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Truck Breakdown Triage for Owner Operators

Pick what is going wrong and get a clear answer: stop now, get help first, or drive on to the next safe stop. Then copy a message for your broker.

If anyone is hurt, there is fire, or you are in danger, call 911 first. Do not use this tool while you are driving.

What is going wrong?

Pick the sign that fits best. If you are not sure, pick the one that worries you most.

This is a first-response guide, not a repair manual or a diagnosis. Trucks and situations differ. When you are not sure it is safe to keep going, stop and get help. Follow your truck's manual and your company's rules.

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This tool is free. If it shows you are leaving money on the road, Grow Trucking finds loads, negotiates rates and does the paperwork for owner-operators and small fleets.

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What should I do when my truck breaks down?

First get safe: hazard lights on, off the road if you can, and warning triangles out within 10 minutes if you are stopped on a road or shoulder. Then decide if the truck can move. A red lamp, low air, smoking brakes or a blown tire mean stop. Then call for help, tell your dispatcher and broker, and keep records.

  1. Turn on your hazard lights and pull off the road as far as you safely can.
  2. Set warning triangles within 10 minutes if you are stopped on a road or shoulder.
  3. Decide if it is safe to move. Red lamps, low air, brake smoke, overheating in the red and blown steer tires are stop signs.
  4. Call your roadside service or a tow, and tell your dispatcher and the broker.
  5. Take photos, keep receipts, and ask what your warranty, roadside plan or insurance covers.
Where to put warning triangles (49 CFR 392.22)
Where you are stoppedPlacement
Two-lane road or shoulderAbout 10 feet toward traffic, about 100 feet ahead and about 100 feet behind
Divided highway or one-way roadAbout 10 feet, 100 feet and 200 feet behind the truck toward approaching traffic
Near a hill, curve or other blocked viewBetween 100 and 500 feet back so drivers see them in time
Time limit to set themWithin 10 minutes of stopping
Hazard lightsOn right away, and left on until the triangles are out

This is a first-response guide, not a repair manual. Trucks differ, so follow your truck's manual and your company's rules. When you are not sure it is safe to keep going, stop.

Last reviewed September 2026. Sources: eCFR: 49 CFR Part 392, section 392.22, Emergency signals.

Frequently Asked Questions - Truck Breakdown Triage

What should I do when my semi truck breaks down?
Get safe first. Turn on your hazard lights and move off the road if you can. If you are stopped on a road or shoulder, set out warning triangles within 10 minutes. Then call your roadside service or a tow, tell your dispatcher and broker, and take photos. This tool gives you the steps for your exact problem and tells you if you should stop now.
Where do I put warning triangles when my truck is stopped?
Federal rule 49 CFR 392.22 gives you 10 minutes to set them. On a two-lane road, place one about 10 feet from the truck toward traffic, one about 100 feet ahead and one about 100 feet behind. On a divided highway, place them about 10 feet, 100 feet and 200 feet behind the truck toward traffic coming at you. Near a hill or curve, move them farther back, between 100 and 500 feet.
What does a red stop light on the dash mean?
It means stop. A red lamp is the truck telling you to pull over safely and shut down. Common reasons are low oil pressure, a very hot engine or a serious fault. Driving on can ruin the engine in minutes. An amber lamp is a warning to get the truck checked soon.
What should I do if my semi overheats?
Pull off safely and shut the engine down if the temperature gauge is in the red or you see steam. Never open the radiator cap while it is hot. It can spray scalding coolant. Let it cool fully, then check the coolant level and look for leaks or a broken belt. If it overheats again, get service before you drive on.
What should I do if I get a low air pressure warning?
Slow down gently and stop in the first safe place while you still have brakes. Do not drive until the air builds back up and the warning goes off. If the air keeps falling, or you hear a leak, do not drive. Low air can make the spring brakes apply on their own. Call for service.
What happens if my truck goes into DEF derate?
Many engines cut power, and then limit speed, if diesel exhaust fluid runs out or the exhaust system reports a fault. Refill with clean DEF and see if the warning clears. If the tank is full and the warning stays, a sensor, pump or heater may be bad, and you need a shop. Never remove or turn off emissions parts.
Can I keep driving with the check engine light on?
Often you can drive carefully to the next stop if it is amber, the truck drives normally and the gauges are fine. If the light is flashing, the truck runs rough, or a red lamp is on, stop. Either way, have the fault codes read soon. The Fault Code Lookup on this site decodes codes.
Who pays for a breakdown and a tow?
It depends on your agreement. An owner-operator usually pays for repairs and towing, unless a roadside plan, warranty, insurance or a lease agreement covers it. Ask what is covered before you agree to a tow or repair price. The Breakdown Cost Estimator shows the real cost of a breakdown, including lost revenue.
Should I tell the broker if my truck breaks down?
Yes, right away. A quick message lets the broker warn the receiver and look for a plan, and it protects you from a late claim. This tool writes a short, polite update you can copy. Nothing you type is sent or saved.

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Go Further With Truck Breakdown Triage

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