by Robert Crull

Whether you manage a fleet or run a repair shop that handles commercial trucks, you’ll likely encounter the same problems and repairs over and over. Many of the most common truck repairs result from damage or the inevitable wear and tear over time. No matter the cause, it’s always a best practice to hone your diagnostics and repair knowledge for the most frequent truck issues.

Whether your vehicles have breakdowns due to a blown tire or a blown gasket, downtime means lost revenue. These common truck repairs will be familiar to most fleet technicians, but a refresher never hurts. Here’s an overview of the top repairs and the probable causes:

1. Tires 

   Commercial truck tires carry a heavy load over long distances and take a beating day after day. The most common tire issue that causes breakdowns is a blowout, which brings everything to a halt. Wear and tear, under- or over-inflation and many other factors play roles, but regular inspections can minimize the danger.

2. Brakes 

   Brake issues can cause breakdowns and delays, as well as accidents. A brake failure can be a disaster, causing expensive damage to the truck, trailer and cargo. Without proper maintenance to detect fluid leaks and other issues, brakes can fail due to extreme payloads and other pressures.

3. Electrical 

   Fixing trucks with electrical problems is not a problem most repair technicians look forward to. These issues can be caused by a faulty alternator, battery, starter motor and many other electrical components. Pinpointing the exact electrical problem without can be difficult.

4. Suspension 

   Fleet vehicles cover a lot of miles over a wide range of terrain. Like most other components, the suspension is under constant strain, making the system more prone to bumps in the road. Shaking, clicking noises and a rough ride are the most common signs of trouble and can quickly lead to ball joint failure.

5. Engine 

   Truck engines also operate under a constant strain of heavy miles and heavy loads. Fuel leaks, blown gaskets and overheating are common, especially without proper maintenance. Because of the numerous components in an engine, precise diagnostics is a must for tracking down the problem.

6. Oil Leaks 

   An oil leak is one of the most dreaded sites for a driver because the cause is often not evident. Every driver and technician knows what happens if a truck loses too much oil—it causes friction that can ruin an engine. While routine maintenance can catch oil and other fluid leaks before they cause trouble, oil leaks will continue to be a common truck problem for repair shops.

7. Clutch 

   Hauling heavy loads up inclines and maintaining safe speeds on declines takes an enormous toll on clutches and related components. Add in urban driving, and the many hours of wear and tear will eventually be too much. Inspections and maintenance can keep things in check, but better clutching habits can also play a role in a clutch’s longevity.

While fleet maintenance minimizes the frequency of most common truck repairs, there will always be a steady flow of repair work. Keeping a focus on the most frequent repairs will help technicians be more efficient and prepared. Remember, the best way to build a skill is through repetition!

Routine Maintenance Prevents Many Common Truck Problems

Federal safety regulations require annual inspections of all semi-trucks to ensure they are road-worthy. While that’s comforting, every fleet manager knows preventive maintenance is the key to making most common truck problems far less common. Maintaining trucks is easier and less expensive than repairing trucks, and is essential for safety and profitability.

Routine inspections are at the heart of preventive maintenance and can be labor-intensive, but it’s always worth it. Spotting potential issues like shallow tread depth or an oil leak can save significant expenses and, more importantly, lives. These inspections must ensure each vehicle complies with Department of Transportation (DOT) requirements and other regulations. Scheduled, routine maintenance is key to the health of a fleet and its drivers.

Managing fleet maintenance at optimal levels isn’t easy. Coordinating maintenance schedules, cataloging service histories and controlling costs is time-consuming work. Fleet inspectors and repair technicians also have their hands full, too. What if there were a way to easily optimize scheduling, centralize data and make repairs and maintenance more efficient? Fortunately, there is—the latest truck repair technology will streamline processes and help maintain a healthy fleet for maximum safety and profits.

Simplify Truck Repairs and Fleet Maintenance

Let Mitchell 1’s innovative TruckSeries technology help you keep the focus on maintenance and fix trucks faster. TruckSeries delivers the fastest, most complete information for accurate estimates, diagnostics and repair for all Class 4-8 truck manufacturers.  This all-in-one online solution delivers comprehensive information for every stage of the repair process, including intelligent diagnostics, accurate mechanical labor times, and tools like interactive wiring diagrams, one-stop ADAS repair information, digital photographs, testing steps and connector views.