Written by the Motorplex Team
Serving all of Washington State and the Pacific Northwest with Fleet Repair Services
Recently, the FleetEasy team responded to a 2016 Freightliner Holman welding truck near Cheney after the customer requested towing assistance. But when crews arrived, they discovered the situation was more serious than a standard tow call.
The welding truck had suffered a significant coolant leak, resulting in a large spill in the parking lot and requiring immediate coordination among Pro-Tow, Pro-Enviro, and Motorplex support teams.
The incident is a perfect example of why emergency fleet repairs in Spokane are best served by a company that offers comprehensive fleet services.
Stabilize the Truck Without Making the Leak Worse
When the operator arrived at the Maverik station, coolant had already spread through part of the parking lot and reached a nearby drain area. Before the truck could be moved safely, crews had to stabilize the vehicle and reduce the risk of additional spillage during transport.
Mobile fleet repair technicians have the experience and know-how to assess a situation on location. Sure, we offer emergency towing services, but our operators bring mechanical knowledge that is invaluable in a breakdown situation.
In this situation, we could see that the truck was equipped with a high-rail system, and the driveline needed to be completely removed, and the front drive axle needed caging, before the truck could be towed. In addition, there was a significant air leak that needed repair. Our mobile unit addressed all these issues, and Team Pro-Tow carefully towed the truck out of the tight, uneven parking lot without causing further issues.
Once the vehicle was stabilized, it was safely transported to Terry’s Truck Center Tank Shop for further repairs.
Read how Pro-Enviro by FleetEasy handled the coolant spill response!
What Causes Coolant Leaks in Heavy-Duty Trucks?
Coolant system failures are among the most common issues in commercial fleet vehicles, especially in heavy-duty trucks that operate long hours under demanding conditions.
Some common causes include:
Worn or Cracked Hoses
Over time, coolant hoses can weaken from heat, pressure, and vibration. A cracked or burst hose can quickly release coolant, leaving a truck disabled.
Failed Radiators
Heavy-duty radiators withstand constant temperature changes and exposure to road debris. Damage or corrosion can eventually lead to major leaks.
Water Pump Failure
The water pump keeps coolant circulating through the engine. If it begins to fail, seals can break down, and coolant loss can happen quickly.
Loose Clamps or Connections
Even small connection failures can create significant leaks over time, especially under highway operating pressure.
Engine Overheating
Extreme heat can increase pressure throughout the cooling system, leading to unexpected component failures.
For fleet operators, catching these issues early through preventative maintenance is critical. But when failures occur unexpectedly, having access to on-site emergency fleet repairs in Spokane can help reduce downtime and prevent additional damage.
Coordinated Fleet Response Makes a Bad Situation Better
Incidents involving commercial vehicles often require the services of multiple service providers. In this case, the situation involved environmental coolant spill cleanup by Pro-Enviro, heavy-duty towing by Pro-Tow, and a mechanical assessment and repair by Motorplex.
Having teams that already work together creates a faster, safer, and more efficient response process. Instead of separate companies trying to coordinate on scene, FleetEasy divisions communicate directly and understand each part of the recovery process. It’s far more efficient, cost-effective and easier for fleet operators.
Whether your truck needs roadside diagnostics, emergency mechanical repairs, or towing coordination, our experienced teams are ready to help keep your fleet moving.