Tag: truck breakdowns

What to Do if Your Truck Breaks Down Mid-Journey

Bob Holtzman

For truck drivers, there are few things more frustrating than going through a breakdown on the road, especially in the winter. What’s more, truck drivers operate on a tight schedule, having to drop off and pick up their cargo, and try to get back home for some much-needed personal and family time. So, any form of breakdown is a huge wrench in their day-to-day.

If a breakdown happens, truck drivers and their cargo are put in a vulnerable and dangerous position. Depending on where they are stranded, they could be open prey for wildlife and thieves, as well as miles away and hours away from receiving any help.

Fortunately, there are a number of steps you can take in order to limit your exposure on the side of the road, get your truck back up and running, and get the right help on time so you can get back on the open road.

Getting in Contact

It’s important to contact dispatch to let them know your location and send help if you need it or give you quick-fix tips to get you back up and on the road temporarily. Common breakdowns are usually related to faulty sending units or emissions equipment, and both require shop repair.

Keep your dispatcher informed of your status throughout the repair process so they can relay information to the customer. The dispatcher will also be able to help out with any instructions on what to do to fix your truck as waiting and repair times may be lengthy.

Another point of contact to reach out to is your truck insurance carrier, like Western Truck Insurance. Western’s roadside assistance coverage is designed to help truck drivers with breakdown problems. This is an inexpensive service option that can help save you thousands of dollars. From towing to flat repair to getting a simple jump-start, Western Truck Insurance’s commercial roadside assistance is a surefire way to get back on the road.

Staying Safe During a Breakdown

Being broken down on the road can be extremely dangerous for a number of reasons. Drivers and their trucks are exposed to speeding traffic in close range among other risks. One distracted driver behind the wheel of any vehicle can create a major hazard.

If you’re broken down on the road, it’s important to stay alert and be aware of the danger that nearby traffic poses and try to stay in your vehicle as much as you can during your waiting time.

If you start to feel your truck fail, pull over on the next off-ramp is possible, which can be much safer than having to wait on the shoulder. If you have to pull over on the shoulder, go for the widest spot possible. Turn flasher on and remember to keep an eye on your mirrors to monitor the traffic coming from behind you. If you’re able to rather than a hard power turn to the side, ease off the road.

When you’ve parked the truck and it’s safe to exit, carefully get out of the truck and set up your flares behind the truck in intervals of fifty feet. It also doesn’t hurt to tilt your hood to indicate more clearly that you’ve broken down.

If you’re able to, try to determine what the issue is and whether or not you can repair it on your own or patch it up until you get it into a nearby location with service. If the problem is something electronic, it will probably mean you need professional assistance to get you back up and running.

About Western Truck Insurance Services

Western Truck Insurance Services is a commercial truck insurance agency with roots dating back to 1954. We have evolved into a highly respected, professionally managed, truck and transportation insurance brokerage. The hallmark of our organization is our desire to provide unparalleled service. We go way beyond what you expect to receive from an insurance brokerage. Equipped with state of the art automation, Western Truck Insurance can provide you with lightning fast truck insurance quotes, customer service, Insurance certificates, and coverage changes.

What Are the Most Common Causes of Truck Breakdowns?

Bob Holtzman

If you’re on a family trip and your car pops a tire, it may be unfortunate and a little stressful, but it’s a relatively easy fix. If the family van breaks down, again, very unfortunate, but a tow truck can come out. But what if it’s you’re truck that’s hauling loads of cargo and you’re in the middle of a desert highway? This is the situation all trucking professionals dread.

Sometimes, even the most seasoned truck driver may be stuck on the side of the road with a major issue. While some truck breakdowns may be caused by mechanical errors, many of the common reasons for trouble can be caught early and even prevented. Here are some ideas as to what could be causing unwanted breakdowns.

Tire Trouble

When it comes to physical issues with your truck, tires are typically considered to be the most important components of any vehicle. A simple flat really isn’t that simple and can sideline a truck for hours. Tires are the leading cause of truck problems for drivers, making up around 50 percent of all roadside failures. These failures are related to under inflation, low tread depth or misaligned axles. Always make sure to have each of your tires inspected thoroughly before you hit the road and look for those issues.

Electrical System

This mechanical part of a truck can cause some serious issues down the road—literally. This system is made up primarily of the starter motor, alternator and battery. If even just one of these components fails to function properly, your truck can’t continue on. Signs of a malfunctioning system include things like dead batteries, dim or flickering lights, unusual smells and clicking sounds when the engine starts up.

Refrigerated Trailers

These trailers are important for hauling temperature-controlled freight, such as food and medicine. When this kind of trailer breaks down, repairs are needed quickly so the load that is being hauled is not damaged, because this could turn into a major financial issue. To avoid this, it’s important to monitor the trailer during transit and look for any in-cab signals that indicate the unit is not working the way it should. To protect against loss, trucking professionals should also haul truck insurance.

Truck insurance can come in many forms including commercial truck roadside assistance, which can provide the right coverage when your semi is stuck on the side of the road for a myriad of reasons. Truck insurance will not only provide things like towing and roadside repair, but it can also provide financial protection in the event of a loss.

Brakes

Brake-related problems can lead to major accidents on the road and can involve passenger vehicles as well. A truck’s disc and drum brakes are exposed to consistent heat, pressure and friction, which means they wear down without the right maintenance.

Brake issues are usually related to things like air leaks, external corrosion and wear, and internal water contamination that causes airline freezing during the colder months.

About Western Truck Insurance Services

Western Truck Insurance Services is a commercial truck insurance agency with roots dating back to 1954. We have evolved into a highly respected, professionally managed, truck and transportation insurance brokerage. The hallmark of our organization is our desire to provide unparalleled service. We go way beyond what you expect to receive from an insurance brokerage. Equipped with state-of-the-art automation, Western Truck Insurance can provide you with lightning fast truck insurance quotes, customer service, Insurance certificates and coverage changes.