If your semi-truck is experiencing engine trouble, it can cause multiple hazards on the road. A Los Angeles truck accident attorney expert, Michael Ehline at Ehline Law Firm says: “Commercial truckers are held to a higher standard, as these large vehicles can smash a passenger vehicle like a piece of tin foil.” Ehline says truckers and their bosses must take steps and exercise a reasonable degree of care to make sure their wheel trucks and long haulers are safe at all times to avoid a catastrophe on the road. Therefore, it’s essential to know what signs to look for so that you can find a solution right away to avoid potential dangers and accidents in the long run. Here are three signs that your semi-truck engine is failing.
Poor Fuel Economy
Poor fuel economy is the first sign that suggests your semi-truck’s engine may be failing. Most experienced truck drivers have a clear idea of how long a full tank of gas will last and how far they can travel before refueling. If you start to notice that you have to fill up your truck’s tank more frequently than usual, this can indicate that something is wrong with your engine.
For example, damaged or malfunctioning fuel injectors and rings can cause diesel to leak into the chamber, resulting in poor fuel economy. If you don’t take care of these issues as soon as they arise, they can cause major complications and total engine failure, leading to a breakdown. Luckily, there are many ways to troubleshoot common semi-truck engine problems so that you can find a solution for them quickly.
Truck Using More Oil
If your truck is using more oil than normal, this can be another sign of a failing engine, as there may be a leak somewhere. Low oil levels can cause your truck’s engine to corrode, resulting in engine failure.
You want to avoid failing engines and breakdowns on the road, as they can cause hazards and accidents. Therefore, it’s a good idea to check your truck’s cylinder liner and piston rings to determine if they are the cause of the oil leak. Get the necessary repairs as soon as possible to avoid a total engine failure and to keep yourself and other drivers safe on the road.
Diesel Engine Runaway
Diesel engine runaway is also a potential symptom of a semi-truck engine failure. The best way to tell if your truck is experiencing a diesel engine runaway is if your engine continues to run even after you’ve shut it off. The engine continues running because worn-down pistons and rings can cause an oil mist to enter the chamber, continuing to power the engine until the oil mist runs out.
If your truck’s turbocharger also fails, it can leak oil into the combustion chamber, which can result in an explosion. This issue is dangerous and needs immediate attention, so if you think your truck is experiencing a diesel engine runaway, you need to get it checked out as soon as possible.
Pay attention and look for these signs of a semi-truck diesel engine failure so that you can fix the issue. The sooner you are able to pinpoint the problem, the quicker you can find a solution and the safer you will be on the road.
