If you are a truck driver, it is impossible to rule out breaking down at some point in your journeys. Various circumstances can result in a big rig breakdown, from mechanical failures to running out of fuel on the freeway. Having your truck break down on the side of the highway isn’t ideal. It can be downright dangerous if traffic is moving too fast. So, what should you do once you park off the shoulder after a breakdown?
In this article, we will provide several things truck drivers should do after a big rig breakdown.
5 Big Rig Breakdown Tips
Here are some essential tips and tricks to help you get back on track after a big rig breakdown.
1. Contact a Mobile Heavy-Duty Mechanic
The first step after a semi-truck breakdown is to contact a mobile heavy-duty mechanic for help. Some big rig fails are minor problems that a mechanic can fix in a matter of minutes and save you the extra costs of truck towing. But before you contact any mobile mechanic for help, check their reviews online or ask for referrals from your friends.
Some towing companies also specialize in the overhaul and repair of semi-trucks. By calling one, you will be achieving several results with a single action since they will help you fix your truck and drag it if need be.
2. Use a Reputable Semi Service Provider
If your broken down truck needs more than the help of a mobile roadside mechanic, then you may have to request semi truck roadside assistance, towing, and repairs from a heavy truck towing and diesel repair service. Thanks to search engines such as Google and Yahoo, you can easily find reliable big rig and semi services near you by simply typing “my truck broke down” in the search space.
When requesting towing assistance, ensure that you contact a truck breakdown service that has all the necessary truck driver tools and equipment for your situation. Moreover, call the nearest and most affordable heavy wrecker to save time and money, respectively.
3. Know the Gross Weight and Location of Your Truck
Big rig breakdown service providers rely on your information to know the appropriate tow truck driver gear and vehicle to haul your truck. Often, trucks are categorized depending on their gross vehicle weight rating (GVWR). Therefore, it is essential to know the total weight of your truck before calling a tow truck operator.
Besides your vehicle’s GVWR, note where your truck broke down to help the tow truck company technician find you easily. Your truck road service company may also request to know where you want them to tow your truck. Therefore, be prepared with all the details precisely.
4. Have a Plan for Your Load
If you are transporting emergency goods, talk to another driver from your company to come to your rescue as you wait for a truck tower to arrive. You can also brief the owner of the goods about your breakdown and inform them of possible delays. If you don’t work for a company with several trucks, explore other options like contacting a parallel cargo courier to ensure that your clients promptly receive their shipment.
5. Stay Safe After Truck Breakdowns
Despite experiencing a breakdown, staying calm is essential. Ensure that you, your truck, and other road users are safe by observing road safety rules. Alert other drivers to your situation. Signaling other drivers means opening the hood as a sign that you are broken down. It also entails using reflective gear such as cones, flares, or neon vests to keep yourself and other drivers on the road safe while you are waiting for your heavy towing and roadside specialist.
Meet Your Big Rig Breakdown Service
When your semi breakdown happens, it’s annoying, but it is also unsafe. Every driver wishes to avoid breaking down on the job. Knowing what to do and where to turn after a big rig breakdown can bring great relief.
Since 2016, Bozz Towing has provided quality heavy towing and roadside services in Idaho, Utah, and Wyoming. With our qualified drivers and 24/7 services, we can get you out of your emergency. Contact us now for fast, reliable, and quality roadside assistance.