How poor truck maintenance causes accidents

On Behalf of Holmes & Wiseley, P.C.

Poor truck maintenance is one of the leading causes of truck accidents in Michigan. Semi-trucks have complex components and spend a lot of time on the road, which means that they require regular maintenance.

Tires

Semi-truck owners need to replace their tires every three to eight years or sooner if the tires show excessive wear. Rotation is another important aspect of tire maintenance. Semi truck owners should rotate their tires every 6,000–8,000 miles. This helps to distribute wear and tear. The rear tires on an 18-wheeler deteriorate faster than the front tires, so owners will probably need to replace them sooner.

Truck drivers must pay attention to wheel alignment. Signs of misalignment are vibration, pulling to one side and an off-center steering wheel. Misaligned wheels speed up the wear and tear of the tires and increase the risk of an accident.

Broken lights

Lights on a truck alert other drivers on the road. Semi-truck owners should promptly fix any light issues even if it’s not affecting the turn signal. Proper lighting makes the 18-wheeler as visible as possible and illuminates the surroundings for the truck driver. Warning signs of light problems are cracked lenses, corrosion around the batteries, loose electrical connections and battery leaks.

Brakes

Brakes on a semi-truck deteriorate faster than on standard vehicles. Trucks need regular inspections of the brakes because of how important this safety mechanism is. Motor vehicle accidents involving 18-wheelers are often deadly or result in serious injuries because of the massive difference in size and weight of the truck. These large vehicles take more time to stop than other vehicles on the road. They come with greater force and momentum as well.

Semi-truck owners are responsible for maintaining their trucks well. Drivers should also do their part in noticing signs of problems before they have a chance to cause an accident.

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