vehicle at some point, and as Murphy’s Law dictates, it will be in the most inconvenient location, without phone reception, in the dead of night… no doubt raining, too.

Read on for some of the leading contributors to breakdowns in trucks, and tips on how to avoid them.

Tools on board

Depending on how far you typically travel between stops, and the severity of the issue at hand, it’s always handy to have basic mechanical skills to keep you on the road until you can find a trained mechanic.

Even an online tutorial could mean the difference between being stranded for hours or limping into the next service station.

It’s also recommended to keep gear in your truck in case of emergencies. Aside from the all-important owner’s manual or handbook this could include:

• a comprehensive toolkit
• tyre repair kit
• jumper cables or a jump starter
• reflective triangles or traffic cones

The top five reasons for breakdowns

Trucks are undoubtedly hardy pieces of equipment but need to be carefully maintained in order to get the strongest performance, a long working life and to help avoid unnecessary breakdowns.

Tyre problems

Tyre problems top the list of breakdown causes and when you’ve got at least six of them to look out for, it’s easy to see why they should be one of a driver’s highest priorities.

Tyre problems can be caused by poor road conditions and road debris causing punctures, which is difficult to plan for. But many flat tyres or blowouts can also be avoided with proper maintenance and by specifying the correct quality tyre for your vehicle.

A thorough tyre check as part of the pre-drive checklist will help to assess:

• tyre pressure: under or over-inflation
• tread wear
• alignment issues

Battery & electrical issues

The electrical system consists of three main parts: starter motor, battery, and alternator. The malfunction of any of these or the connective wiring can get you stuck on the road. Without a working battery and/or starter motor, you won’t be able to get your truck moving and a faulty alternator will also mean your battery will be drained quickly.

Battery failure can often be attributed to human error like leaving the lights on or forgetting to turn off the electronics. If you’re in and out of the cab all day, it’s an easy mistake to make and exactly one of the reasons to have a good roadside assist cover.

Other things to look out for include:

• noises like grinding coming from under the hood
• clicking or whining turning over the ignition
• engine power loss
• a strong sulphur smell

Brake failure

Brake system failures or worn-out brake pads can be extremely dangerous and can also lead to a breakdown on the roadside. Luckily, brake maintenance is not a complicated issue for good truck dealership repair centres and any issues should be picked up through regular service checks.

Fuel consumption

One of the most common ailments that a roadside mechanic encounters is also the simplest: running out of fuel. People regularly mistake the capacity of the tank and pay the price, which is all the more costly if you’re driving a truck.

Apps like Fuel Map Australia or even Google Maps can locate the nearest servo in a pinch and help plan for longer trips, especially when travelling through remote country.

Overheating

This is commonly caused by cooling system issues such as a malfunctioning radiator, coolant leaks, a faulty cooling fan or low coolant levels. Ensuring coolant is topped up will help to avoid a preventable breakdown and give your engine the best possible lifespan.

A phone call away

Many Original Equipment Manufacturers (OEMs) provide roadside assist programs free of charge as part of their warranty structure with some of the best offering programs of up to six full years.

Most trucks will have details and a phone number located on the inside of the driver’s door. If you are out of warranty or your truck OEM does not provide a service of this kind, you may consider subscription services such as Truck Assist or the RACV (depending on your state) for peace of mind.

If you’re interested in what happens behind the scenes of a roadside assist operation, read on here!