Be Prepared! How to Properly Handle a Semi Truck Breakdown on the Road

June 7, 2019 11:16 pm Published by Leave your thoughts

Those who drive semi trucks know how much of a pain it can be to experience a breakdown. Just as important as safe driving itself, dealing with a breakdown safely can help keep you safe and get back on the road quickly. Repairing tractor trailers in Memphis, TN is a specialized skillset, and you’ll need to call the right professional mechanic to handle your breakdown. But before we get there, make sure you’re aware of these roadside safety tips:

  • Be prepared: It’s important to prepare for anything before hitting the road, including a vehicle breakdown. Have resources with you to help locate a facility for repairing tractor trailers in Memphis, TN. If you’re a company driver, make sure your dispatcher or manager has given you direct instruction on what to do in the event of a breakdown and if there’s a specific facility or number you should call first.
  • Preventative maintenance: The best way to prevent a breakdown is to practice regular preventative maintenance for repairing tractor trailers in Memphis, TN before damage occurs. Catching problems early will ensure they are taken care of before you end up stranded on the side of the road.
  • Don’t panic: The best thing you can do in the event of a breakdown is remain calm. Pull over to the side of the road and employ the resources you have to contact a facility for repairing tractor trailers in Memphis, TN.
  • Turn flashers on: Turning your flashers on should be the first step you take to indicate to other drivers that you’re having vehicle issues. You’ll want to pull over to the widest spot you can, easing slowly off the road. If you’re on the shoulder, be aware and alert of what’s happening around you, as this can be a dangerous place to remain idle. If you can get to an off ramp, even that would be better than the shoulder of the highway.
  • Flares: If you have flares in your truck, now’s the time to use them. Once you’re off the road as far as possible, set up your flares or triangles behind the truck to give other drivers more time to see that you’re stopped and pulled off the road. These should be set up at 50 feet, 100 feet and 150 feet from your truck.
  • Investigate the problem: Once you’ve pulled over and have your safety area in place, you can try to investigate the problem yourself so you know what to tell your dispatcher or the facility for repairing tractor trailers in Memphis, TN. You’ll probably need to call for service regardless of the cause, but it’s good to have an idea of what you’re dealing with.
  • Contact dispatch: Truck breakdowns are important events that your company should know about. Make sure you let them know as soon as possible and keep them informed of your status as you wait for help.

United Diesel Power provides reliable diesel vehicle services, including services for repairing tractor trailers in Memphis, TN. We’re available 24/7, so you can rest easy knowing we’re here for you no matter the time of day!

Categorised in:

This post was written by Writer

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *