Any downtime for a driver causes a loss of profits and a truck breakdown can really mean a hit to their bottom line. Fortunately, if we avoid the most common reasons for a breakdown, we can reduce their frequency.
Avoiding A Truck Breakdown
The last thing you want on your journey is to deal with a breakdown. Here are the top three reasons a truck breaks down.

TIRES

Ever been traveling down the highway and seen large scraps of tire shreds in your lane?
There is more than proper inflation that goes into tire maintenance. Low tread depth and missing tread can also contribute, and these are two very easy things to fix before you get on the road.
Make sure to do a complete pre-trip inspection to avoid getting on the road with dangerous tires.
If these seem to be recurring problems all too often, check to make sure you're using the right commercial truck tires and that your axles aren't misaligned, as that can cause irregular wear on your tires.
 

ELECTRICAL

Your starter motor, battery, and alternator are responsible for the electrical system in your truck.
So much of your truck is right on electricity. Things like your air conditioning and thermostat, the radio, lights, ignition and starter, and any computer equipment you have all draw electricity.
Using the electrical system for creature comforts may cause too great a load on the system. Think about what you actually need and what may be an extra you can skimp on to keep the load lower.
One way to help with this is to switch to LED lights. You get the same lumens without sucking all the power, and that could mean the difference between delivering on time and being late.
Electrical repairs can be expensive because of the labor time involved in finding the issue. With so many possible causes, sometimes it takes forever to find the one little wire causing a short.
 

BRAKES

A truck's brakes have a certain amount of normal corrosion that goes along with wear and tear.
But the heat, friction, and pressure brakes undergo during long trips can also cause other problems with the brakes that can leave you stranded. Brakes can get air leaks, or their air lines can freeze (usually because of water contamination internally).
Make sure your brakes are properly maintained so you can reach your final destination on time with no problems.

On the Road Again

No one wants a truck breakdown on their trip. Make sure to keep these top three causes of road problems in mind as you conduct your pre-trip inspection and all through your journey.
For more information or to check out all the services we offer, visit our website. We'd love to get you on your way!
 

The engine motor mounts on most vehicles are designed to isolate the engine’s normal movements and vibrations from the vehicle frame and body so the operator of the vehicle will not feel them. In some vehicles the motor mounts are made from solid rubber and others may be hollow rubber with a liquid filling. The solid rubber ones are used in most vehicle engines, while the liquid filled ones are used in vehicles that need additional isolation between the engine and body.
 
The motor mounts are subject to wear and tear depending on age and how the vehicle is driven. A vehicle with a manual transmission may break motor mounts more often depending on the abuse from the shifting of the transmission. The age of the mounts will vary depending on location. Just like old tires start to dry rot and crack, so do the motor mounts’ rubber. A solid motor mount may tear partly and still work fine, but a liquid filled motor mount will leak out the liquid and the motor mount will no longer dampen vibrations from the motor.
 
In general, motor mounts do not have a scheduled replacement but should last between 5 to 10 years before dry rot or breaking from age-related failure. Motor mounts can get broken from slamming the vehicle, gears over-revving, and letting out clutch or power braking the engine before takeoff. Motor mounts can break in vehicle accidents too. If the motor mounts break due to harsh transmission shifting, the transmission mounts may also get damaged. I have seen mounts break in a year or less due to outside failures. Engine oil or other fluid leaks may get on the mounts, deteriorate the rubber, and cause it premature failure.
5 Signs You Need to Replace Worn Engine Mounts
Increased Vibrations
If you start your engine and notice that it is making more of a noise than usual, and can feel more vibrations than usual, this is a key sign of a worn engine mount and it may need replacing. If an engine mount is damaged, its anti-vibration properties weaken. An increase in vibrations leads to the engine making more of a sound than usual – something that can be extremely damaging to an engine if it continues for a long time.
 
Rocky Start
Upon starting a machine, you may notice an excessive lurch that doesn’t feel or sound healthy. This is a common indicator of a worn or damaged engine mount. This lurch then often steadies into a constant vibration, but you may then also experience a lurch when turning the ignition off.
 
A Bumpier Ride
Often, an engine mount that needs replacing can cause a jolt when changing gears on an attached transmission. This jolt or thump can also be noticeable when travelling at faster speeds due to the engine working harder. If your machine doesn’t feel as smooth as usual, this can often be down to a damaged engine mount. 
 
Impact Noises
A worn engine mount can often lead to ‘clunks’ and ‘bangs’ within its surroundings/engine bay. This is as a result of the engine moving around more than normal and making contact with other components, which in turn can cause impact sounds that become quite noticeable.
 
Visual Wear
With use, the metal part of an engine mount does change in appearance. However, if you can see any significant corrosion, cracks or warps to the part, it is likely that excessive wear will be occurring to the rest of the mount. If you notice any cracks or flaking to the rubber aspect of an engine mount, this can potentially limit its performance depending on the severity of the cracks and the route cause. The efficiency and effectiveness of engine mounts relies on their form and shape, and so any changes to this can be damaging to the engine. If you do notice any of these signals, you should look into replacing engine mounts as quickly as possible.

Regular truck maintenance is vital to ensure the efficiency of your operations as well as to promote road safety. Not only is maintenance important for the safety of your driver and your tuck, it also plays a vital role in the protection of other road users. Improved fuel consumption, reduced downtime, and increased productivity are all benefits of keeping your trucks in good working order.

Create a maintenance schedule

If truck maintenance is not carried out properly, it can cause accidents on the road. Common maintenance problems include tyres that are underinflated as well as hub assemblies that have not been installed correctly. Brakes that are contaminated by oil are another common cause of truck accidents. Steering components that haven’t been maintained properly can also put the driver and other road users at risk. It’s advisable to consult with a technician to compile a list of checks. Next, categorise the checks into whether they need to be carried out daily, monthly, weekly or every year. Regular checks form part of a preventative truck maintenance program which also includes repairs and regular services. Your schedule will depend on the truck’s mileage as well as its engine hours.

Check the tyres

The truck’s tyres should be checked at least once a week. Make sure that the tyre pressure is compliant with the manufacturer’s recommendations. Another important aspect of tyre maintenance is checking the wear of the tyres. The tyres need to be replaced before they are worn down to ensure maximum traction. The tyres should also be rotated regularly so that they wear evenly. It is important to note that trucks carry heavier loads than cars, which increases the safety risks that are associated with low air pressure. If the tyres aren’t properly maintained, they will wear out faster and the truck’s stability on the road will also be negatively impacted. The tread pattern must be consistent across the tyre. It’s also essential that the tread depth exceeds 1mm. The same type and size tyres should be used. Check the tyres for lumps and cracks regularly. You can also inspect the side-walls of the tyres for bulges.

Check the steering

Checking the truck’s steering is an essential part of proper truck maintenance. The steering should move freely between locks and the steering wheel should be free from cracks. The pipes must be inspected for leaks and for damage from stones. Check underneath the truck for oil leaks. Similarly, there should be no fluids leaking out from the undercarriage of the truck.

Check the engine oil and filter

Proper care of the truck’s engine prevents damage to the engine which can cost a fortune to repair. It also ensures that the truck is achieving maximum efficiency. Clean oil protects the engine and keeps the engine components lubricated. If dust and dirt get into the oil, it affects the performance of the engine. You’ll need to check the manufacturer’s guidelines to determine how often the oil needs to be changed. The weight of the loads that the truck carries, as well as the terrain the truck travels on, affects the frequency with which the oil needs to be changed. Off-road trips and dusty terrain makes it necessary to change the oil more often. Likewise, the engine needs clean air to operate properly so it’s important to change the filter at regular intervals.

Keep the truck clean

The truck should be kept clean. Removing dirt helps to protect the exterior paint of the truck. The undercarriage also needs to be cleaned frequently. If you travel off-road, it’s essential to clean your truck after the trip.
Now that you know more about truck maintenance, you can set up a schedule and ensure that all the important checks are carried out regularly. Not only will it improve road safety, it will also save you the time and money that are associated with breakdowns.

Any downtime for a driver causes a loss of profits and a truck breakdown can really mean a hit to their bottom line.
 
It's tough for the customers, too. Studies show that without truck deliveries, hospitals would run out of food in 24 hours, and stores in as little as three days.
 
Fortunately, if we avoid the most common reasons for a breakdown, we can reduce their frequency. Read on to learn more.
 
Avoiding A Truck Breakdown
The last thing you want on your journey is to deal with a breakdown. Here are the top three reasons a truck breaks down.
 
TIRES
Ever been traveling down the highway and seen large scraps of tire shreds in your lane?
 
There is more than proper inflation that goes into tire maintenance. Low tread depth and missing tread can also contribute, and these are two very easy things to fix before you get on the road.
 
Make sure to do a complete pre-trip inspection to avoid getting on the road with dangerous tires.
 
If these seem to be recurring problems all too often, check to make sure you're using the right commercial truck tires and that your axles aren't misaligned, as that can cause irregular wear on your tires.
 
ELECTRICAL
Your starter motor, battery, and alternator are responsible for the electrical system in your truck.
 
So much of your truck is right on electricity. Things like your air conditioning and thermostat, the radio, lights, ignition and starter, and any computer equipment you have all draw electricity.
 
Using the electrical system for creature comforts may cause too great a load on the system. Think about what you actually need and what may be an extra you can skimp on to keep the load lower.
 
One way to help with this is to switch to LED lights. You get the same lumens without sucking all the power, and that could mean the difference between delivering on time and being late.
 
Electrical repairs can be expensive because of the labor time involved in finding the issue. With so many possible causes, sometimes it takes forever to find the one little wire causing a short.
 
BRAKES
A truck's brakes have a certain amount of normal corrosion that goes along with wear and tear.
 
But the heat, friction, and pressure brakes undergo during long trips can also cause other problems with the brakes that can leave you stranded. Brakes can get air leaks, or their air lines can freeze (usually because of water contamination internally).
 
Make sure your brakes are properly maintained so you can reach your final destination on time with no problems.
 
On the Road Again
No one wants a truck breakdown on their trip. Make sure to keep these top three causes of road problems in mind as you conduct your pre-trip inspection and all through your journey.
 
For more information or to check out all the services we offer, visit our website. We'd love to get you on your way!

Like in vans and cars, truck brake failure is a common problem. In any vehicle, the braking system is the most important part. A heavy vehicle cruising at a high-speed may be hard to brake or slow down, if, especially, there is a brake problem. Brake manuals are available for large commercial vehicles, detailing the usage of the air brake. So, having necessary knowledge of doing a truck brake repair is necessary.

Common Problems

As like in passenger vehicles, you should replace master cylinders, brake pads, and wheel cylinders in large trucks as well. Since large trucks regularly cover long distance, frequent maintenance is essential. If you happen to be a driver of heavy trucks, then you are more likely to be familiar with truck brake repair. Air brakes are prone to different problems. So, there are many things to look out for. Apart from this, you can take some preventive measures to avoid truck brake failure.

Air Brakes

We need to replace the truck brake parts most of the time because of all the work it goes through. Just imagine when you have to drive on a steep road with 30 tons of load and have to stop or brake hard. Pressurized air is used in air brakes to halt a vehicle. And, there are some basics to follow when it comes to air brakes. 100 psi is the minimum effective for a large truck. And it should not take any more than 2 minutes to raise it from 85 psi to 100 psi. This is commonly known as the pressure buildup rate. Finally, the cut-out pressure rate has to be in between 120-135 psi.

Common Problems with Air Brakes

To avoid truck brake failure, water build up in the air lines should be avoided. This is problematic, especially when you are trying to stop the vehicle during cold spells. Modern trucks come with automatic drain valves to counter this problem.

Air leakage from the line is commonly the result of faulty rubber seals. If there is too much leak, the air will not move. If it is the case, check the air couplers. Newbie drives often tend to brake the vehicle too much; this locks up the brake and leaves skid marks on the road. The brake system in modern trucks consists of dual brakes – one is for the anti-locking purpose.

Though air brakes are more effective than a regular braking system, there are many components that need be checked on a regular basis to avoid an untoward situation while driving. If you are the driver of a heavy truck, you should at least have some knowledge of how to adjust truck brakes.

10 Warning Signs Of Power Steering Problems

Unlike some mechanical problems, steering problems generally give you plenty of warning that something is wrong, and the warning signs persist until the problem is fixed or the system fails.

• Difficulty in turning the wheel. If you have power steering, as most cars do these days, then this could indicate the system has a problem. Firstly, check to see if the fluid reservoir is full. If it isn’t, fill it up. If the next time you check, it has gone down again, then check under the vehicle for signs of any fluid leakage. Leaks can be in the steering pump, hoses or the steering rack itself.
• Steering wheel vibration. While this is often an indication of wheel alignment problems, steering wheel vibration can also indicate a problem with the power steering. A build-up of contaminants in the system can cause the steering wheel to vibrate or ‘pulsate’ when the wheel is turned fully in one direction or another. A power steering flush would normally fix this problem.
• Steering wheel slips when you attempt to turn it or hold it in a turned position. This is another sign that the power steering is failing. Other causes of power steering failure apart from leakage include faulty pumps, worn steering rack mounts and loose or worn steering belts.
• Looseness in steering wheel. This is usually caused by worn steering racks and tie rods.
• Excessive steering wheel vibration when you accelerate or turn a corner. This is usually caused by faulty or worn tie rods. If allowed to continue, it will cause the whole car to vibrate and eventually lead to loss of steering, so it should be rectified as soon as the problem is discovered.
• Vehicle wanders or pulls to one side. This often indicates a problem with a worn steering gear. Premature steering gear wear can be caused by lack of lubrication from power steering fluid, so you should also check for any power steering leaks when replacing a worn steering gear.
• Excessive play in the steering wheel can also point to a worn or faulty steering gear. If you have to turn the steering wheel more than an inch before the wheels begin to turn, then you can be fairly certain there is a problem with the steering gear.
• Grinding noise when turning the steering wheel. This is yet another indication of a steering gear problem.
• Screeching noise when you turn the wheel. This is often caused by a loose or worn power steering belt. This is the belt that connects the power steering pump to the engine. The screeching noise could also be a symptom of low power steering fluid levels, as mentioned before.
• Foaming or discoloured power steering fluid. This indicates that air or water has gotten into the system and the fluid is not lubricating the components properly.

Is it about time to think about replacing your truck and trailer’s brakes?

No matter if you have a heavy brake application truck or if you’re steering an over-the-road truck with less heat on brakes, your truck needs to be closely monitored for shoe lining wear and correct lubrication. Drums and shoes should be replaced per the Department of Transportation’s recommended specifications for mileage wear.

Check Brake Linings and Hoses

Brake linings can go through tough use, and often they are the first part of the brake parts that need replacement. Linings must not be loose or soaked with oil or grease, and should be replaced if wearing thin below ¼ of an inch. Also, monitor your air hoses connected to the brake areas to ensure proper attachment and to check if any wear issues are occurring.

Trailers that have been exposed to weather elements can suffer from corrosion, and moisture getting into the brake system will impact lines—and can cause brakes to freeze. This means trailers can be dragged (especially when empty) and damage trailer tires, so careful inspection of trailers is also necessary for safety when stopping.

Replace Brake Shoes Consistently

Many truck brake shoes come with replacement indicators warning drivers and truck maintainers when parts are wearing down. A best practice is to replace all necessary brake parts at the same time when you schedule your maintenance to ensure life-spans of parts are similar. If replacing brake shoes, also replace other interrelated parts like brake drums, which can wear and crack due to heat use, along with heavy duty hardware kits, which include bushings, pins, and springs.

Inspect Wheels and Brake Chambers

Wheels in service need to be inspected at regular intervals to assure proper and safe brake performance. Examine all exposed areas frequently. Clean wheels and look for cracks, corrosion, wear, or other damage. Also, check the inner dual wheel when the outer wheel is removed. Common crack areas will be from bolt hole to bolt hole, handhole to handhole, or handhole to bolt hole. These types of cracks are usually caused by overloading.

Know When to Replace Bearings

Bearing maintenance is an important component for brake maintenance. Early detection of wheel-end problems can save your truck or trailer from unnecessary downtime and costly emergency roadside repairs. Bearing damage may have already begun if you notice the following happening with your truck:

• Abnormal or uneven tire wear
• Smoking or extremely hot hub cap (too hot to touch)
• Wheel seal leakage
• Wheel vibration, wobble, or noise
• Increased stopping distance or decreased braking power
• Abnormal side pull when brakes are applied
• Wheel lock-up or skidding

 
If your truck is suffering from these symptoms, take it in for immediate inspection to see if bearings need replacement. Braking power is never a truck function that should be compromised, and continued increases in required stopping distances put drivers and traffic in potential jeopardy.

Maintain Correct Air Pressure Levels

Correct air pressure ensures proper brake use. If your truck’s gauge is running under 60 psi before you start driving, this is a good indicator you need to check your brakes or your gauge to make sure everything is in order. A truck should not be driven if your air pressure is registering this low. Pressure should run between 100 psi and 125 psi, and low pressure means brakes need to be serviced.

Grease Slack Adjusters and S Cams

Proper lubrication makes a world of difference for the lifespan of your slack adjusters and S cams (which push the shoe into the drum for stopping motion). This maintenance tip keeps brakes in alignment, and supports both automatic or manual slack adjusted brakes. Manual slack adjusters are often greased, but sometimes automatic slack adjusters are forgotten because of inconsistent use. Proper greasing of automatic and manual slack adjusters ensures brakes don’t seize or lead to brake failures.

Inspect Anti-Lock Braking System

 
Although some anti-lock braking systems (ABS) generally require no routine maintenance, it should be checked periodically like other components of the air brake system. Some commonly encountered problems that trigger ABS malfunctions include:
 

• Abraded or cut wires in convoluted tubing near frame clamps
• Cut or corroded wires near sharp frame members and frame-mounted modulator
• Wire jacket worn through from overlapping sensor and modulator wires
• Corroded connectors and connections not properly sealed or damaged seals
• Damaged connector latches or connectors not completely sealed to mating assemblies
• Terminals not completely latched or seated into connectors
• Excessive sensor air gap, sensor clip tension, or excessive wheel bearing endplay
• Damage to exposed wires exiting or entering wire tubing
• Worn, chipped or damaged sensor or modulator
• Non-functioning controller (ECU)

 

Monitor Air Dryers Every Month

 
It’s important to protect your truck’s air system from contamination because multiple on-vehicle technologies use this air. The air dryer collects and removes solid, liquid, and aerosol contaminants—such as water and oil—before they enter the air brake system and jeopardize efficient truck operation.
 
Interval requirements depend on the vehicle’s age, compressor condition, operating environment, vehicle vocation, and usage. Fleets can determine correct filter functionality by checking for moisture in the air brake system monthly. If moisture is present, the air dryer cartridge may require replacement. Using a well-operating air dryer and cartridge helps fleet owners lower operating costs.

Need to know if the problem is your truck suspension?

 
The Common Signs That Your Truck Suspension Has A Problem Are:
Pulling To One Side.
Feeling Every Bump.
 Diving, Rolling & Leaning.
Difficulty Steering.
Suspension Used Parts.
Truck suspension issues can be difficult to diagnose. It’s usually pretty easy to tell the symptoms, but identifying the source of the issue is another thing. Faulty or worn shocks, struts, springs, tie rods or ball joints can wreak havoc on your vehicle and make your car or truck unsafe to drive.
Wear and tear is only an issue if you actively ignore the problem and allow your vehicle to run itself into the ground! Pay attention to how your vehicle handles and what you’re hearing—and address problems immediately as they arise.

Here is more about some of the Truck Suspension warning signs:

 

Pulling to One Side While Driving

Pulling to the left or right is the most common sign of suspension problems. It can also be one of the hardest problems to diagnose without the help of a professional. Tires need to be aligned precisely for toe-in, caster and camber. Poor alignment means uneven tire wear, annoying pulling, a constant fight with the steering wheel, and even decreased gas mileage. Your vehicle could be pulling for any number of reasons:

• Uneven tire pressure
• Uneven tire wear
• Poor alignment
• Bad tie rods or steering rack
• Sticking brake caliper

If you blow through a pothole or climb over a curb or two, your alignment can get out of whack. Sudden changes in alignment don't happen magically. Something broke. It could be a broken spring or control arm.

Feeling Every Bump in the Road

A rough ride is a clear indicator your shocks or struts could be worn and in need of replacement. When every bump on the road makes your car bounce, you’ve got suspension problems and need to get it checked out.
 
Try the bounce test—when your car is parked, put all of your weight on the front end, release, and observe how the vehicle responds. If it bounces back and forth 3 or more times, the shocks and/or struts are worn and need replacing.

Worn Shock Absorbers Mean Big Problems

Shock absorbers, true to the name, are the main culprit when your car feels "bumpier" than ever. They're designed to keep your tires on the road. When they don't, the car will bounce all over the place. Shocks have fluid which dampen the bouncing. When they leak, their performance suffers and the absorbers will eventually fail.

Don't Count Out a Worn Leaf Spring

Leaf springs may sometimes cause problems with excessive bouncing. You can double check the possibility of a busted leaf spring by checking if the car or truck seems to "lean" back in a standing position. Many trucks are designed to be "nose down" to accomodate extra weight in the rear. If your pickup truck appears to sit level, it could be extra proof of an issue with a leaf spring.
Even the slightest damage from an accident can cause shocks to leak and permanently damage them beyond repair. Get it checked out.

Momentum Makes Your Car Nose Dive, Lean Back, or Roll

Shocks or struts can be in need of replacement when you notice the following related issues:

• Your car “nose dives” when braking (it leans forward).
• Your vehicle “rolls” to the side when cornering (it leans side-to-side).
• Your car “squats” during acceleration (it leans backward).

Of course, with extreme handling, you could force these things to happen in a vehicle with a brand new suspension system. We’re talking about everyday driving situations. You shouldn’t be leaning forward for a routine stop in a suburban intersection.