What to Do When Your Big Rig Has Broken Down

Having your big rig breakdown on the side of the road is often an annoying and scary experience. There’s some danger that comes with waiting on the side of the road for help, especially with a big rig. That’s why it’s important to take safety precautions and be properly prepared for any situation. Having the right materials and knowledge will help ensure you can handle anything.

When your big rig has broken down, one of the best things you can do is contact a diesel roadside services provider in Memphis, TN. Read on for tips on how to easily handle the situation while waiting for roadside assistance to arrive.

Good materials to have on hand

One of the best ways to prepare for the event of a big rig breakdown is by making a list of materials to keep on your truck. This should include certain tools like wrenches, screwdrivers, duct tape, a fire extinguisher, extra headlights and much more. It’s also a good idea to keep a supply of extra fluids on hand. There are plenty of tools that could come in handy during a big rig breakdown. Consider asking an expert for advice on which tools to keep in your truck.

Pull over in a safe area

If you’ve noticed issues with your big rig, the first thing to do is pull over in a safe area. When pulling over, it’s important to keep calm and focus on your safety. Turn on your flashers and look for an area with plenty of room to pull over. Once you’ve found a good spot, pull over while routinely checking the traffic behind you.

You’ll want to set up orange markers or flares behind your big rig to let drivers know that you’ve broken down. Be sure to open the hood as well. Let your dispatcher know what’s going on and they’ll contact a local roadside service to help you out.

Check for any issues

While you’re pulled over, see if you notice any possible causes for the breakdown. Common issues when it comes to big rig breakdowns include a failing battery, electrical issues, damaged engine components and more. If you’ve pinpointed the issue, be sure to let your dispatcher know. They may be able to give you specific instructions on how to remedy the situation.

Preventing big rig breakdowns

Big rigs can break down even with proper care and maintenance. It is, however, important to do everything you can to prevent a breakdown from happening. Before taking a big rig on the road, check its tires to make sure they aren’t worn down. Worn-down tires can make it hard to properly brake and drive smoothly. You’ll also want to be sure all fluids are filled to the appropriate levels.

Having your big rig routinely inspected by a diesel truck repair service is a great way to prevent future maintenance issues. The right repair service will check all aspects of your truck, including its tires, engine and more.

If you’re in Memphis, TN and need diesel roadside services, contact the professionals at United Diesel Power – Truck Repair.

Categorised in: Diesel Truck Repair

This post was written by Writer