Semi-trucks are large and powerful machines capable of hauling large amounts of heavy goods.
When you think about it, these trucks are specialized machines designed to haul a lot of goods across large distances.
Given the long distances it has to travel and the heavy weight of their cargo, you can expect that the parts of a semi-truck are much more complex and have more components than smaller vehicles. This is precisely the reason why truck maintenance in Odessa, TX is very important.
Unfortunately, not everyone puts as much value in truck maintenance as much as they should. This neglect often leads to problems on the road, and when it comes to semi-trucks there are a few that are most commonly found.
The Most Common Truck Failures
Go to any semi-truck repair in Odessa, TX and they’ll share the same sentiment as many other truck repair shops around the world. When it comes to the most common truck failures, there are four that appear the most.
Tire Problems
Semi-trucks are often referred to as 18-wheelers. Unlike the other trucks you might find going around your city, semi-trucks and big rigs need many more tires and points of contact with the ground to be able to haul the quantity and weight of cargo that they do.
Even though there are more than 4 times the normal number of tires, it only takes one failed tire for a truck to figure into a massive accident. Odessa, TX truck repair shops work on countless trucks that wind up in accidents because of faulty or worn-out tires.
This highlights the importance of regularly checking on all the tires on a truck, especially before it embarks on a trip. Always check tire depth to make sure there’s still sufficient tread and keep an eye out for any punctures or deformities that can lead to problems. Always swap out tires if they’re worn out. Any possible savings from trying to prolong a tire’s life is quickly erased once a truck gets into an accident.
Brake Failures
Semi-trucks are loaded with a lot of weight, on top of an already heavy vehicle, so its brake systems undergo tremendous stress and pressure every time they’re used. This alone is a good enough reason for you to be constantly checking your braking system, but the brake system on semi-trucks is also more complex and have more parts and components than the brakes on a normal car.
A complex brake system and the tremendous stress that it undergoes means there’s a lot that can go wrong at any moment. According to the Department of Transportation, almost 30% of all accidents have to do with brake failure.
Prevent all of this by visiting your Odessa, TX truck repair provider and have your brakes checked regularly. All components must be in good working condition to ensure that you’ll be able to stop on time in case of any dangers on the road.
Faulty Blinkers And Lights
Most truck accidents happen when a truck is merging or changing lanes. When the blinkers on a truck are faulty, vehicles in adjacent lanes don’t get enough warning and might have a difficult time noticing that a truck is changing lanes.
A quick check before each drive is an easy solution to this problem. Make sure that all the blinkers on the tractor and trailer are working and that all other lighting systems are fully functional to ensure you’re seen by others and that you can also see others on the road.
Underride Accidents
Underride accidents are when a smaller vehicle is forced and caught under the trailer of a semi-truck. These are easily preventable with the installation of underride rails, which are essentially guard rails that prevent cars from entering the gap. Without these rails installed, if an accident happens, there’s no excuse for the negligence.
Work With An Odessa, Texas Truck Repair Provider To Overcome Common Problems
Everything mentioned above easily avoidable when by conducting preventive truck maintenance and pre-trip checks. Spot potential failures and address them early when you work with a competent provider of truck maintenance in Odessa, Texas. Call up WTX Truck Repair, LLC for all your Odessa truck repair needs to avoid accidents and breakdowns while keeping your fleet in top shape.
