A stubbed toe.
Bird poop on your freshly cleaned windshield.
Rain on your wedding day.
An empty coffee pot at the truck stop.
These are a few things you’d probably rather avoid. Do you know what else should go on the list? A bad accident in your rig or a service engine light illuminating your dash.
If you could prevent both of those issues, you would, wouldn’t you?
Every day, you have to do a thorough pre-trip and post-trip inspection to ensure your tractor and trailer are roadworthy; it’s crucial. But, you may not always know what you’re looking for or what might signal that a breakdown is near.
For example, if your windshield wiper fluid is low or you have a crack in your passenger side window, you need to make note of it but it’s probably not going to lead to a catastrophic breakdown or crash.
But, if you have a bulging tire, a blown tire followed by a crash is likely.
There are specific indicators that can signal an impending breakdown. A daily pre-trip and post-trip inspection are crucial, but this article is designed to help you understand a little bit better what you’re looking for.
At the shop here at Anderson Trucking Service (ATS), we want to help you keep your truck maintained to avoid bigger issues down the road. That’s why, in this article, I’ll cover six signs of a bigger issue to help you avoid costly and dangerous situations.
6 Signs of an Impending Breakdown
1. Poor Tire Condition
Proper tire pressure and condition are vital. If you spot an issue with any of your tires, it’s a surefire sign that you’re close to a breakdown — or worse — a potentially deadly crash.
Low tire pressure or uneven wear can lead to blowouts, which are not only expensive to repair but can also cause progressive damage to your vehicle. You can rip off a fender, a mud flap, or even part of the hood. Imagine if this happens with someone driving next to you. Yikes. It’s a situation no driver ever wants to be in.
In addition to checking your tire pressure, always check for cracks, bulges, and tread wear. Loose lug nuts or broken studs can lead to losing a wheel, which could lead to a deadly accident.
If you’re pulled over for an inspection, chances are likely that the inspector is going to check your tires. If they aren’t up to snuff, you can count on getting a violation that comes with Compliance, Safety, and Accountability (CSA) points — which go against your company’s score.
Before you get too far from a truck stop, call your carrier to arrange a way to get your tire fixed. It’s much better to have it fixed at a local shop than dealing with a tow charge or the cost to get a mechanic to you on the side of the road.
2. Low Oil Level
When you check your oil during a pre- or post-trip inspection, pay close attention to its level and condition. If the oil level is low, the engine could shut down due to low oil pressure. If you continuously restart it, the engine can suffer damage from loss of pressure.
Oil that’s a different color than normal may have coolant in it. If this is the case, it could lead to catastrophic engine damage.
You should always check your oil before starting the engine for the most accurate reading. When checking it after driving, allow at least 20 minutes for the engine to cool and the oil to drain back down for an accurate reading.
Some modern trucks often have electronic floats that display oil levels on the dashboard, making it convenient to monitor oil levels. However, it’s still important to ensure the oil is the right color.
Make sure you carry extra oil in your cab to keep it at the proper level.
3. Low Coolant Level
Just like coolant in engine oil is a problem, so is a coolant leak. Keeping an eye on the coolant level and looking for leaks can prevent major issues.
Coolant is essential for regulating the engine temperature. Low coolant levels can cause the engine to overheat, especially in summer, or not heat properly in winter.
Leaks may not always be visible as drippings; sometimes coolant evaporates and leaves behind a chalky residue. Low coolant pressure can lead to cylinder damage and internal engine damage, and cause the engine to shut down.
If you’re low on coolant, you can fill it yourself. See if you can find a leak and call your carrier for advice on next steps.
4. Low Power Steering Fluid
Check the power steering fluid level and look for leaks daily. Low fluid levels can result in loss of steering control and/or damage the pump and steering sector.
If you notice the steering effort becoming unusually heavy, it could be a sign of low power steering fluid. Address this immediately to avoid potentially hazardous situations.
Loss of steering makes it incredibly difficult to turn the steering wheel. Making a turn normally might take two turns of the wheel, whereas a manual steering turn might take six. The effort to steer becomes great and you won’t be able to do a quick turn or easily veer out of the way if something comes at you on the road.
You can add steering fluid yourself pretty easily. The access point is usually right on the frame and is one of the easiest things to get to on the truck.
5. Lighting Issues
A single light out can give officers a reason to conduct a full roadside inspection. Regularly check all lights, including tail lights and headlights.
A light out could be a sign of a wiring issue, but that’s not too common. LED bulbs have reduced some lighting issues, but corrosion from road salt and other factors can still cause problems. Ensure all lights are functioning to avoid unnecessary stops and inspections.
If it’s a minor light and you’re able, try to replace the light yourself before you get on the road.
Related: Can you do truck repairs yourself?
6. Abnormal Engine Noises
Listen for any unusual noises from the engine, especially when idling. Changes in engine sound can indicate underlying issues.
You’re in your truck day in and day out. Knowing how your truck typically sounds will help you identify any anomalies in how it sounds quickly. Loud exhaust or changes in emissions performance can signal problems that need immediate attention.
Avoid Costly Breakdowns
Avoiding minor inconveniences like a stubbed toe is a no-brainer, but preventing major issues like a breakdown or an accident in your truck should be a top priority. By integrating these six daily checks into your routine, you can catch potential problems early, saving time and money, and, most importantly, ensuring your safety and the safety of others on the road.
Proper tire maintenance, checking oil and coolant levels, monitoring power steering fluid, ensuring all lights are functional, and being attuned to any abnormal engine noises are all crucial steps. These checks are simple but effective measures that can help you avoid costly repairs and dangerous situations.
At ATS, we’re committed to helping you keep your truck in top condition. By following these daily checks, you can keep your rig running smoothly and continue your journey safely.
For a good refresher, here’s a list of everything you need to check during your daily pre-trip inspections. Keep this article handy so you don’t forget to check anything!