Every business large and small has experienced the nightmare of a truck breakdown. Whether it’s a small, local shipping company or a big-name retailer, no one is immune to the stresses and strains of hauling tons of goods across state lines or long distances by car, rail, or ship. However, there are ways to minimize the likelihood of a breakdown, no matter how careful you are behind the wheel and how well-maintained your truck is. Truck breakdowns are just part of the risk of owning and operating a commercial vehicle — but they can be addressed before they become full-blown crises. Here are some tips for avoiding truck breakdowns:

Maintain Your Equipment

This may seem like a no-brainer, but it’s easy to forget about your truck when you’re focused on the bigger picture. Make sure to inspect your vehicle’s engine, tires, brakes, lights, and other components on a regular basis, and bring it in for scheduled repairs when necessary. This may seem like a lot of work, but it’s the only way to make sure you’re prepared for anything on the road.

Stay Well Rested

Like any occupation, truck drivers can get burned out if they’re not careful with their sleep. Truckers need to get enough sleep to avoid health and safety hazards — including fatigue-related driving errors — so that they can operate at peak performance. Drowsy drivers are more likely to make mistakes, such as driving off the road or running over potholes. Drivers who get too little sleep are also more likely to experience health issues, such as obesity, metabolic disorders, and cardiovascular issues.

Only Use What You Need

This may seem like a no-brainer, but many companies operate under the assumption that if a driver is running low on fuel, it’s a good excuse to fill up. However, not every situation calls for filling up your tank. If you’re running short on time or have to make a last-minute delivery, you can use your on-board systems to find a nearby station and fill up. This is a good way to keep your fuel costs in check and avoid unnecessary trips, which can be dangerous.

Don’t Forget to Check Your Tires

It’s not just you who needs to keep an eye on your tires — your company should also have a protocol in place to check the tire pressure on a regular basis. This is important because lower tire pressure is one of the leading causes of truck breakdowns. In fact, the American Trucking Associations (ATA) estimates that a third of all commercial vehicles experience a tire blowout or burst within their first year of operation. Not only does this lead to a costly repair, it also puts you, your passengers, and other drivers on the road in danger.

Avoid Unsafe Speeds

A lot of drivers are tempted to hit the gas when they’re behind schedule, but this can be extremely dangerous. It’s important to stay within the speed limit, especially when you’re hauling a load. Speeding puts you, your passengers, and other drivers at risk of a collision and could seriously damage your truck. This doesn’t only apply to interstate highways. It’s always important to keep a close eye on other drivers and stay under the speed limit in urban and residential areas, too.

Conclusion

Ultimately, the best way to avoid a breakdown is to stay on top of your vehicle’s maintenance. The more often you schedule maintenance and repairs, the less likely a breakdown will be. Stay well rested, avoid unsafe speeds, and use only what you need to avoid driving long distances with too few supplies.