How Many Gears Does An 18 Wheeler Have?

Every motorist wants to avoid a truck accident as much as possible. Truck accidents can be caused in several ways. One of the common causes is mechanical failure.

The little things – like the gears on a semi-truck – can cause a truck to break down and hurt other drivers. Learn more about the gears on a semi-truck and how constant wear and tear can lead to a truck accident from the truck accident attorneys at Spaulding Injury Law.

The total number of gears in an 18 Wheeler

A semi-truck contains between 10 to 18 gears.

Unlike cars with seven gears, semi-trucks need additional gears to function safely. Semi-trucks are constantly transporting large amounts of cargo. The average semi-truck can carry up to 80,000 pounds. To manage that weight, the truck needs additional gears in the transmission.

A truck’s gears are used to supplement the truck’s brakes. They often help a truck driver control their speed or come to a safe stop while braking. The function and size of a truck’s engine will determine the number of gears in a transmission. Mechanical truck failure can happen when the gears are lost or not properly maintained.

Transmission problems

Defective gears can cause several transmission problems for a semi-truck. Some of the signs of a potential transmission problem include:

• Hearing noises while shifting gears. Clunking, buzzing, or humming noises are a sign of internal issues within the transmission.
• Low fluid levels. When the fluid levels are low, it can cause high engine revving or slip with the transmission.
• Gearbox sliding. Truck drivers may have a problem shifting smoothly from gear to gear. Other signs of gearbox sliding include failing to stay fully in gear while driving.   
• A sluggish nature. When the truck fails to accelerate as quickly as it should, that could signal a slipping transmission.  
• A longer time to shift gears. This is another sign that the transmission is slipping or an internal transmission issue.
• The appearance of a “Check Engine” light. The appearance of the “Check Engine” light could indicate an issue with the transmission.

Truck drivers and trucking companies should not ignore transmission problems. Ignoring these problems can increase the chances of an accident. Transmission problems can make it difficult for truck drivers to shift gears in the right position. The truck driver will have issues coming to a safe stop or parking the truck.

Liability of defective truck parts

When a truck has experienced transmission issues, it’s because of the negligence of the truck driver and the trucking company. Trucking companies are aware of how far a semi-truck engine can last. When trucks are properly maintained, they can travel for up to 720,000 miles.

But it’s the responsibility of the truck driver and the trucking company to properly maintain the truck. Truck manufacturers may also be held liable for a truck accident. If they’ve manufactured defective parts without informing the proper authorities, they can be held liable for a truck accident caused by their mistakes.

When you’ve been involved in a truck accident because of another party’s negligence, you have the right to seek compensation from that party. Many truck accidents are complex because several parties have contributed to your accident. That is why you need the help of a Georgia truck accident lawyer.

Schedule a free consultation

When you want to be properly compensated for your truck accident, reach out to the personal injury lawyers at Spaulding Injury Law. We have the experience and expertise you need for your truck accident case. Call our office today to schedule a free initial consultation.