Truck Roadside Emergency Tips
Trucks are powerful and versatile vehicles capable of hauling huge amounts of equipment and supplies from one place to another. However, there's always a chance that your truck might unexpectedly break down on the way. With the right kind of maintenance, most problems should be avoidable, but that doesn’t mean you shouldn’t be prepared for the worst. Knowing how to deal with roadside emergencies is an essential part of owning a commercial truck. In this guide, we cover the best ways to handle an unexpected issue while on the road.
Pre-Trip Inspection
As important as an emergency plan is, it’s always best to avoid roadside problems before they occur. Regular maintenance will ensure smooth performance and reduce the risk of potential issues. Consult the owner's manual of your truck for specific tasks to handle, such as oil and fuel filter changes, brake pad replacement, and more. You'll also want to do pre-trip inspections as it's much better to catch and address issues in the safety of your garage rather than on the highway.
Roadside Assistance
You might have some knowledge about maintenance, but the odds of knowing how to fix a truck are quite low. You’ll probably have to call someone for help if your truck breaks down on the road. If you’re employed by a company, then you should talk to them about roadside assistance numbers, repair companies, and what they expect you to do in the event of a breakdown.
When you’re handling a fleet of trucks, it’s a good idea to have the number of a reliable roadside assistance program. You’ll need to know the types of trucks you have so you can find a suitable program that can assist you.
Find a Place to Pull Over
When you’re driving a truck, the moment you start to notice that something is wrong with your vehicle, you’ll want to come up with an exit strategy. If you can do so safely, wait until the next exit to pull off and then inspect your truck, as this can be the safest option. If that’s not possible, immediately turn on your hazard lights to indicate to other motorists that you’re in distress so they can get out of your way.
Check the Damage
If it’s safe to get out of your truck and look it over, then you can try to figure out what’s going wrong. Sometimes, the issue is straightforward, like a flat tire due to a puncture from a nail, or it could be something more complex related to engine performance. If you have the tools and know-how, and the space to address the problem, you can fix it yourself. Otherwise, you can get in touch with your roadside assistance program and wait for a mechanic to arrive.
It’s good to have a plan of action to cover roadside emergencies for trucks, but prevention is the best way to avoid these issues. If your truck needs a maintenance check or repair before you hit the road, contact us at Tri-County Truck & Equipment in Pompano Beach, FL. Our team will be happy to help you! We proudly serve all those coming from Fort Lauderdale, FL, and the Tri-County area.