What to do if Your Truck Breaks Down

A breakdown can be a trucker's worst nightmare. Missed deliveries, unhappy customers and waiting around for repairs. It’s a stressful and sometimes even dangerous situation if not handled properly. 

So, we’re going to do our best to make it as stress-free as possible while prioritizing your safety. Here’s a step-by-step guide on how to stay safe, assess the issue, and get moving as quickly as possible. 

1. Get to Safety

• If possible, steer the truck off the main road into an emergency lane or onto the shoulder to prevent traffic disruptions and reduce the risk of a collision.
• Immediately turn on your hazard lights to alert other drivers.
• Place emergency triangles or road flares about 200 feet behind your truck, especially at night or in poor visibility. These markers signal to oncoming traffic that there’s a stalled vehicle up ahead.

2. Identify the Problem

• Understanding the cause of the breakdown, whether it's an engine issue, tire failure, or overheating, can help you take quicker action.
• Check for warning lights on your dashboard. Common alerts include low oil pressure, overheating, or battery issues.
• Look for visible issues like leaking fluids, a flat tire, or abnormal smoke. If safe, check under the hood or around the tires for signs of a malfunction.

3. Call for Assistance

• Use a trusted roadside assistance service or mobile repair service. A reputable roadside provider can handle anything from fuel delivery and tire repair to jump-starting or towing to a shop.
• Many breakdowns can be fixed on the spot, but severe issues like transmission problems or ECM failures might require a tow to a repair facility.
• If you don’t have roadside coverage, search for a nearby truck repair shop and arrange towing if needed. It’s helpful to know your exact location, so note any nearby landmarks, mile markers, or GPS coordinates to provide an accurate position.

If you’re unsure about this step, check out our article, which outlines when to call for roadside assistance.

4. Stay Inside and Secure the Vehicle

• For your safety, staying inside the truck is generally best, especially on a busy highway. Remaining in your vehicle protects you from traffic, as stepping outside on the road can be dangerous.
• Lock the doors and wait for help to arrive. If you must exit the vehicle (for example, to set out flares or check tires), do so cautiously, keeping as far from traffic as possible.

5. Attempt Basic Fixes (If Safe and Capable)

• Some issues can be resolved with simple fixes, especially if you have basic tools and experience with minor repairs.
• Overheating: Turn off the engine and let it cool down. When it’s safe to check coolant levels, adding coolant can sometimes temporarily resolve the issue.
• Battery Issues: If your truck won’t start, and you have jump leads or a portable jump starter, try jump-starting the battery. Be cautious, as improper handling can be dangerous.
• Flat Tires: If you’re confident in changing a tire, follow the correct procedure using a jack and wrench to secure the new tire. However, heavy-duty truck tires can be difficult to change without professional equipment, so you may prefer waiting for assistance.

6. Prepare for the Repair

• Once help arrives, be ready to provide all relevant information, such as symptoms, any noises you heard, or dashboard alerts. This will help the technician pinpoint the issue faster.
• If your truck needs to be towed to a repair shop, consider contacting your dispatch or fleet manager to inform them of the delay. As needed, document the situation with photos or notes.

7. Prevent Future Breakdowns with Routine Maintenance

• Breakdown prevention starts with routine maintenance. Regularly check oil levels, tire pressure, and other critical systems. Preventive maintenance can catch minor issues before they become roadside emergencies.
• Follow inspection schedules for parts like the brakes, tires, and cooling system. This can help ensure that your truck is in optimal condition and that parts are replaced or serviced before failure occurs.

Recap

Breakdowns are part of the job regarding long-haul driving, but knowing what steps to take makes the experience less stressful. Start by securing your vehicle, identifying the issue, and calling for reliable assistance. Basic troubleshooting skills can help, but sticking to a strict maintenance schedule is the best defense. 

When in doubt, seek professional help to get back on the road quickly and safely.

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