Top 5 Roadside Repairs Every Driver Should Know — Insights from Sounders Truck Repair
Two truck drivers are standing in front of the trucks
When a truck is earning money, time really is money. Yet the reality we see every week in our Winston, GA shop is that breakdowns rarely happen in a convenient place. A small issue that you could have managed yourself can quickly snowball into a tow bill, lost loads, and a dent in your CSA score.
That’s why we’re sharing what our technicians wish every driver knew: the five most common roadside fixes you can (and should) be prepared for, plus pro-level tips to do them safely.
Changing a Tire or Handling a Flat — More Than Just Lug Nuts
A blown steer tire at 70 mph is a nightmare. Even a slow leak on a trailer can cost you hours at a scale or dock. Knowing the process before you’re under stress is key:
Safety first: Pull as far off the travel lane as possible, set out triangles, wear a hi-vis vest, and chock the other wheels.
Break the nuts loose before lifting. Heavy-duty wheels can seize; a breaker bar or impact wrench rated for trucks saves time.
Use a rated jack and stands. Never rely on a bottle jack alone under load.
Torque in a star pattern to the manufacturer’s spec; recheck torque after 50 miles.
Pro shop tip: carry a quality tire pressure gauge, a portable air source or inflator, and a can of tire sealant. For small punctures, a plug kit can buy you the miles you need to reach a shop — but only if you know how to use it.
FMCSA tire safety basics outlines inspection requirements that also apply roadside.
Jump-Starting a Dead Battery or Alternator Failure — The Right Way
Modern trucks have sensitive ECUs, multiplexed wiring, and dozens of parasitic draws. A jump-start isn’t just “red to red, black to black” anymore:
Heavy-gauge cables or a commercial jump pack are essential; light automotive cables can melt.
Sequence matters: Positive to positive on both batteries first, then negative on the donor to a ground on the disabled vehicle — not directly to the battery.
Let the donor run for a minute to build some charge before cranking the dead vehicle.
If your truck starts but dies again, suspect a failed alternator or loose belt. Turn off non-essential loads and drive straight to a shop.
Pro shop tip: Test your battery under load during PM service. A battery that “starts today” may fail instantly at the next cold snap.
Replacing a Blown Fuse & Basic Electrical Diagnosis
We tow in dozens of trucks every year for dead lights, ABS warnings, or dead radios that turn out to be a $2 fuse. Knowing your own fuse panel saves time:
Keep a laminated diagram of your fuse layout (or snap a photo with your phone).
Carry an assortment of spare fuses and a cheap test light.
Always replace with the same amperage rating. If it blows again immediately, you have a short that needs a pro.
Extra credit: learn to clean and reseat your trailer’s 7-way plug pins and apply dielectric grease. Many “mystery lighting problems” are just dirty contacts.
Temporary Coolant or Hose Repair — Stopping an Overheat Before It Starts
An overheated engine can destroy a head gasket or turbo in minutes. If you catch a leak early:
Shut down and cool completely. Opening a hot system can cause severe burns.
Use high-temp silicone tape, a rubber repair sleeve, or even cut off the damaged section and double-clamp as a temporary fix.
Top up with premixed coolant (carry at least two gallons). Water works in a pinch but dilutes corrosion inhibitors.
Watch your temperature gauge like a hawk and keep RPMs low on the way to a shop.
Pro shop tip: during scheduled maintenance, replace aging hoses proactively. We see too many roadside failures from $20 hoses that should’ve been changed at the last service.
Trailer Connections, Air Lines & Fifth Wheel Issues — The “Hidden” Roadside Breakdowns
Half of what we respond to on the road isn’t the tractor at all — it’s the trailer or the interface:
Electrical: Clean 7-way plug pins, check for bent contacts, and carry spare pigtails and fuses.
Air lines & glad-hands: Inspect for cracks, check seals, and keep spare rubber grommets. A small leak can trip ABS or auto-dump your brakes.
Fifth wheel: A dry or dirty plate can keep the jaws from locking. Carry a small tub of grease and know how to verify a proper lock visually and with a tug test.
Pro shop tip: incorporate trailer-connection checks into your pre-trip. Catching it at the yard beats discovering it on the interstate.
Safety Principles Across All Roadside Fixes
Visibility saves lives. Reflective triangles 10-100-200 ft back, flashing lights, hi-vis vest.
Stabilize before you wrench. Chock wheels, dump air suspension, use stands.
Know when to stop. If you’re unsure, or conditions are unsafe (narrow shoulder, bad weather), call for professional help.
Building Your Own Roadside Kit
Our techs recommend every driver carry:
Heavy-duty jack and stands
Quality torque wrench
Jumper cables or jump pack
Plug kit and tire sealant
Spare fuses, test light
High-temp tape, hose clamps, coolant
Dielectric grease, spare glad-hand seals
Hi-vis vest, triangles, gloves, flashlight
Make a checklist and review it monthly. The best time to discover missing gear is before you need it.
Why These Skills Save Money and Protect Your CSA Score
Reduced downtime: Quick fixes keep you rolling and meet delivery windows.
Lower emergency costs: Avoid expensive roadside call-outs for minor issues.
Safety & compliance: Properly handled breakdowns reduce crash risk and CSA violations.
Better communication with your shop: Understanding symptoms speeds diagnosis.
FMCSA’s Roadside Inspection Program shows how even small equipment defects can trigger violations — knowledge is power.
From the Pros at Sounders Truck Repair
We wrote this guide because we hate seeing drivers stranded for things they could handle safely themselves. Our goal is not just to fix trucks, but to keep the people who drive them safe and productive.
When a problem goes beyond a quick roadside patch — or if you’d rather have your truck inspected and serviced before the next haul — our certified diesel technicians in Winston, GA specialize in:
Preventive maintenance & DOT inspections
Heavy-duty tire and brake service
Cooling system & electrical diagnostics
Emergency roadside assistance within our service area
Book an appointment or learn more about Sounders Truck Repair here
Because the best roadside repair is the one you prevent in the shop.