What to Do When Your Truck Breaks Down on the Highway

Let’s walk through the professional, structured approach to managing a highway breakdown safely and efficiently.

Stay Calm and Get to Safety

The first and most important step is to protect yourself and others. If your vehicle begins showing signs of failure—such as loss of power, strange noises, engine overheating, or a warning light—signal and steer toward the shoulder as soon as it is safe to do so.

Always prioritize safety:

• Engage your hazard lights immediately.
• Use your turn signal to exit the flow of traffic.
• Pull as far off the road as possible, ideally on flat ground away from curves or blind spots.

Once you’re safely off the road, engage the parking brake and turn your wheels away from traffic if on an incline.

Secure the Area

Federal Motor Carrier Safety Regulations require proper visibility of a broken-down commercial vehicle. To comply:

• Place warning triangles or flares behind your vehicle. Position them at 10 feet, 100 feet, and 200 feet from the rear of the truck, on the traffic-facing side.
• If you’re on a curve, hill, or narrow road, adjust their placement to provide early warning to oncoming vehicles.

Securing the area reduces the risk of secondary accidents and enhances your safety during assessment or repairs.

Assess the Problem (If Safe)

Only assess the truck if it is safe to do so. Do not exit the vehicle in hazardous traffic conditions or severe weather. If the situation allows:

• Check the dashboard for any fault codes or alerts.
• Inspect visible systems such as tires, coolant levels, or oil leaks.
• Listen for unusual sounds such as whining from the turbo, knocking from the engine, or hissing from air brakes.

These signs can help narrow down whether you’re dealing with a fuel system failure, overheated engine, air brake malfunction, or low oil pressure—all of which are common roadside failures.

Call for Professional Assistance

Now’s the time to contact a 24/7 roadside assistance service. Make sure to:

• Provide your exact location using mile markers or GPS coordinates.
• Describe the issue clearly based on your inspection.
• Communicate any load sensitivity or time-sensitive cargo information.

A skilled technician will be dispatched with the right tools and parts, significantly reducing downtime.

Don’t Attempt Major Repairs on the Shoulder

Trying to repair critical systems like a diesel particulate filter, air suspension, or driveline components on the shoulder is both risky and ineffective. Unless you’re trained and equipped to do so, roadside repairs should be limited to emergency measures only—such as replacing a blown hose or reconnecting a battery cable.

Stay with Your Truck, But Stay Alert

Unless there’s an immediate hazard (such as smoke or leaking fluids), stay in your cab while waiting for help. Use this time to:

• Inform your dispatcher or fleet manager.
• Take photos of your vehicle and surroundings for documentation.
• Monitor weather updates or traffic alerts via CB or phone.

If you must exit the vehicle, wear a reflective vest and exit from the passenger side away from traffic.

Prepare for Temporary Downtime

Be mentally and operationally prepared for delays. Truck breakdowns on highways near Des Moines, especially during agricultural harvests or winter storms, can quickly overwhelm local service providers. Make sure your truck is stocked with:

• Emergency food and water
• Cold-weather gear or cooling fans (seasonal)
• First-aid kit
• Phone charger or power bank

A well-stocked cab can make an otherwise grueling wait bearable and safe.

Prevent Future Breakdowns

Once the immediate situation is resolved, take steps to avoid repeat incidents:

• Schedule a preventive maintenance inspection as soon as possible.
• Review the cause of the breakdown with your technician or service manager.
• Ensure critical systems—such as your transmission, coolant system, battery, and braking system—are in optimal shape before your next haul.

This is especially important if your breakdown was tied to components like the fan clutch, air compressor, or DEF system, which are known culprits for on-road failures.

Handle Breakdowns Like a Pro

A highway breakdown doesn't have to ruin your day—or your bottom line. With a clear head, proper safety procedures, and a call to a trusted service provider, you can minimize damage, maximize uptime, and get back on the road faster. Preparation, professionalism, and rapid response are your best allies when the unexpected strikes.

If you require 24/7 roadside assistance in Des Moines, IA, reach out to Kustom Truck & Tire today.