If you own your semi-truck and trailer, you need to know what to do when either of them needs repair or service. When you need semi-trailer repairs, you will most likely need to take the trailer to a semi-truck shop that has semi-trailer parts and technicians that can work on your trailer as well as your truck.
Maintaining Your Trailers
Semi-trailers may not seem like they do a lot of work because they are pulled behind the truck, but the weight in the trailer from cargo can add a lot of stress to the deck, the frame, the suspension, and the axles under the trailer. Brakes and other semi-trailer parts can wear and require service nearly as often as the truck itself, and an inspection should be a regular part of the trailer maintenance.
A semi-trailer's service interval can depend on how much use it has and the types of loads you are hauling with it. A lot of heavy freight can strain the trailer far more than if you are hauling lightweight freight, so have the trailer check more often in this situation.
If there are specific semi-trailer parts needed for your trailer, the repair shop can often get the parts from the manufacturer, although they often have parts for popular trailer brands and the most common repairs on hand.
Trailer Brakes
One of the most critical components to maintain is the trailer brakes on the trailer axles. These air brakes tie into the truck with an air hose and work together with the truck brakes to slow the truck and trailer evenly. If the brakes are not working correctly, all the weight of the load can transfer the forward momentum to the truck, making it extremely hard to stop the truck and trailer.
If the brakes seem like they are not working, take the trailer in for semi-trailer repair and have the tech check the entire brake system for you. A brake line that is leaking, pads that are worn out, or damage to the air system can all cause the brakes to fail on the trailer.
Trailer Tires
The tires on your semi-trailer are critical because they carry a large portion of the load on the trailer. If a tire has damage on it, the semi-trailer repair shop can replace it for you, but it is crucial that you check them every day.
A trailer tire's failure can make the truck hard to control and cause an accident that could damage the truck, trailer, load, and other motorists near you. Maintaining the trailer tires is safer and cheaper than repairing the truck and trailer after an accident.
To learn more, contact a semi-trailer repair shop.
