What Are the Five Most Common Repairs for Commercial Trucks?

Driving a commercial truck is not a job that comes easy. It is a career that takes skill, patience, and knowledge. The commercial truck driver must have these three important characteristics in order to be considered a professional truck driver. It is not possible to be successful in this career track without cultivating a skill for driving such a large truck that takes up so much space on the road. In order to operate the commercial truck efficiently and safely, patience is required for those that intend to master this skill. Knowledge is the third component that is a requisite for those who intend to drive safely for long hours along the highways, byways, freeways, and all other roads.

Knowledge is cultivated in the same way that skill is built. Through dedicating time to learning about the career track, an individual is able to build knowledge on the subject. This particular career track involves understanding the function of a commercial truck. A truck driver does not need to have the skills of a diesel mechanic near me, but having some of the most basic knowledge will make them more successful at operating their vehicles for a long haul. When drivers are able to identify the most common causes of problems with their trucks, they will feel more confident working as a professional driver.

Common Truck Repair #1: Fixing Truck Tires

Moving heavy freight across the country takes its toll upon the rubber that meets the road beneath the semi-truck. Taking time to inspect the tires before driving is not a recommendation, but a priority. It is the responsibility of every driver to ensure that they are doing their job with regard to other motorists. Bald or punctured tires are an indication that the truck needs to be serviced right away.

The grooves of tread that run around each tire should be deep. If these grooves are shallow, the tire is more likely to be punctured while driving along the road. Nails, glass, and other sharp items could be waiting on the road ahead. These sharp items will ruin the trip, and a punctured tire poses a real danger to the driver and other motorists. A tire that is punctured while being driven at a high speed could blowout and cause an accident.

Common Truck Repair #2: Solving Electrical Issues

Electrical issues are common in all vehicles. These issues are more common for semi-trucks because the battery has a lot more to power. Although, there’s usually an auxiliary battery that is in a separate part of the truck for the purpose of powering any electrical items in the cab and throughout the truck. Electrical problems often present themselves when the driver starts the vehicle in the form of flickering lights.

There are other signs of electrical problems that need the attention of a professional mechanic or technician. If there is a clicking sound when the key is turned in the ignition, there is likely an issue with one of the electrical components of the truck. If the truck is experiencing any kind of electrical problems, it is crucial that the driver works to find a semi-truck repair place as soon as possible. There could be a serious problem with the truck that needs the attention of a certified professional mechanic.

Problems with alternators, batteries, and cables are common in commercial trucks. Should one of these electrical parts malfunction, the truck will be out of commission. Do not delay finding professional assistance with electrical issues.

Common Truck Repair #3: Refrigeration System Problems

Not every semi-truck has a refrigeration system that the driver needs to monitor. However, every truck driver needs to be familiar with how to monitor the refrigeration system, also called a reefer. Even if the driver does not drive refrigerated trucks at the present moment, having the knowledge to monitor reefers will give the driver more opportunities in the future. Having specialized knowledge often nets more income.

The refrigeration system that exists on certain trailers is responsible for making the trailer into an icebox on wheels. Reefers need to be inspected and properly maintained in order to ensure that valuable merchandise is transported without any problems. Problems with the reefer might create problems with the items being stored. The driver needs to ensure that the reefer stays cool by monitoring the gauges that are usually routed to the cab of the truck.

Common Truck Repair #4: Brakes Needing Repair

Moving along the road at a high speed is a freeing experience. There’s plenty of power behind the wheel of a commercial truck. It’s every professional’s dream to put the gas pedal to the floor and drive fast to their destination. However, driving recklessly would result in speeding tickets, accidents, and other problems. It is necessary to use the brakes along the journey, but the brakes need to be maintained in order to make sure they are able to function properly when the driver needs the vehicle to come to a sudden stop.

Common Truck Repair #5: Lights, Wipers, Other Wear

Even if the electrical system, tires, refrigerators, and brakes are working properly, the driver is still responsible for maintaining the other aspects of the truck. The same responsibility is shared by every motorist. However, commercial trucks are going a greater distance in a shorter amount of time, so the headlight bulbs and windshield wipers need closer attention.

Driving a commercial truck at night without properly working headlights is an accident waiting to happen. The same thing should be said about driving without wipers during a storm. If one of these problems presents itself, the driver needs to make the responsible decision to visit a semi-truck repair shop. Dangerous driving habits are hazardous for the driver, the vehicle, and other drivers on the road.

Keep On Trucking

If a problem presents itself, that problem is usually something a professional will be able to fix. Take the responsible route. Visit a professional for your truck maintenance needs.