Trucks are built for heavy use and longevity, but they are bound to break down similar to all other types of vehicles. In turn, you need to understand the common issues that affect trucks to ensure the safety of your drivers and avoid disruption of work. Here, we look at five common truck problems.
1. Engine overheating
Overheating is a common problem with most trucks and is caused by several problems, including:
- A blown gasket
- Radiator malfunction
- A leak in the coolant line
- Worn out fuel injectors, pumps, and EGR valves
This is a serious issue that should never be overlooked as it can lead to engine failure, which often means having to rebuild the engine. You can prevent engine overheating from escalating by having your truck’s engine professionally maintained to resolve the underlying problem and prevent breakdowns. If the problem persists, it’s probably time you found a semi truck buyer and cash in on your old asset.
2. Faulty brakes
A major problem that you need to be prepared to mitigate as a truck owner is faulty brakes. This problem is primarily caused by poor maintenance and the large payloads that cause excessive pressure on the breaks. To maintain safety, it is vital to maintain an active schedule for brake maintenance and only have experienced truck drivers behind the wheel. This will help avert potentially fatal accidents as drivers can still bring most trucks to a standstill using other unaffected braking systems.
3. Starter failure
Starter problems are common during the cold seasons as the temperature drop leads to poor battery conditions. This makes it harder to generate enough power to start the engine, leading to excessive cranking. However, this is not the only cause of starter failure as this problem might also be the result of:
- Electrical connection and cable faults
- Damaged electrical motor, freewheel, starter pinion, or single-pinion gear
- Faulty ignition switch
- Fuel starvation
- Dust contamination in the gear shift
- Poor engine earth or positive connection that creates high resistance in the starter motor
4. Wheel bearing problems
In an age where autonomous commercial vehicles have been introduced to the market, it is unfortunate that most trucks still experience wheel-bearing problems. Trucks are designed to carry a heavy load, and wheel bearing problems will significantly affect vehicle handling, leading to unstable road movements and lots of jerking. Always ensure your truck drivers inform you of these problems and that prompt repairs are made to avoid uneven tire wear or the risk of losing the vehicle’s control.
5. U-joint failure
U-joints play a vital role in transferring power from the transmission to the differentiator, and signs that it is about to fail include:
- Vibrations when driving at high speeds
- Squeaking or clucking noise
- Leaking transmission
- Non-functioning drive shafts that will cause the truck not to move
A lasting solution to this problem is to have your U-joint replaced regularly as they majorly fail due to wear and tear, lack of lubrication on the bearing, or excessive use of the truck.
Endnote
As a truck owner, it is vital to know the common problems you might experience to avoid costly damages that you can prevent through timely repairs and maintenance.