Reasons why big rig trucks need roadside assistance

Big rig trucks are some of the most dangerous vehicles on the roads. Add in the fact that these vehicles travel long distances for prolonged periods and it's easy to see why most big rig trucks need to call for roadside assistance at some stage!

Other factors can make large vehicles more susceptible to breakdowns. These include the age of the vehicle and the driving conditions. This can lead to various auto problems that often appear at the worst possible time.

Let's look at 5 reasons why big rig trucks require roadside assistance. Being aware of these causes can help you avoid a breakdown down the line.

Tires

Without a doubt the most common cause of big rig breakdown is tire problems, accounting for around half of all breakdowns. Tire failures in big rigs can be caused by many factors, including worn tires, under- or over inflation, misaligned axles and misaligned wheels.

Due to the enormous weight of these tires, wear tends to happen at a faster pace than a car.

Brakes

About 30% of large rig breakdowns are caused by damaged brakes. This makes it the second most frequent reason for roadside assistance.

Brake failures are more common in big rig trucks because they are subject to greater friction, heat and pressure than brakes on other vehicles.

Regular maintenance can avoid most of these problems. Check for signs of wear on brakes such as corrosion, rusting, air leakages and water contamination.

Refrigeration Issues

With a large portion of big rig trucks transporting temperature-controlled goods, such as food and medicine, they require special refrigerated trailers to maintain the correct temperature to avoid spoiling the goods.

Roadside assistance is needed quickly in the event of any refrigeration-related problem. Truck drivers must be aware of this problem or risk losing their entire load.

Cooling System

Many connections are required in large rig trucks to run the coolant system. However, these connections can break or disconnect during transportation, which could lead to coolant loss and problems with the thermostat.

It can be repaired with relative ease, but drivers still have to wait for roadside assistance.

Electricity

The electrics in big rig trucks are more complex than those of an average vehicle. They include cranking and charging systems as well as standard electrics such the truck's lights. Complex electrical systems require regular maintenance in order to prevent failures, which are a frequent cause of big rig crashes.

There are three main electrical systems that must be maintained. The start motor, alternator and battery play an important part in vehicle operation. These systems will need immediate assistance, regardless of whether the truck is not starting or the battery dies mid-drive.