Common Truck Problems and How To Avoid Them

Semi-trucks making local, regional, and long-haul runs end up on the side of the road and in the shop for a wide variety of reasons. Whether the semi-truck electrical system is the root cause or an air brake failure occurs, an undrivable truck is no good for anyone involved. Let’s investigate some of the more serious common truck problems.

Braking system failures are a serious common truck problem. Based on the most recent information, air brake failures account for 30% of all commercial vehicle crashes. One of the leading causes of brake application malfunctions is an inadequate air supply due to leaks. Leaks cause air pressure loss, which in turn causes the air brake system to lock up. Another reason air brake failures occur is truck driver error. 

If a driver rides the brakes down steep hills for too long or too hard, they can overheat, fail, or in extreme cases, catch fire. Driver-related air brake failures are typically the result of inexperienced drivers who aren’t familiar or comfortable with using their jake brake. This is why responsible trucking companies stress training, safety, and professionalism.

Another common culprit of truck breakdowns is the electrical system. These systems are made of three integral components: the starter motor, the alternator, and the battery. Should any of these parts experience a failure, your truck becomes inoperable. 

If you believe your semi-truck’s electrical system is malfunctioning, pay close attention to these signs:

• Corrosion around the battery connections
• A weak or dead battery
• Unusually dim or flickering lights
• Strange smells
• Previously unrecognized clicking noises when starting your engine

It doesn’t take long for a minor semi-truck transmission problem to become severe. As a common truck problem, transmission issues are easier to address if you know what to look for. If you notice any of these signs, get your rig to a truck repair service shop before you experience a truck breakdown:

• Repeatedly popping out of gear
• Leaking transmission fluid
• Difficulty shifting into gear
• Grinding sounds coming from the transmission
• Weakening acceleration

Ongoing, proactive maintenance is one of the most reliable ways to avoid truck breakdowns and substantial 18 wheeler truck repairs. Let’s examine the essential maintenance your truck needs to prevent and address common truck problems.

Maintenance is essential to avoiding air brake failures. When inspecting your systems, you should:

• Open the drain valve and wet tank to ensure no valve failure in the primary or secondary circuits
• Make sure there’s no buildup of dirt, debris, or salt on or near the glad hands
• Check for signs of wear around rubber boots and seals for the ABS connectors
• Inspect slack adjusters and pushrods for proper functionality
• Observe the pushrod actuation from brake chambers and look out for broken or damaged springs
• Inspect all parking brakes for leaks in the chambers

Because so many components of modern trucks are electric-powered, a semi truck’s electrical system is the root of many common truck problems. The good news is that you can check some things on your own, but a professional should handle the work on an electrical system in most cases. What you can do is:

• Measure battery power
• Perform load tests
• Evaluate voltage drops
• Replace a weak or dead battery

If your transmission fluid is neglected or runs dry, it’s only a matter of time until you experience a truck breakdown. To avoid semi-truck transmission failure, you should:

• Check transmission fluid levels every 20,000 miles
• Inspect the clutch for wear and tear
• Check the torque converter for signs of heat damage