10 Warning Signs Your Truck Needs Attention Now

Your business vehicle is not a car – it's your business. Whether you're running long hauls or local business transport, ignoring the earliest signs of a problem can lead to disastrous breakdowns, expensive repairs, or even accidents.

These are 10 warning signs your business vehicle urgently needs to be attended to. Do not ignore them!

1.  Overheating Engine

If your temperature gauge keeps going up or you see steam leaking from under the hood, your commercial truck could be overheating. It can lead to engine failure if you don't fix it quickly.

2.  Unusual Sounds

Clanking, grinding, squealing – if your truck suddenly starts making strange noises, don't turn up the radio to mask it. They are often the first commercial truck warning sign of something worse.

3.  Leaking Fluids

Leaking oil, coolant, or brake fluid under your truck? That's a sign of trouble. Any leak on a company vehicle must be repaired immediately before it finds its way to critical systems.

4.  Dashboard Warning Lights

That little check-engine light is not just for show. If any warning light is lit on your dashboard, get that commercial truck into a garage quickly.

5.  Braking Issues

Squeal brakes, soft brakes, or delayed brake reaction? That's an obvious danger, especially when hauling heavy freight in commercial trucking. Don't risk it with your brakes.

6.  Heavy Exhaust Smoke

Blue, black, or white smoke from the exhaust is not only damaging to the environment – it means there's something amiss with your engine. It may be dirty fuel or something more serious.

7.  Rough Idling or Stalling

If your business truck stalls or shakes when it is idling, there is something wrong with the fuel system or spark plugs. Don't wait until it won't drive on the highway.

8. Sudden Decline in Gas Mileage

Are your miles per gallon declining very quickly? It can be a sign that something is wrong with the engine, tires, or even transmission. A well-cared-for commercial truck should perform without a problem.

9.  Trouble Shifting Gears

Automatic or not, if your truck is struggling to shift gears, you're due for an emergency check-up. Not doing so can cost you costly repairs. 

10.  Strange Vibrations

Vibration through the steering wheel or cabin – especially when traveling at high speeds – can be an indication of tire issues, alignment, or suspension. Stability is critical to any commercial hauling endeavor. 

Last Thought:

Don't Wait for a Breakdown As a business owner of a commercial truck or fleet owner, your commercial truck needs to be running all the time. Catching these warning signs in your commercial truck early on saves you time, money, and frustration. Make sure to maintain your commercial truck well and trust your instincts – something doesn't feel right.

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