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2025

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09

5 Common Problems with Trucks — Do You Know How to Fix Them?


With the progress and development of the times, the performance of freight vehicles has also improved by leaps and bounds. However, for many truck drivers, it is unclear whether their vehicles should mainly undergo regular maintenance or be repaired only after breaking down. 

Although drivers have heard the saying '30% repair, 70% maintenance,' this approach doesn’t work at all for some logistics fleets. This is because the drivers are hired employees, and very few of them treat the company's trucks as their own vehicles. 

They drive them until they break down and only then take them to a service station or repair shop. This situation frustrates some fleet managers, but they are helpless since they are not in the vehicles themselves, and only the drivers know exactly what issues the vehicles are experiencing.

货车容易发生的5个问题 你知道该咋修吗

Below, the editor analyzes several common minor problems that trucks may encounter through a conversation with Master Cheng, a mechanic. This is for reference only, and professionals are welcome to comment and provide guidance.

▎1. Engine Exhaust Pipe Leaking OilIf, after idling for a long time with the engine heated, you notice oil dripping from under the engine exhaust pipe, it likely indicates that the clearance between your engine's cylinder sleeve and piston rings is large, or that the crankshaft and bearing wear is severe, causing oil leakage. Master Cheng suggests that the repair method should be to replace the engine's "four sets of matching parts" as soon as possible.

▎2. Steering Wheel Hard to TurnMaster Cheng said that many truck drivers have reported to him that their steering wheels feel particularly heavy after loading cargo, and it is almost impossible to turn the wheel at idle without pressing the accelerator. Master Cheng advises truckers that if it is not due to a failure of the steering gear itself or a lack of power steering fluid, the problem should be directly considered as a malfunction in the power steering pump. Repairing or replacing the power steering pump should resolve the issue.
 

货车容易发生的5个问题 你知道该咋修吗

▎3. Vehicle Shaking During Start 

Master Cheng told car owners to first check whether the front and rear engine mounts are damaged. Next, check if the clutch disc is severely worn or unevenly worn, and inspect whether the engine's flywheel and pressure plate are burnt or uneven. 

▎4. Oil Drainage from the Dryer 

Master Cheng suggests first considering whether the problem is with the dryer itself or if oil is being discharged due to the air pump drawing in engine oil. Normally, the dryer should be replaced every 80,000 to 100,000 kilometers, preferably in late autumn or early winter. 

If replacement is not carried out in time, excessive water can accumulate inside the dryer, and cold winter weather can damage the vehicle's valve body, leading to brake failure or brake lock-up.
 

5. The clutch pedal is heavy and does not disengage. 

Master Cheng suggests checking whether the air pressure is normal. If there is no shortage of clutch fluid, consider whether there is a problem with the air or hydraulic lines of the clutch master cylinder or slave cylinder. Repair whatever part is not functioning correctly.
 

货车容易发生的5个问题 你知道该咋修吗

 

Car owners and drivers should maintain harmony to prosper, and not let the vehicles bear the blame for no reason. 

Finally, the mechanic suggested that vehicle maintenance should still be the main focus. Master Cheng smiled and said, 'It mainly depends on the driver's experience and the car owner's attitude towards the driver. If the car owner treats the driver well, the driver will take better care of the vehicle.' 

In fact, whether it is car owners or drivers, everything comes down to treating others as you would like to be treated. If car owners can pay salaries on time and not arbitrarily dock the driver's pay, drivers will certainly cherish the vehicles more. On the contrary, if every day drivers are constantly scolded and yelled at, and any vehicle problems are blamed on the driver, think about how they would feel inside. 

Don't even talk about taking care of your vehicle; they might not even report a fault immediately. You only find out when it’s completely broken down and can’t move.

货车容易发生的5个问题 你知道该咋修吗

▎Conclusion: 

Nowadays, both car owners and drivers have it tough. It's enough if everyone can stay calm and try to understand each other. Drivers should take good care of the vehicles to help car owners avoid unnecessary expenses. Car owners should show more concern for drivers and make fewer harsh demands. Let's work together for mutual benefit and strive for a better tomorrow.