masthead-inner-graphics-image

The Top Reasons for Roadside Breakdowns

This article was published on: 11/24/20 by the Robert Hall

A roadside breakdown can happen to anyone. Whether one of your employees is stopping to visit a local client or driving across the country for a major delivery, a vehicle malfunction could arise and leave them stranded on the side of the road. That’s why it’s so important to understand what causes breakdowns and develop an effective response strategy.

While there are all types of reasons for roadside breakdowns, there are a few common causes to particularly watch for. In this guide, we’ll give you a few tips about breakdowns and demonstrate how Track Your Truck can maximize fleet productivity.

Dead Battery

One of the most common reasons vehicles break down is the battery. If your car’s battery is faulty or dying, traveling in any direction could prove challenging. A dead battery may even prevent your vehicle from starting at all.

The battery is responsible for powering the starter motor, making it an essential part of the vehicle. Faulty components or infrequent use could put your machines at risk, so make sure to watch for battery depletion between trips.

Tire Damage

Valve damage and road hazards can cause flat tires, which often result in major delays for companies. Damaged tires can also compromise driver safety if left unchecked. 

Before sending your employees on trips, it’s important to check the tire pressure and ensure it’s up to standard. Staying away from obstacles such as potholes, curbs and other objects on the road can also help protect the vehicle’s wheels.

Transmission Failures

Taking care of your vehicle’s transmission is crucial in making sure it continues to run smoothly. Impromptu repairs and replacements can lead to huge expenses for your business.

Fuel Issues

It happens more often than you might think. A driver traveling in an unfamiliar area could run out of fuel or use the wrong one by mistake. By the time they’ve realized how serious the situation is, it’s too late.

Efficient routing and fleet management can help ensure that your drivers are equipped to fill their tanks properly. This will help reduce the risk of preventable breakdowns and repairs. 

Overheating

Overheating can cause serious damage to a vehicle. Encourage your employees to pull over and call for help as soon as possible if their vehicle starts to overheat. In many cases, overheating stems from an issue with the cooling system. Monitoring the engine and cooling system regularly can mitigate potential issues and keep drivers safe on the road.

Streamline Maintenance With Track Your Truck

Staying up to date on inspections and maintenance is the best way to protect your vehicles from unexpected malfunctions and breakdowns during travel. At Track Your Truck, we help you streamline vehicle maintenance with our advanced tracking solutions. With live tracking, you can:

  • Monitor vehicle location throughout the day.
  • Track driver behaviors that might cause wear on your vehicles.
  • Set up alerts to remind you when maintenance is due.
  • Maintain records of performance and repair histories.

Contact Us to Help Prevent Breakdowns 

We’ll provide a maintenance solution that helps your business flourish. For more information, request a quote today.