our Annual Tire Sale is back!

July 1 - 31

The Service Company's annual semi truck tire sale is back! All tires in all sizes are on sale for the month of July. Including drive tires, steer tires, trailer tires, and lift axle tires. We also install tires! Come by our shop to see what's available.

Learn More

December 1, 2022

5 Tips For Preventing Common Trucking Breakdowns For Your Freightliner Truck

Freightliner trucks are known for their enormous towing and hauling capabilities. Although these trucks are generally very durable, they can still break down. However, preventing unexpected breakdowns is definitely achievable. Through a combination of preventive maintenance and careful inspection, you can ensure your Freightliner truck continues to run at peak performance and efficiency for years to come. To help you undergo this process, we’ve put together a series of steps that, if followed, will prevent unexpected breakdowns and save you money. 

1. Performing preventive maintenance

In order to prevent unexpected breakdowns, you need to perform adequate preventive maintenance on a regular basis. Without being proactive about your maintenance, breakdowns happen. Take your tires as an example. Did you know heavy-duty tires account for a quarter of all roadside assistance calls and are the industry’s second most common DOT inspection violation? All because drivers fail to proactively maintain and inspect them. By performing preventive maintenance, you’ll prevent unexpected breakdowns and save yourself money. 

Routinely inspect your tires

Check your tire pressure at least once a week, and if you’re going on a lengthy journey, check it even more regularly. Tires that are both underinflated and overinflated are more likely to go flat. It’s also a good idea to inspect your tires for uneven tread wear. If your tread is wearing out unevenly, chances are there’s an underlying problem that needs to be addressed. This symptom could be a sign that you need a steering alignment, a tire rotation, or even new springs. Many consider tires to be the ultimate indicator of problems, so keep an eye on them. 

Routinely inspect your slack adjusters

Routinely inspecting your brakes is one of the best ways to prevent unexpected brake failure. Be sure to inspect your slack adjusters on a regular basis, for they’re known to come in contact with road debris and contaminants on a regular basis. By ensuring there’s no damage to the boots, operating mechanisms, or seals, you’re significantly reducing the chance of an unexpected breakdown. 

Routinely change your oil and fluids

Changing your oil and fluids is one of the most important things you can do on your heavy-duty truck. The vast majority of fluids in your vehicle either absorb heat or lubricate a component. Over time these fluids become less effective at doing their job. For example, your engine oil will gradually lose its ability to lubricate your pistons and camshafts, hence the need for routine engine oil changes. Fluids like your coolant, on the other hand, lose their ability to absorb heat, making your engine and other components overheat.  

Examine your electrical system

Make sure you’re keeping an eye on your truck’s battery. Your heavy-duty vehicle’s battery is one of the most important parts of your ignition system. If it dies or is unable to be charged, your truck won’t start, meaning you’re stranded wherever you happened to stop. It’s also a good idea to keep an eye out for malfunctioning components, for that could be a sign of an electrical system fault. It’s also extremely important for you to load test your battery in the Spring and Fall, or every 6 months, to catch failures before they occur. 

2. Don’t Overlook Critical Maintenance

Failing to maintain critical components within your heavy-duty vehicle is one of the leading causes of unexpected breakdowns. We understand that taking your heavy-duty truck off the road to get serviced can be a pain, but the consequences of unexpected breakdowns are worse. Be sure to perform the following maintenance items, for if you do, you’ll significantly reduce the chance of unexpected breakdown. 

DPF Cleaning

Your Diesel Particulate Filter (DPF) is responsible for capturing and storing soot. Your DPF’s storage capacity is finite, meaning it needs to be cleaned out at regular intervals. The most commonly recognized service interval for DPF cleaning is 75 to 100 thousand miles or once a year. Failing to clean your DPF can lead to an unexpected breakdown, long hours in the shop, and large repair costs. 

Crankcase Breather Filter Change

Failing to replace a worn crankcase breather filter can cause a wide array of issues, including oil leaks, higher-than-normal idling, vacuum leaks, and poor engine performance. Your crankcase breather filter is designed to lessen the pressure inside your crankcase. If the filter gets clogged and the pressure is allowed to build, leaks start to occur. Crankcase filters should be changed every 3 years. 

3. Don’t postpone maintenance

Many organizations postpone maintenance, pushing expenditures to the following month or quarter for financial reasons. While this may work in the short term, it increases the chance of your Freightliner trucks developing reliability and performance difficulties in the long run.

The major advantage of preventative maintenance is that it lowers the danger of failures and allows your staff to notice any problems before they happen. You could get better numbers in the short term if you put off maintenance, but “minor” issues can morph into considerable difficulties that go unreported until they result in a damaged or broken-down Freightliner truck at the worst possible moment.

4. Do a proper inspection before each trip

A proper preventive maintenance regimen can prevent a lot of unfortunate issues from happening. However, not all problems are found when undergoing routine preventive maintenance. A modest, isolated problem, such as a slightly underinflated tire, may sometimes go unnoticed and may even cause a  blowout at the most inconvenient moment. That’s why we highly recommend you properly inspect your vehicle before each trip. This allows you to document certain things and even potentially add them to your next round of preventive maintenance. 

Routine inspections can find anything from weather-related issues like low tire pressure to larger issues like rust that’s building up around your engine mounts. Another thing to keep an eye on is your reserve fluids. There’s nothing worse than running out of windshield washer fluid in a storm or running out of coolant in extremely hot weather. Inspecting your gear and reserves will save you a lot of money and hassle. Why not give it a try? 

5. Replace parts and heavy-duty vehicles when necessary

Many heavy-duty fleet managers prefer to temporarily repair old components in the hopes that they hold out for the next few trips. Although this is definitely cheaper in the short term, it can be detrimental to your budget and schedule in the long term. Some components can certainly be repaired, but for those that are obviously on their way out, replace them. Why constantly repair a finicky air dryer when you could just replace it? Temporary repairs cost you money in the long run, whereas replacements cost more money in the short term but save you money down the road. 

Although this isn’t ideal for many fleet managers, replacing older models with newer ones is definitely a great way to increase your fleet’s reliability. Many prefer to avoid the hefty price tag that accompanies newer heavy-duty trucks in favor of older and cheaper models. However, this doesn’t mean older trucks are cheaper overall. New trucks cost less with respect to diesel, maintenance, and routine repairs. Definitely, something to consider when trying to make your fleet more reliable. 

Final Thoughts

Preventing breakdowns may seem like a daunting task, but once you get a feel for routine inspections and preventive maintenance,  breakdowns will seem like a thing of the past. Following these five steps is a surefire way to keep your fleet running smoothly and without issue. Have a question about one of our recommendations? Feel free to leave a comment below. 

Similar posts

Heavy-Duty Truck Repair Shop

Finding A Heavy-Duty Truck Repair Shop That’s Right For You

When your business depends on a fleet of heavy-duty trucks, choosing the right repair shop is essential. Find one that understands your vehicles, is reliable, and provides excellent service. Here are key questions to ask and why The Service Company in Greenville, Ohio is a perfect fit.

Role of Counterboring in Heavy-Duty Truck Engine Repair

The Role of Counterboring in Heavy-Duty Truck Engine Repair

For reliable cylinder head counterboring services, contact The Service Company. We specialize in resolving liner protrusion and damaged block issues. Visit our website or call us to schedule an appointment.

Heavy-Duty Trailer Chassis Repair Service

The Benefits Of Using A Professional Heavy-Duty Trailer Chassis Repair Service

Discover the benefits of hiring a professional for repairing your heavy-duty trailer chassis. Learn how worn chassis parts can impact truck performance and how professional mechanics can use specialized techniques to restore them. Ensure your truck is brought back to its original functionality through proper repairs. Read on to understand the advantages of entrusting your heavy-duty trailer chassis repairs to experts.

Peterbilt Model 579

The Peterbilt Model 579 - Is It The New Benchmark For 2022?

Peterbilt's new Model 579 truck has undergone a significant redesign, incorporating driver and fleet feedback. It features a sleek, aerodynamic front end, improved rear-view mirrors, and enhanced comfort and productivity elements inside the cab. The truck's fuel efficiency has been boosted up to 7% with new aerodynamic features. The Model 579 is a significant improvement from its predecessors and represents a major step forward for Peterbilt.

18-Wheeler Truck Diagnostics

Common Issues That Can Be Identified Through 18-Wheeler Truck Diagnostics

Preventive maintenance is the key to recognizing potential problems before they can cause disruption and minimizing fleet downtime. As the majority of overland freight in this country relies on timely departures and deliveries, truck drivers and fleet managers need to ensure their vehicles stay on the road.

Heavy Duty Trucks Maintenance in Winters

7 Preventive Maintenance Tips For Winters - Heavy Duty Trucks

Preventive maintenance is critical to keeping your fleet on the road throughout the year. Spotting and resolving problems early helps minimize associated costs and downtime for your fleet. Here are our top tips for efficient winter maintenance for heavy-duty trucks. 

Truck Engine Overhaul

5 Signs That You Need To Overhaul Your Truck Engine

Using an older truck is not necessarily a disadvantage, but it does mean that you need to look out for signs indicating a need for maintenance. Engine problems are among the biggest potential issues heavy-duty truckers could be facing. To spot potential issues early, look out for these five signs that may indicate your engine needs an overhaul. 

Peterbilt Truck Repair: Signs Your Peterbilt Truck Needs Suspension Repair

Peterbilt Truck Repair: Signs Your Peterbilt Truck Needs Suspension Repair

The suspension system in a Peterbilt truck increases tire-road contact friction, increases passenger comfort, and provides steering stability. If your suspension is worn or damaged, you may notice the following signs and symptoms. 

What Is The Most Reliable Semi Truck Engine?

What Is The Most Reliable Semi Truck Engine?

Semi-truck models come in a wide variety of features tailored to various applications. But the most important aspects of a truck, whether you are making a short or long trip, are its durability and torque.

Truck Radiator Repair: What Does Cooling System Repair Mean?

Truck Radiator Repair: What Does Cooling System Repair Mean?

Today we’ll be discussing everything you need to know about your truck’s coolant system, including its anatomy, how it all works, and what symptoms to look out for should it start to malfunction. 

6 Indicators That Your Heavy-Duty Truck Needs A Wheel Alignment

6 Indicators That Your Heavy-Duty Truck Needs A Wheel Alignment

In this blog post, we will discuss six common indicators that your heavy-duty truck needs a wheel alignment. Keep reading to learn more!

Kenworth Truck Engine Repair Warnings and Indicators - Ultimate Guide

Kenworth Truck Engine Repair Warnings and Indicators - Ultimate Guide

It’s important for fleet managers and drivers to be able to identify wear and tear when it happens. Catching problems early can save you a lot of money in the long run, and for those who push the boundaries of their preventive maintenance regimen, that know-how is a necessity. Let's examine some of the most typical Kenworth repairs that fleet managers encounter. 

7 Steps To Maximize Truck Efficiency And Reduce Emissions

7 Steps To Maximize Truck Efficiency And Reduce Emissions

There are many ways to make heavy-duty trucks more efficient and reduce their emissions. Here are seven steps that trucking fleets can take to maximize efficiency and reduce their environmental impact.

How To Maximize Heavy-Duty Truck Performance - 7 Tips

How To Maximize Heavy-Duty Truck Performance - 7 Tips

There are several ways in which you can actually improve your truck’s performance as well, rather than maintain its factory power output. Here are seven excellent suggestions to help you enhance and even maximize the performance of your heavy-duty diesel truck. 

5 Tips For Preventing Common Trucking Breakdowns For Your Freightliner Truck

5 Tips For Preventing Common Trucking Breakdowns For Your Freightliner Truck

Through a combination of preventive maintenance and careful inspection, you can ensure your Freightliner truck continues to run at peak performance and efficiency for years to come. To help you undergo this process, we’ve put together a series of steps that if followed, will prevent unexpected breakdowns and save you money. 

PACCAR TX-18, TX-12 & TX-8 Transmissions

PACCAR TX-18, TX-12 & TX-8 Transmissions

PACCAR heavy-duty trucks come along with superior transmission technologies. When you are about to get one of the PACCAR heavy-duty trucks, it is better to have a basic understanding of those transmission options.

4 Things To Consider When Choosing The Right Shop For Your Truck Wheel Balancing and Alignments

4 Things To Consider When Choosing The Right Shop For Your Truck Wheel Balancing and Alignments

You often rely on your heavy-duty truck to travel hundreds of miles every day, and because of this, it’s important to ensure that your wheels are properly balanced. If you don't, you may face unpleasant repercussions. Finding the right diesel repair shop to perform wheel balancing can sometimes prove to be difficult. We've put together a list of 4 things to consider while looking for a wheel balancing service provider.

Paccar MX 13 Turbo - Complete Guide

Paccar MX 13 Turbo - Complete Guide

There are few engines as capable or as fuel-efficient as the Paccar MX 13 turbo engine. Designed specifically for the needs of truckers, this engine is ideal for transporting large loads over long distances.