When you have been working in the fleet industry for a time long enough, you know one thing for sure, that trailers a major breakdown does not occur without a warning. A trailer whispers before it screams but many people neglect the whispers until it's too late and that “easy to fix” issue turns into a huge “pocket-cutting problem” that takes your trailer off the road. For that, you should find a reliable trailer repair service provider which is there to help you with your single call.

Getting straight to the point; ignoring abnormal signs by your trailer doesn’t just cost you money but it risks drivers, your company’s reputation and audits by the Department of Transportation. You can catch those red flags early and save your business. Here is how:

Brakes feel off

When your trailer starts pulling a little harder or takes longer to stop you tell yourself that it's fine but actually, it's not. If your brake pedal feels soft or if you can hear weird grinding sounds when hit the brake, it's your clue to get it checked. Faulty brakes alone are enough to get you an “out of service” order by the Department of Transportation. They are one of the leading reasons that result in an out-of-service order by DOT which means the vehicle cannot be operated until repairs are made.

Don’t wait for the alarm to ring. Get your trailer’s brake system checked during regular Preventive Maintenance sessions. If there is an air leakage, it’s time for service without any second guesses.

Uneven Tire wear

Another problem faced by trailer drivers is uneven tires. It’s when one of tire is worn out but others look fine. It’s usually a sign of alignment issue of tires, bent axles or bad suspension of tires. And they cause you to bleed money because a single standard commercial-use tire costs around $250 to $500 per tire and it can go higher according to the specs of trailer.

Tires aren’t cheap so if you are burning through them very quickly, something is really off. Don’t just go for the temporary replacement of the tire, instead fix the root. Catching uneven tires early can save you hundreds of dollars per axle. Make it a routine to check your tires before starting your trip, especially for heavy-use routes.

Leaky seals or rust around doors

A little rust doesn’t seem to be a big deal but once the water finds its way in, it can ruin electronics and biological products like food, pharmaceuticals etc. Every minute your trailer is exposed to compromised seals, it’s synonymous with rolling the dice with damage claims. The situation can get worse if your client cancels the contract due to leaky seals.

Checking your door seals, roof panels and flooring for soft spots can save you a five-figure headache later.

Lights flickering or dead

It’s a very common issue faced by drivers, that trailer lights go out. This must not be ignored because light issues are not just about visibility, they are amongst the most common reasons to cause DOT inspection failures. Faulty wirings and dead bulbs can all trigger fines. Especially at night when lights go dead, it’s very dangerous because it increases the risk of collision and side swipe especially on highways and unwillingly, drivers have to stop which causes delays.

Suspension sounds

When you hear clunks, rattles or squeaks from under the trailer, that means something is loose, worn or cracked underneath. Bad suspension isn’t just annoying, it makes trailer tires wear out quicker and puts the driver as well as cargo at risk.

Noises under load aren’t normal. You should get the bushings and shocks checked if your trailer feels off before the suspension springs break completely and leave you stranded in the middle of a long highway.

If your drivers are reporting issues, listen to them

Your drivers are the first line of your defence. When they tell you something is wrong, believe them even if just a text note or a shared note. Don’t ignore it because the people behind the wheel (drivers) can sense it better than anyone.

Build a system where drivers are heard when they report an issue and fleet managers should take immediate action in response.

Fast trailer repairs matter more now, than ever

At times when competition is tough, margins are thinner, deadlines are tighter, and downtime is a nightmare keeping your trailers on road means everything whether you run 5 trailers or 50. For this, you must stay ahead of the curve and sense the indication by your trailer before it robs you of money.

This is where EPIKA’s trailer repair service jumps in. They offer mobile repair service, where they send their qualified technicians to you wherever you are, instead of you towing your broken trailer to service station.

Why hustlers like you trust EPIKA?

Because they have got to offer you:

• On-site repair service: repairs can be done at your parking space during off-hours
• Real time updates: so you are never guessing
• Transparency: no hidden costs
• Certified technicians: who have mastered their skill
• Preventive programs: to spot troubles early

EPIKA knows your time is valuable therefore it provides smart trailer repair services. They have 2,000 fleet customers and more than 550 skilled technicians to keep your business moving. They have an exceptional network of approximately 20 in-shop centers and a 24/7 dispatch centers with access to over 1,500 service providers nationwide. EPIKA's rapid expansion and strategic acquisitions have positioned it as a significant player in the fleet maintenance industry

Don’t let a $300 fix become a $5000 breakdown

If your trailer is giving signs of squeaks, leaks, wear, clunks, rattles and driver feedback, take them seriously. Being a trailer manager or business owner, you must play smart and stay ahead of time and schedule routine checks. Respond fast when something feels off otherwise, it can escalate to a big emergency repair.