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The 5 Most Common Causes of a Semitruck Breakdown

By: Cleveland Brothers
March 15, 2022

semitruck breakdown solutions

Many circumstances could lead to a semitruck breakdown. Some elements are beyond a truck driver’s control —  like when cold weather stalls a truck’s engine. However, other common causes of semitruck breakdowns are easily avoidable, like a blown tire or an oil leak.

Despite the cause, breakdowns can result in expensive and time-consuming roadside repair services. They can offset an entire trip or cause a driver to lose a significant amount of merchandise. But drivers can proactively avoid breakdowns with excellent time- and cost-effective preventive maintenance. And when a breakdown does occur, it’s helpful for drivers to know how to troubleshoot.

Many circumstances could lead to a semitrailer breakdown. Some elements are beyond a truck driver’s control —  like when cold weather stalls a truck’s engine. However, other common causes of semitruck breakdowns are easily avoidable, like a blown tire or an oil leak.

Despite the cause, breakdowns can result in expensive and time-consuming roadside repair services. They can offset an entire trip or cause a driver to lose a significant amount of merchandise. But drivers can proactively avoid breakdowns with excellent time- and cost-effective preventive maintenance. And when a breakdown does occur, it’s helpful for drivers to know how to troubleshoot.

5 Common Causes of Semitruck Breakdowns

Explore some of the most common reasons for semitruck breakdowns so you’ll know what to keep an eye on.

1. Tire Problems

Tire complications account for more than half of roadside breakdowns. These components can fail for several reasons, but some of the most common ones include:

  • A flat or blowout
  • Underinflation
  • Low tread depth
  • Misaligned axles

Tire failure can cost a truck driver hours in the form of downtime, so regular inspections are essential — especially before long trips. Drivers should examine tires for:

  • Air pressure, especially during cold weather
  • Inflation in pounds per square inch (PSI)
  • Cracks
  • Excessive tread wear
  • Sidewall separation
  • Audible air leaks

Replace any tires that do not currently meet the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration’s (FMCSA) regulations for extra protection against potential tire problems.

2. Brake Failures

Brakes are crucial for driver and road safety. According to the FMCSA, brake-related problems cause 29% of semitruck accidents. Semitruck brakes are especially vulnerable to wear due to the weight and size of the vehicle. The increased pressure and friction wear semitruck brakes down much more quickly than the brakes on a car. Common causes of brake-related semitruck accidents include:

  • General wear and tear
  • Corrosion
  • Air leaks
  • Frozen airlines
  • Water contamination

A tire might fail for reasons beyond a driver’s control, but drivers can help to preserve the integrity of their brakes with a proper preventive maintenance plan. Regularly schedule your truck for brake testing and maintenance to prevent potential accidents or breakdowns.

3. Electrical Problems

A semitruck’s electrical system includes the starter motor, alternator and battery. If one aspect of a truck’s electrical system isn’t working — as in the case of a failing starter motor, for example — it will affect the entire truck’s performance. You might be experiencing problems with your truck’s electrical system if you notice any of the following signs:

  • Flickering cab lights
  • A dead battery
  • Unusual odors
  • Clicking noises
  • Battery corrosion
  • Failing meters or gauges

Check your fusebox if your truck’s cab lights or dashboard gauges aren’t working. If you can’t identify the source of the problem by flipping your fusebox switches, the issue may stem from your battery or alternator. In that case, promptly bring your truck in for an inspection so a technician can diagnose and fix electrical problems before more extensive repairs are necessary.

4. Age

A semitruck can travel approximately 750,000 to 1,000,000 miles over its lifetime as long as it sees excellent maintenance and upkeep. The average life span of these vehicles ranges from 10 to 15 years.

Naturally, a truck’s age can significantly impact its performance. But general wear and tear from the sheer amount of miles a truck travels can also lead to an unexpected breakdown. Common symptoms of an aging diesel engine in a semitruck can include:

  • Lower gas mileage than before.
  • Oil or water leaks.
  • An inability to reach higher speeds.

Generally, the older the truck, the more upkeep it requires to prevent unnecessary hiccups during travel — especially if you aren’t familiar with the truck’s maintenance or repair history.

5. Trailer Problems

Semitrucks haul several types of trailers across the country, including flatbeds, refrigerated or reefer units, tanks and drop trailers. Some types of trailers are more sensitive to problems than others. For example, if a breakdown occurs and the cooling system of a reefer unit fails, the loss of merchandise can be significant.

The best way to prevent downtime and damage to merchandise is to keep up to date with regular maintenance, inspect the trailer thoroughly before all trips and keep an eye on it during travels.

Cleveland Brothers RIG360 Truck Centers Can Help

At Cleveland Brothers RIG360 Truck Centers, we’re a total solutions provider, meaning we can do it all—from preventive maintenance and repair services to roadside assistance. We have experience working with all makes and models of heavy-duty trucks. Learn more about how we can assist you with semitruck maintenance, repair and emergency services.

Preventive Maintenance

Our factory-trained and Automotive Service Excellence (ASE)-certified technicians can handle your semitruck’s preventive maintenance needs. We have 95 different truck bays at 11 convenient locations across Pennsylvania and northern West Virginia. We’ll conduct semitruck troubleshooting, then repair and replace damaged or worn components with original equipment manufacturer (OEM)-approved parts and accessories if necessary. Our preventive services cover the following areas:

  • Air conditioning
  • Brakes
  • Clutch
  • Transmission
  • Suspension and steering
  • CNG tank inspection
  • Dyno tuning
  • Oil sampling
  • Safety inspections
  • Wheel alignment

Repair Services

In addition to preventive maintenance, we’re here for your repair service needs. Our repair and replacement services include:

  • Brake and wheel-end repair.
  • Chassis repair.
  • Compressed natural gas (CNG) engine rebuilds.
  • Diagnostics testing.
  • Engine repair and replacement.
  • Trailer repair.

Mobile Field Service and Roadside Assistance

We understand that breakdowns are occasionally unavoidable. When they happen, we’re here to help. Our trained technicians offer mobile and roadside services to get your truck up and running quickly and efficiently.

We’re available 24/7 for emergency truck repair services — and we’re just a call away. Call us at 1-844-800-0801 and we’ll arrive fully equipped with all the parts and tools necessary to repair your semitruck.

Contact Cleveland Brothers RIG360 Truck Centers Today for Semitruck Preventive Maintenance

semitruck maintenance

Cleveland Brothers RIG360 Truck Centers has knowledgeable technicians that will help you keep your semitruck running more efficiently for longer, ultimately preventing costly downtime. Book your appointment today or contact us online to learn more!

This content is created and reviewed by the Cleveland Brothers RIG360 Truck Centers team. Offering bumper-to-bumper service on all makes and models of trucks, Cleveland Brothers RIG360 Truck Centers is dedicated to providing quality service and repairs to your entire truck.
Contact our team today for more information.


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