Most Common Truck Problems
Truck owners know all too well the problems of owning a truck. Several mishaps could happen, but there are common breakdowns that we often see on the roadsides. Various reasons can cause these breakdowns, so if you’re a new truck owner, you should know why these problems occur.
Brakes
Faulty breaks cause almost 29% of truck accidents. It’s one of the essential components of a vehicle. That’s why it’s ideal always to have regular check-ups. This way, you can be assured that your brakes are fully working before you drive. Because of how heavy trucks are, the amount of friction and pressure these brakes face damages them considerably. Heat and air leaks can also reduce performance, leading to more problems on the road.
Tires
Unchecked tires can potentially cause a lot of problems and accidents on the road. Almost 50% of truck-related issues on the road are because of tires. Reasons like misaligned axles, heat build-up from the sidewall, and road obstructions causing punctures are some of the reasons why tires fail. For truck owners, regular inspections are a must. If tire failure happens on the road, equip yourself with the basic tools, but even one failed tire can take time, so calling for assistance from a commercial truck repair shop is much more ideal.
Battery
Another thing to consider is your battery. While some warning signs may be presented before your truck gives in, this is still not enough reason to forgo inspections. Be on the lookout for these warning signs, like flickering lights while the truck is idling or having trouble turning over your battery. This is even more common in a colder climate, shortening the lifespan of your battery.
Engine
Although trucks are known for their long-lasting and efficient engines because of the nature of their use, breakdowns are still inevitable. One problem that frequently happens is overheating from blown gaskets or leaking coolants. Engines can also be damaged from oil oxidation and natural wear and tear to gasoline, pumps, and injector components.
Electrical System
If your engines also face problems, your truck’s electrical system is susceptible to problems. The wires connecting your battery, motor, and the alternator may become faulty due to corrosion. You’ll have to check your electrical system once you hear clicking sounds, unusual odours, malfunctioning batteries, and flickering or dimmed lights. And while you can see warning signs ahead, don’t wait for the truck to die in the middle of the road. You can reduce the chances of breakdowns by doing regular inspections.
Wear and Tear
In general, anything will undergo natural wear and tear, including your trucks. While trucks usually have a long-lasting engine system built to withstand harsh and heavy-duty usage, they’ll eventually succumb to the inevitable. Luckily, apart from doing your routine inspections, you can always fix and upgrade the components of your truck to maintain its top performance.
Truck Repair in Calgary
If you have a truck needing an inspection, you can contact a commercial truck repair shop in Calgary. Now that you’re aware of the possible mishaps you’ll face on the road, minimize these chances by taking note of these most common truck problems. By following a consistent truck inspection and maintenance plan, you can ensure a safe trip on the road!