04
2025
-
12
Essential Tips: Check This Out! Detailed Explanation of 10 Common Truck Problems
With the development and progress of the times, the performance of freight vehicles has also improved dramatically. However, for trucks, many drivers are unclear whether their vehicles should be primarily maintained regularly or repaired only when something breaks down.
Although many drivers have heard the saying '30% repair, 70% maintenance,' this approach is completely unworkable for some logistics fleets because the drivers are hired and very few of them treat the company's vehicles as their own.
They use the vehicle until it breaks down, and when it does, it goes to a service station or repair shop. Fleet managers are often frustrated by this but feel helpless, because they are not in the vehicle themselves, and only the drivers truly know the issues that arise.

Below, the editor, through a conversation with Master Cheng, a mechanic, analyzes several common minor issues that trucks may encounter for truck owners' reference. Professionals are welcome to comment and provide guidance.
▎1. Engine Exhaust Pipe Leaking Oil
After a long idle period with a hot engine, if you notice oil dripping from beneath the engine exhaust pipe, it likely indicates that there is excessive clearance between the engine cylinder sleeve and piston rings, or significant wear on the crankshaft and main and connecting rod bearings, which is causing the oil leakage. Master Cheng suggests that in such cases, the 'four major engine components' should be replaced as soon as possible.
▎2. Difficulty in Steering Wheel Movement
Master Cheng said that many truck drivers reported to him that after loading their vehicles, the steering wheel becomes particularly heavy, and it is nearly impossible to turn without pressing the accelerator at idle. Master Cheng told truckers that if it is not due to a problem with the steering gear itself or a lack of power steering fluid, the issue should be considered as a problem with the power steering pump. Repairing or replacing the power steering pump should resolve the problem.

▎3. Vehicle shakes when starting
Master Cheng told the car owner 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 flywheel and pressure plate are burnt or uneven.
▎4. Oil discharge from the dryer
Master Cheng suggests first considering whether the issue is with the dryer itself or oil discharge caused by the air pump circulating engine oil. Normally, the dryer should be replaced every 80,000 to 100,000 kilometers, and it’s best to replace it in late autumn or early winter.
If the replacement is not done in time, it will lead to excessive water accumulation inside the tank. During the cold winter, this can damage the vehicle's valve body, causing brake failure or brake lock-up.
▎5. Clutch pedal is heavy and does not disengage
The master recommends checking whether the air pressure is normal. If there is no shortage of clutch fluid, consider whether there is an issue with the air or hydraulic line of the clutch master cylinder or slave cylinder. Repair whatever part is faulty.

▎Car owners and drivers should maintain a harmonious relationship to make money, and not let the vehicle get blamed for no reason.
Finally, the mechanic suggested that vehicle maintenance should still be the priority. Master Cheng smiled and said, "It mainly depends on the driver's experience and the car owner's attitude toward the driver. If the owner treats the driver well, the driver will take better care of the vehicle."
In fact, whether it’s car owners or drivers, it’s important to practice empathy. If car owners pay salaries on time and don’t arbitrarily deduct wages, drivers will surely cherish the vehicles more. On the other hand, if owners constantly yell at drivers and blame them for every issue, just think about how they feel.
Don’t expect them to take good care of your vehicle; they might not even report a problem immediately. The vehicle might be out of commission at any time, and only then will they tell you.

▎Conclusion:
These days, both car owners and drivers have it tough. It’s enough for everyone to stay calm and try to understand each other. Drivers should take good care of the vehicles to help owners save unnecessary expenses, while vehicle owners should show a bit more concern for the drivers and ease up on harsh demands. Let’s work together for mutual benefit and strive towards a better tomorrow.