For a truck driver or fleet manager, few words are as dreaded as “breakdown.” An unexpected stranded truck on the side of the road means delayed deliveries, disgruntled customers, exorbitant towing and repair costs, and direct loss of revenue. While buying a used truck is a smart business decision, the fear of breakdowns can be a deterrent.
The good news? Most breakdowns aren’t random. They often result from predictable wear and tear on certain components. By understanding the most common weaknesses and taking a proactive approach, it’s entirely possible to minimize risks. At Gamache Truck Center, we believe reliability is key. Here are the 7 most common types of breakdowns and, more importantly, how to prevent them.
Breakdown #1: Braking system problems
A faulty braking system is every driver’s nightmare and represents a major safety risk.
- Common Symptoms: Brakes pulling to one side, “mushy” pedal feeling, whining or squealing noises, loss of air pressure, brakes sticking.
- How to prevent them:
- The daily safety round is NON-negotiable: Before each departure, purge the moisture from the air tanks, listen carefully for air leaks, and test the brake pedal travel.
- Regular visual inspection: Check the thickness of the brake shoes, the condition of the drums and make sure the slack adjusters are working properly.
- Professional Maintenance: Have your air compressor, valves, and entire system inspected and serviced by a qualified mechanic during your preventative maintenance. Never compromise on the quality of your brake parts.
Failure #2: Engine overheating
An overheating engine can quickly lead to catastrophic and extremely costly damage (cracked cylinder head, damaged pistons).
- Common Symptoms: Temperature gauge rising dangerously into the red, hot coolant smell, steam coming from the engine, loss of power.
- How to prevent it:
- Check your coolant level: Checking your coolant level should be a daily routine. A low level is the first sign of a potential leak.
- Watch for leaks: Regularly inspect the radiator, all hoses, and the water pump. A small leak can become a major problem down the road.
- Keep the system clean: Make sure the exterior of the radiator is clean (free of insects and mud) to allow for optimal heat dissipation. Have the coolant changed at the manufacturer’s recommended intervals.
Failure #3: Electrical System Faults
With electronics becoming increasingly prevalent, electrical failures are a common cause of downtime.
- Common Symptoms: Difficulty starting, dim or non-functioning lights, instrument clusters that fail, error codes that appear.
- How to prevent them:
- Take care of your batteries: The main cause of electrical problems. Keep the terminals clean, tight, and free of corrosion. Test your batteries’ charge regularly, especially before winter.
- Inspect the wiring: During your inspections, pay attention to visible wiring. Look for worn, cracked wires, or wires rubbing against metal parts.
- Protect the alternator: Make sure the alternator is in good condition and that the belt that drives it is properly tensioned and free of cracks.
Breakdown #4: Tire problems
A tire blowout on a heavy truck can have dramatic consequences, ranging from simple immobilization to loss of control of the vehicle.
- Common symptoms: Uneven and rapid wear, vibrations in the steering wheel, tires that constantly lose pressure, bulges or cuts on the sidewalls.
- How to prevent them:
- Pressure, again and again: The simplest and most effective preventative measure. Check the pressure of all your tires (including the trailer’s) at least once a week, when the tires are cold. Inadequate pressure is the main cause of blowouts.
- Thorough visual inspection: Walk around your tires. Look for foreign objects, cuts, and uneven wear. Abnormal wear may indicate a wheel alignment or suspension problem.
- Tire matching: Make sure the tires on the same axle are the same make, model, and wear level to avoid stress on the differential.
Troubleshooting #5: Fuel System Problems
An engine that is not receiving fuel properly is an engine that will not run optimally, if at all.
- Common symptoms: Engine “coughing” or “hopping”, loss of power when climbing, difficult starting.
- How to prevent them:
- Change your filters religiously: Clogged fuel filters are an extremely common cause of breakdowns. Follow the recommended replacement intervals strictly. This is a cheap maintenance option that can prevent major problems.
- Fuel Quality: Fill up at reputable gas stations to avoid water or contaminants in your diesel.
- Keep tanks clean: Avoid constantly rolling on the bottom of the tank so as not to suck up sediment that can accumulate there.
Failure No. 6: Failures in the anti-pollution system (DPF/FAP, DEF)
Modern emissions control systems are effective, but they have added a layer of complexity and are a major source of breakdowns and downtime.
- Common symptoms: DPF (Diesel Particulate Filter) warning light coming on, frequent regeneration requests, loss of power (engine goes into protection mode or “derates”), error messages related to the urea (or DEF – Diesel Exhaust Fluid) system.
- How to prevent them:
- Prioritize long journeys: These systems require heat to function properly. Short, repeated journeys prevent the DPF from passively regenerating, leading to clogging.
- Do not interrupt regeneration cycles: When the truck initiates an active regeneration, allow it to complete. Interrupting it repeatedly is a surefire way to clog the filter.
- Use quality fluids: Make sure you use good quality urea (DEF) and low-sulfur diesel fuel to avoid damaging sensitive system components.
- Have it professionally serviced: Include DPF cleaning or replacement in your preventative maintenance schedule, according to the manufacturer’s recommendations. Ignoring this system can lead to replacements costing thousands of dollars.
Failure #7: ABS brake system problems
The anti-lock braking system (ABS) is a crucial safety feature. A failure won’t always immobilize the truck, but it will compromise its safety and result in a failed SAAQ inspection.
- Common Symptoms: The main symptom is simple: the ABS light on the dashboard. Sometimes the system can activate unnecessarily at very low speeds.
- How to prevent them:
- Clean wheel sensors: The most common cause of ABS failure is a faulty or dirty wheel speed sensor. Dirt, rust, snow, or calcium can disrupt the signal. Regular cleaning of the underside of the truck and the wheel areas can help.
- Wiring Inspection: When performing brake services, have your mechanic visually check the condition of the wiring that connects the sensors to the ABS module. These wires are exposed to the elements and can become damaged.
- Never ignore the warning light: As soon as the ABS warning light comes on, have the problem diagnosed. Driving with the warning light on means your anti-lock braking system is inactive.
Prevention: Your best insurance against breakdowns
The infamous “safety round” isn’t just a formality; it’s your first line of defense. Combined with a rigorous preventative maintenance program, it’s your best insurance for on-time deliveries and profitable operations.
Gamache Group: Choose reliability to avoid hassle
The best way to prevent a breakdown is to start with a reliable truck. This is the core of our philosophy at the Gamache Truck Center. Our selection and inspection process is specifically designed to identify and exclude vehicles at high risk of imminent breakdown. Our knowledge of the weaknesses of certain models allows us to be particularly vigilant.
To conclude: Riding with confidence requires preparation
While no machine is infallible, a proactive and disciplined approach to maintenance significantly reduces the risk of breakdowns. A reliable truck is the result of a good initial choice and consistent maintenance.
Ready to invest in a reliable used truck?
Discover how our commitment to quality translates into an inventory of used heavy-duty trucks designed for durability. Talk to our advisors about the reliability of different models and the importance of a complete service history. At Groupe Gamache, we help you invest in peace of mind. Contact us today!
