6 Common Causes for Truck Breakdowns

A vehicle, however big or small, goes through breakdowns. What it needs is an expert, knowledgeable driver and smoothly functioning parts to have a trouble-free journey. Rigs dying down on the road cause huge loss of money and time. All one needs is to be aware enough to listen to one’s rig and gather that some problem is on its way and be able to cater to minor issues themselves, or else be ready to wait for hours alongside the road, in wait for some help. That’s why timely maintenance and repair of your fleet is mandatory. 

For the best Truck Servicing in Melbourne, contact Oz Truck Repairs and avail good deals on yearly packages.

Here are a few common causes why trucks break down in the middle of nowhere. If you are aware of these, you become self-sufficient and are good to go. 

1. Tyres 

These inflated rubbers are the reason for the truck to remain on the road and deliver on time. These are the only contacts your truck has with the road. If you don’t take care of them, they can prove dangerous. Tyres account for more than 50% of the breakdown cases throughout Australia. 

Because of the enormous weight of the cargo and of the truck itself, accurate air pressure in the tyres is crucial as it helps in uniformly transferring the weight and vehicle manoeuvrability. 

Other reasons are a worn-out tyre, misaligned axles, under-inflation, or low tread depth. 

A regular check-up by a truck mechanic in Melbourne can be costly but helps save you huge bucks and time in the long term.

1. Brakes 

Bad or worn-out brakes are one of the primary reasons for the breakdown in the middle of the road. Poor maintenance, huge loads, and longer drives without a recess are the reasons why the drums and discs are exposed to constant pressure, heat, and friction. 

Other reasons are internal water contamination and clogging during free-thaw cycles in the winter, causing airline freeze-up, air leaks, faulty installations, subpar materials, overuse, wear-up, and external corrosion. 

Regular maintenance by any truck servicing in Melbourne would keep them reliable and trouble-free forever.

1. Engine 

Old engines without maintenance are a menace, making you shell out big bucks on decreased fuel efficiency and horsepower, not to forget worn or faulty fuel injectors, pumps, and gasoline causing the engine to overheat. Fuel leaks and blown gaskets, radiator malfunction, coolant leaks, etc.

These issues should be looked after as soon as a little malfunction appears, as delay or negligence may cause engine rebuilding, which can cost you an arm and a leg. 

Regular maintenance and a complete overhaul by a truck servicing in Melbourne can let your asset help you earn profits for long.

1. Electrical System

The starter motor, alternator, and battery of your truck compose its electrical system. Your truck might malfunction if any of these components falter. Other signs of malfunction are: 

• flickering lights,dim lights, or no lights at all.
• strong and unusual odours.
• clicking sounds when the engine starts.
• corroded battery connections or dead batteries. 

Electricity issues related to bad or damaged wiring can also lead to poor connections. Exposed wiring can cause sparks leading to small burns, which may further lead to a potential fire. 

Keeping an eye on simple malfunctions and timely maintenance can help avoid a disaster. Exchanging old parts with new ones can prove fruitful. Installation of useful software also proves effective in finding faulty electrical parts way before they can start causing problems.

Maintenance by truck servicing in Melbourne can help get rid of troubles with a promise of longevity and excellent vehicle service.

1. Oil Leak

If your truck moves on a tree limb or a protruding stone on an unpaved road, these can puncture the vehicle's oil pan or line. An oil leak may start due to worn connections or washers. This may also occur due to long haulage, during  which the engine seizes up. Keep a watch for smells, smoke, or poor engine performance, as the oil is inflammable, and a single spark is sufficient to turn the whole thing into a spectacle. 

Leaking oil can also cause a loss in lubrication, forcing the parts to rub against each other, further leading to a breakdown. Regular rubbing against each other can cause the parts to fail eventually. 

1. Refrigerated Trucks

These trucks are also called reefer units which carry perishable items for long-distance deliveries. If such a truck breaks down, the repairs must be met instantly; otherwise, refrigerated freight might get spoiled. The refrigeration might get compromised due to poor maintenance and gas leakage. 

Regular monitoring of such a fleet during transit and constant attention to potential troubles can save you from shelling out huge sums of money. 

Tips to Avoid Breakdowns 

• Don’t go for cheap fixes; opt for the best.
• Always carry a set of tools.
• Always illuminate your truck during a breakdown.
• Gain as much knowledge as possible during repairs.
• Act like a leader, an incharge. Don’t be dependent on mechanics alone.
• Buy a yearly maintenance program from a truck servicing in Melbourne.
• Conduct Pre-route, en-route, and post-route inspections.
• Maintain logs regularly to keep a check on performance.

The Endnote

There is a lot to take care of when maintaining a whole fleet of trucks. Oz Truck Repairs ensures the peak efficiency of your fleet with various innovative techniques and software. Our technology not only tackles the problem efficiently, makes you aware of the problems that may arise in the near future, but also can prevent issues even before they arise. Contact Us for trouble-free maintenance.