The Most Common Trucks Trailers Repairs in Tacoma

Whenever you’re driving any kind of vehicle long distances, you will need repairs of some kind. It’s a sure bet that you will be on the road at some point and have something happen, even just a flat tire or blow out.

If you drive for a transportation freight company the chances of this happening to you should be slim. If not, you are driving for the wrong company. All maintenance should be the responsibility of the company you drive for and not you. However, if you are an owner-operator, you are responsible for your own maintenance and repairs.

Even the most meticulous owner-operator will have an issue now and then. If you drive for a company and your tractor-trailer needs work, the company can give you another vehicle. If this happens to an owner-operator, it’s an issue. Every hour your rig sits in the shop or you are working on it, you are losing money. Money that most owner-operators don’t have.

The good news is that the Tacoma is loaded with truck repair shops and people who specialize in getting you back on the road ASAP. With both the Port of Seattle and Tacoma being international freight transportation hubs, the area is filled with trucking/shipping companies, CDL driving schools and tractor-trailer repair shops. So, you have people all over the area who really know what they are doing.

Most Common Types of Repairs

What are the most common types of repairs that these shops in the Tacoma area see on a regular basis? A lot can go wrong with an 18 wheeler and that includes even while repairs are being made. If you try to take the easy approach it might not last but to do it right might mean you find more and more things wrong. With each new repair, there is more time off the road. Preventive maintenance is better. These common problems can be fixed before they become worse.

• Tires – who hasn’t seen the debris on the side of the road from an 18 wheeler getting a flat or having a blowout? Big strips of rubber all over the road. The wear and tear on the tires from all those miles and all those tons of freight takes a toll. Know what to look for and how to tell when they need repair. Know how to change your own tires,
• Brakes – tires blowing are dangerous, but just as dangerous are brakes that are worn out. You are holding back tons of freight behind your cab and if your brakes don’t hold, not only could you be in trouble, but you could injure others as well. The heavier the trailer is the more pressure is put on your brakes. Remember you are driving a long rig with air brakes. Give yourself enough time when you start up your truck for the rear breaks to get the air they need.
• Lights – lights need to be checked consistently and continually. Safety on the road depends on all your lights working. We’re not just talking about your headlights and fog lights, but all the lights outlining your vehicle so that other drivers can see you.

These are the simple repairs that can be done by the drivers themselves. Anything else really needs a repair service and there are many qualified full-service shops in the Tacoma area. What are you looking for in trucks and trailers repair shop in Tacoma?

What to Look For

A full service 24/7 shop is a must. You need a company of repairmen that you can count on, anywhere, anytime. They need to have both a mobile unit and in-shop repair. They have to be capable of doing the job from start to finish. So, look for a shop that has towing, mobile roadside assistance, repairs, parts, tire repair, transportation, and parts.

Make sure the shop is big enough to be available when you need it. If you choose a shop with one mobile and 3 bays, you are likely to be waiting in line instead of out making money. You need a shop with 7-10 mobiles and 7-10 bays along with cutting edge diagnostic equipment. What about the staff/mechanics? Are they certified and how much experience do they have? Do they have welders on hand? What kind of warranties do they offer?

You don’t want trucks trailers repair shop in Tacoma that spends most of its time on vans and RVs. You want a shop that spends most of its time on tractor-trailers and trucks in general. You want an experienced crew that is experienced in the truck you are driving. You need minor on-site repairs and full-service in-shop. You need them to be fast and dependable. You need to know they can handle any issues you might have.

In-shop Repairs

Here’s the list of everything your repair shop needs to be able to handle in order for all your needs to be met. These are in addition to mobile responses on tires and brakes.

• They should be able to do your DOT Safety Inspections
• All Preventive Maintenance
• Generator Maintenance
• Tune-Ups for gas as combustion engines
• Drivetrain
• Air Supply
• Transmission – auto and manual
• King Pin Replacement
• Hydraulic, air or electric brakes
• Suspensions
• Rebuild or install a new engine
• Adjust or replace the clutch
• Welding and fabrication
• Frame overhale
• Liftgate repair
• Wiring and electrical diagnosis
• Trailer repair
• Fuel delivery system
• Bring your fuel if you are out
• Jump starts
• Lockouts
• AC and heating system
• Hydraulic System

Remember it’s all about safety. Keep your truck in top-notch shape and you will be safe.