5 Reasons Trucks Break Down (And What You Can Do About It)

Truck breakdowns are a major headache for trucking companies. They mess up schedules, cost money, and make customers unhappy. Keeping your fleet in the best form is important, right? At Kooner Fleet Management Solutions, we get that. No matter the size of your fleet, 

knowing what issues might pop up with your vehicles can give you an edge.

Let’s look at 5 common breakdown causes and how we can deal with them before they slow your pace.

1. Tire Problems – Still at the #1

Truck tires work hard, but tire problems like low pressure and wear and tear happen a lot. In fact, they cause around 51% of all truck breakdowns, says the American Trucking Associations' Technology & Maintenance Council. Luckily, these typical problems can be easily dealt with.

What helps:

• Keep an eye on those tire pressure monitoring systems.

• Check tires before and after every trip.

• Avoid waiting for things like excessive wear and tear to pop up.

• Rotate tires regularly as part of fleet maintenance.

  
  

To keep your business running smoothly, Kooner Fleet Management Solutions includes detailed tire checks as part of our Fleet Maintenance and Repair Services.

2. Battery Trouble – Often Overlooked, Always Around

Truck batteries are often not paid any attention until they fail, leaving a driver stranded. So, this might happen for a bunch of different reasons, including extreme weather, not being used for an extended period, or simply old age. Battery failure is a common cause of unexpected downtime, accounting for approximately 1 in 5 of roadside assistance service calls for commercial trucks.

What helps:

Here's a simpler way to keep your truck's battery in good shape and avoid breakdowns:

• If your truck sits a lot, fire it up every so often to charge the battery.

• Batteries usually last 3 to 5 years. Just change it before it dies, especially if it's been that long or longer.

• If your truck is slow to start or the lights are weak, that's a clue. Don't wait till it won't start at all.

• Make sure the battery connections are clean and not all corroded.

• It's better to replace the battery before it dies on you, not after.

  
  

To keep your fleet running smoothly, we offer Last Mile Maintenance with regular battery checkups. This helps to avoid truck breakdowns and emergency roadside assistance.

3. Brake System Issues 

When it comes to safety, brakes are non-negotiable. But between heavy loads, long hauls, and city traffic, they’re under constant pressure. Air leaks, worn-out pads, or contaminated brake fluid can bring your truck (and your delivery schedule) to a halt.

What helps:

• Let's get our drivers up to speed on noticing weird sounds and braking issues.

• Add brake checks to how you manage your fleet.

• Replace components with quality parts and monitor for air leaks.

  
  

Our Fleet Maintenance and Repair Services take braking systems seriously because we know your business can’t afford to hit the brakes unexpectedly.

4. Cooling System Failures

Basically, a bad cooling system can lead to overheating, engine problems, or even a total breakdown. Long drives make engines really hot, and the cooling system keeps them at the right temperature. Stuff like low coolant, leaks, or damaged hoses can end up costing a lot to fix and mess up your trucking schedule big time.

What helps:

• Check coolant levels regularly and top up when needed.

• Inspect hoses, belts, and radiator caps for signs of wear.

• Flush the cooling system and replace coolant as per manufacturer schedules.

  
  

The Truck and Trailer Repair team keeps a close eye on these key things. Taking preventative steps can really help your engine and make sure deliveries stay on schedule.

5. Electrical System Glitches – More Common Than You’d Think

Trucks these days have tons of electronics such as sensors, lights, GPS, and the works. So, electrical problems like blown fuses, loose wires, or failing alternators aren't just about losing the radio anymore. They can really disrupt how the whole truck operates.

What helps:

• If your drivers report flickering lights, unresponsive panels, or weird smells (especially a burnt plastic smell), get it checked ASAP.

• Add electrical inspections to your regular fleet management solutions.

• Don’t ignore dashboard warnings — they often catch small issues before they grow.

  
  

Don't let electrical issues throw a wrench in things. Kooner’s team of experts and advanced equipment will spot and solve problems before they become big headaches.

Stay Ahead With Smarter Fleet Maintenance

Unexpected breakdowns affect more than just a single truck — they create a ripple effect that hits schedules, costs, and client satisfaction. But most of the time, they’re preventable.

By working with a reliable partner like Kooner Fleet Management Solutions, you get access to full-service support — from real-time diagnostics to proactive fleet maintenance and repair services and emergency roadside assistance service.

Our Last Mile Maintenance service is designed to address those “almost” issues before they become full-blown problems. With a focus on your specific route patterns and vehicle types, we tailor solutions that actually fit how your business runs.

Why It Matters

When your fleet is well-maintained, you get:

• Fewer breakdowns

• Lower repair costs

• More predictable schedules

• Happier drivers

• And more trust from your clients

  
  

According to a recent benchmark report by NPTC, companies with a structured fleet maintenance plan see up to 30% fewer emergency repairs — which translates into serious cost savings and stronger reliability.

Final Word

There’s no such thing as a good time for a truck to break down. But there is a smart way to stop it from happening in the first place.

Kooner Fleet Management Solutions helps you make your fleet stronger, safer, and more reliable — mile after mile. Whether you need full-scale fleet management services, targeted truck and trailer repair, or around-the-clock support with our roadside assistance service, we’re here to keep your operations moving without unnecessary stops.