How to Avoid Common Breakdowns on Long Trips

By Amit Jangra | Published Date : September 09, 2025

Tips to Keep Your Commercial Vehicle Running Smoothly

Long trips in commercial vehicles can be tough. Drivers spend hours on the road. Traffic, bumpy roads, and fatigue make things harder. Even strong Tata trucks, pickups, and buses can face trouble if you’re not careful. The good news? Most breakdowns can be avoided with a little planning and care.

Check Your Vehicle First

Table of Contents

1. Check Your Vehicle First

2. Fuel and Fluids Matter

3. Plan Your Route

4. Emergency Kit is a Must

5. Regular Servicing

6. Take Care of Yourself

7. Final Tips

Read More: FADA Reports Over 75,000 CV Sales in August 2025

Before leaving, quickly check your vehicle. Tyres, brakes, oil, coolant, and lights. One driver from Pune said, “I always check my Tata 407 pickup. Saves so much trouble later.” Catching small issues early can prevent big headaches.

Fuel and Fluids Matter

Running out of fuel or low fluids is a common problem. Refill before half tank. Check engine oil, brake fluid, and coolant. Drivers of commercial vehicles often say, “A little check saves hours of stress.” Small steps go a long way.

Plan Your Route

Traffic jams and bad roads make trips harder. Plan your route. Know alternative paths. GPS helps, but locals often give better tips. A driver from a small town said, “Talking to locals saved me from a blocked road last month.”

Emergency Kit is a Must

Carry a tool kit, spare tyre, jack, and first-aid box. Flat tyres or loose bolts can be fixed on the spot. One Tata Ace driver shared, “My kit saved me hours last month.” Little things matter.

Regular Servicing

No matter how careful, commercial vehicles need service. Check engine, brakes, transmission, suspension. Well-maintained vehicles handle long trips better. Less chance of surprise breakdowns.

Take Care of Yourself

Drivers need breaks. Drink water. Stretch. Rest. A tired driver makes mistakes. One village driver said, “Ten-minute breaks every few hours keep me alert and my truck running fine.”

Final Tips

Long trips don’t have to be stressful. Check your vehicle. Plan the route. Carry essentials. Take care of yourself. Small actions prevent breakdowns and keep deliveries on time. Healthy drivers mean safer roads for everyone.

Also Read: 

How E20 Ethanol Fuel Affects Truck Performance and Maintenance

FADA Reports 103,105 Three-Wheeler Units Sold in August 2025

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Frequently Asked Questions on Trucks

1: How often should I service my commercial truck?

Ans: Commercial trucks need regular servicing. Usually, every 5,000–10,000 km or as per the manufacturer’s recommendation. Regular service keeps the engine, brakes, and other parts in good condition.

2: What are the most common breakdowns in commercial trucks?

Ans: Flat tires, brake failure, battery issues, and engine problems are the most common. Pre-trip checks and maintenance can prevent many of these breakdowns.

3: How can I increase the lifespan of my truck?

Ans: Regular maintenance, proper loading, timely oil and fluid changes, and avoiding over-speeding help keep a commercial truck running longer.

4: What safety measures should truck drivers follow?

Ans: Drivers should always wear seat belts, avoid fatigue, take breaks, check tires and brakes, and follow traffic rules to ensure safe driving.

5: Are spare parts necessary on long truck trips?

Ans: Yes, carrying essential spare parts like tires, fuses, bulbs, and a basic tool kit helps handle minor issues on the road and reduces downtime.

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