Truck drivers often face this situation on the highways when suddenly their vehicle breaks down and they are stuck there for hours awaiting rescue. When you are on a long journey with your trailer carrying a heavy load, the last thing you want is a trailer breakdown.
Trailer breakdowns may happen for various reasons but can leave you stranded on the roadside. A breakdown on a deserted road can be a challenging situation for truck drivers, as there is no possibility of help for long distances.Such situations can be avoided by regular trailer maintenance and trailer repair.
Regular trailer maintenance ensures your vehicle stays in proper working condition for a long time and reduces the possibility of potential breakdowns. In this blog, we have provided tips about how to handle an unexpected trailer breakdown and what needs to be done to avoid such breakdowns from happening in the future.
Importance Of Being Prepared For A Breakdown
Well, breakdowns may happen at the most unexpected times. It is better to be prepared for such situations as early as possible. It is also necessary to be well-prepared for breakdowns for your cargo and trailer safety.
When stranded on a deserted road without any help, keeping the valuable cargo safe and secure from theft becomes even more challenging. Having the appropriate tools and repair equipment is one of the most critical aspects of being prepared for a breakdown.
However, what is more important is the right knowledge and experience to use these tools and equipment appropriately. Using proper knowledge and understanding of these tools, small repairs, and fixes can be handled by oneself.
Some common must-have tools and equipment include spare tires, jack stands, tire pressure gauges, lug wrenches, jumper cables, flashlights, first aid kits, screwdrivers, and pliers.
You can also spend some time reading the user manual to understand more about the usage of these tools.
Common causes of trailer breakdowns on the highway
We have identified some of the most common reasons for trailer breakdowns on highways. Below is a list of the top four causes of trailer breakdowns.
1. Suspension Issues
In trailers, suspension issues are one of the most common problems that drivers face on highways. Suspensions are shock absorbers that minimize jerks and reduce road vibrations. They also bring stability to the vehicle and provide a smooth driving experience.
However, sometimes due to vehicle overloading or rough road conditions, the suspensions face major wear and tear and their effectiveness is affected.
2. Tire Issues
Tire issues are also one of the most common causes of trailer breakdowns. Having tires in proper and good working condition is extremely important for the safety of the load and the vehicle.
In trailers, tires are one such component that faces the most rough road situation and bears a lot of wear and tear. They are constantly under the pressure of heavy weights and face challenging road conditions through long journeys.
Some common tire issues are flat tires, blowouts, or worn-out tires. These issues are often caused due to vehicle overloading, underinflated tires, and driving at high speeds for longer times.
3. Electrical System Failure
Having a properly functioning electrical system is extremely important for trailers. It can reduce and prevent breakdowns on highways. The trailer’s electrical system is responsible for the functioning of lights, brakes, and signals.
If there is an issue with the electrical system then it can affect the working of these components. As a result, it can ultimately lead to the breakdown of your trailer on the road.
4. Brake Malfunction
Brake malfunction is also one of the top causes of trailer breakdown. Having brakes in good working condition and functioning is extremely important for the safety of your vehicle. Ignoring issues in trailer brakes can lead to serious trouble and even cause accidents.
Brake failures are caused due to regular wear and tear or lack of maintenance. Due to this brake pads wear down and lose their effectiveness over time.
If you notice any issue in your trailer brakes you must immediately call emergency trailer repair to fix it as soon as possible. So these are the four most common causes of trailer breakdowns on highways. A driver must be aware and prepared to handle these issues to stay unaffected and prevent trailer breakdown.
How To Troubleshoot and Fix Common Issues Yourself
For a truck driver, it’s important to learn about common issues and be prepared for them in times of adversary. It will help them to control unexpected breakdowns or malfunctions.
1. Start With a Basic Trailer Checklist
Troubleshoot and diagnose the issue by observation. Make sure you have enough fuel in the tank to complete the journey. Check for any tire issues and also inspect for any damage or leaks in your trailer.
2. Check Electrical system
Especially during night travels ensure your trailer’s electrical components are working properly. Inspect the trailer lights, brake lights, and turn signals for any issues. Also, check the fuse and wiring of these electrical components.
3. Inspect your Trailer Brakes
Before you start your journey, test the braking system of your trailer. Make sure that your brakes are functioning properly and in good working condition. For the air braking system in trailers, check there is enough air pressure and for the trailers and with the hydraulic braking system ensure there is enough brake oil.
4. Identify Any Leaks
During trailer inspection, you must look for any leakage in the fuel tank, water tank, or propane lines. These leaks can cause serious problems if not addressed and fixed immediately. Thoroughly inspect all the lines and connections for any leakage and get it fixed as soon as possible.
5. Have Spare Parts Handy
You must always keep spare parts such as bulbs, fuses, hoses, and belts in your trailer. These repair parts can be easily replaced without the assistance of professionals.
Technomech Trailer Repairs: Trailer Repair Service In Houston, Texas
Regular trailer maintenance and repairs are necessary to maintain optimal trailer performance. They ensure your trailer stays in good working condition and delivers peak performance. It also helps to extend the life of your trailer.
Technomech Trailer Repair is one of the best trailer repairs in Houston that provides trustworthy and quality repair services to clients. At Technomech Trailer Repair, we specialize in comprehensive trailer maintenance and repair services.
Contact us today to schedule your appointment for regular trailer maintenance and repairs.