If you are wondering what the causes of semi-truck breakdowns are, Pittsburgh Truck Center has got the answers. Semi-truck breakdowns are no fun and require time, money, and effort to get moving again. Put together the inconvenience of being stranded and the cost of repairs, and you have got an expensive and annoying issue to deal with.
The 3 Major Reasons for Semi-Truck Breakdowns
You will be happy to know that a lot of semi-truck breakdowns are actually totally avoidable! Once you know the causes of semi-truck breakdowns and take preventative measures, you can save yourself time, headaches, and money! Below are the top 3 most common causes of semi-truck breakdowns:
1. Electrical Malfunctions
At Pittsburgh Truck Center, we have noticed that electrical malfunctions are one of the top causes of semi-truck breakdowns. Your truck’s electrical system consists of the battery, starter motor, ignition system, and alternator. In addition, there are a lot of other components such as blower motors, sensors, and power accessories. All of these components rely on a stable, consistent flow of electricity in order to keep things running smoothly.
You probably already know that extreme weather conditions can take a toll on your battery. This can shorten your battery’s lifespan and put you at risk for semi-truck breakdowns. This is a good reason why it is so important to stay on top of your electrical maintenance. It is always best not to assume that everything in your semi-truck is working perfectly. Regular battery checks from professional truck mechanics can help to spot issues early and help you to avoid semi-truck breakdowns.
2. Issues with Brakes
Your brakes need regular maintenance and it is crucial that you schedule them to be serviced! Brake problems are not something that you want to play around with. They are one of the main causes of semi-truck breakdowns, but more importantly, they are also a leading cause of semi-truck accidents. Poor maintenance is usually the culprit of these issues.
Brake problems can be caused by many factors including external contamination, corrosion to air pressure leaks, and internal water contamination. In order to stop these issues from taking hold, when you bring your commercial truck in for maintenance, have your brake system and all of its components inspected. Getting your brakes checked regularly is extremely important to avoid semi-truck breakdowns and to stay safe on the road.
3. Tire Problems
Tire problems are another common cause of semi-truck breakdowns. This includes flat tires, blowouts, and other tire issues that can cause stress and inconvenience. Did you know that 53.5% of vehicle breakdowns are caused by tire troubles? With regular maintenance, many of these problems could have been prevented.
A number of things, like under-inflation, misaligned axles, or low tread depth can cause tire issues. Ensure that your tires are thoroughly inspected before hitting the road, and keep up with regular maintenance to prevent future problems.
Pittsburgh Truck Center Knows the Causes of Semi-Truck Breakdowns
Semi-truck breakdowns can be a real headache, which is why it is important to know the causes of semi-truck breakdowns and keep up with regular preventative maintenance. Most of those breakdowns are preventable, which is why it’s crucial to prioritize regular maintenance for your commercial vehicle.
Pittsburgh Truck Center has expert mechanics and state-of-the-art equipment that can help you to catch these potential problems before they leave you stranded on the side of the road. You can always rest easy knowing that you’re in excellent care with us! Before you hit the road, familiarize yourself with the common causes of semi-truck breakdowns, and visit Pittsburgh Truck Center for regular maintenance!
