A breakdown refers to the inability of a vehicle to continue operating as expected. While every vehicle has its own set of unique circumstances that could result in a breakdown, there are some general categories that most vehicles will experience on some sort of regular basis. A breakdown can be a safety concern if the operator is unable to continue operating the vehicle in order to reach their destination. It can also be a financial burden if it occurs while the vehicle is being operated under contract for another entity. If you operate trucks as part of your business, it’s important to understand the common causes of breakdowns and know how to prevent them before they happen. Truck breakdowns can be inconvenient but they don’t have to be a hazard or cause permanent damage if they’re prevented ahead of time.

Check engine light

The most common type of breakdown is the check engine light. The check engine light or other warning indicators are an early-warning system that tells you to take your vehicle into the shop for service. It’s usually activated by a fault in your vehicle’s emissions control system that could result in poor performance, excess emissions, and increased vehicle maintenance costs. The majority of the time, the check engine light will be an internal engine problem that cannot be resolved by the operator. If you ignore the light, it can increase the risk of more severe breakdowns and even cause engine damage. The best thing you can do is have the light addressed as soon as possible so that the problem can be resolved before it causes more problems.

Bad tread wear

Bad tire tread wear is a common cause of breakdowns. Tires are the only part of your vehicle that touches the ground, so they experience a lot of wear and tear. If you’re not maintaining your tires, they’ll wear out much more quickly and be much more expensive to replace than if they were properly maintained. Bad tire wear can occur when tires are worn out, but it can also be caused by a misalignment or improper tire pressure. If you use a tire gauge, make sure to adjust the pressure to the proper level. This will help you to prolong the life of your tires and avoid a breakdown.

Oil pressure issues

This is another common cause of breakdowns. Most large trucks are designed to operate at a specific oil pressure. If you let your oil pressure drop below the operating level, it can have a number of negative effects on your engine. First, it can increase the amount of wear on your engine, which can lead to major repairs or replacements at a later date. If you let your oil pressure drop below the operating level, it can also increase the likelihood of a breakdown. This is especially true in cold weather, when the oil in your engine becomes thicker and more viscous, making it harder to flow through the engine.

Driveline issues

This breakdown is less common, but if it happens, it can be disastrous. A driveline issue is a problem with the gears or axles that power your tires. It could be related to the transmission, but it will generally affect the wheels. If a driveline issue occurs, you will notice a significant amount of tire wear. If you notice that your tires are wearing unevenly, you should have them inspected as soon as possible.

Excessive engine wear

This breakdown is less common than the others, but it can also be dangerous. Excessive engine wear occurs when your engine is allowed to wear past its normal operating point. If you notice that your engine is running rough, it’s likely that it has been operating for longer than normal and needs to be brought in for repairs.

Conclusion

A breakdown can occur at any time, but there are several common causes for them. Check engine lights, bad tread wear, oil pressure issues, driveline issues, and excessive engine wear are just a few examples of what could trigger a breakdown. To prevent these from happening, it’s important to be mindful of your vehicle’s operating parameters. Make sure to follow the recommended oil and tire pressure for your vehicle and have it inspected and serviced on a regular basis.