FAQs
Keeping Columbia’s Heavy-Duty Fleets Moving Since 2013
Brakes
You should have a professional inspection every 25,000 miles or during every PM service to ensure DOT compliance and safety.
The leading causes are air leaks in the lines and out-of-adjustment slack adjusters, both of which significantly reduce stopping power.
Yes, we provide emergency roadside assistance for brake failures across the I-77, I-20, and I-26 corridors in South Carolina.
This usually indicates a faulty wheel speed sensor or an electrical issue in the ECU that requires immediate diagnostic tools to clear.
Yes. If oil or grease leaks onto the brake shoes, it ruins the friction material, requiring a full replacement of the shoes and the seal.
Tires
Yes, we provide fast roadside trailer tire repair services throughout South Carolina.
Absolutely. Our semi trailer tire repair team handles many repairs directly at your location.
Most mobile trailer tire repair jobs are completed within 30–60 minutes depending on damage severity.
Yes, if the tire is unsafe to repair, we offer replacement solutions.
Our technicians perform a full inspection and recommend the safest option.
Battery
Look for dimming headlights, a battery discharge warning, or unusual whining noises. Frequent "no-start" conditions after sitting often indicate the alternator isn't maintaining the battery bank's charge, or a cell has failed.
Diesel engines require massive cranking amps to turn over. Multiple batteries provide the necessary power and the reserve capacity needed for sleeper berth electronics and telematics.
Due to intense humidity and extreme temperatures, you should expect to perform a semi truck battery replacement every 3 to 4 years. High-wattage inverters can drop this lifespan to 2 years.
Yes. Our mobile units use specialized equipment to replace 60-70 lb batteries safely on highway shoulders, ensuring no "arcing" occurs that could damage the ECM.
Not necessarily. While batteries are common, a "no-start" can be caused by a failed starter solenoid, a blown high-amp fuse, or a faulty ignition switch circuit.
DPF Cleaning
Yes. Our mobile truck DPF service allows us to clean filters at your location.
Your truck may need a DPF filter cleaning if you notice:
- Check engine or DPF warning lights
- Loss of power under load
- Reduced fuel efficiency
- Smoke from the exhaust
- Frequent or failed regeneration cycles
Addressing these issues early prevents engine damage and costly repairs.
Most services are completed within a few hours, depending on truck type and filter condition.
Yes. Cleaning restores your filter at a lower cost while maintaining full functionality.
Absolutely. We provide truck DPF repair and evaluate all related emissions components.
Emergency Roadside
Our goal is always the fastest possible response. Depending on your exact location on the highway and traffic conditions, we usually have a technician on-site within 60 to 90 minutes. We provide real-time updates so you know exactly when help will arrive.
Yes, we cover all major routes including I-77, I-26, I-85, I-20, and I-95. If you are anywhere in the South Carolina region and need emergency truck repair near me, K&M is equipped to find you and fix your vehicle.
Absolutely. We are experts in both mobile diesel truck repair and trailer maintenance. Whether the issue is with your engine or your trailer's axles and air lines, we carry the tools to handle both.
While we maintain a very high success rate for roadside repairs, some major catastrophic failures require a shop. In those rare cases, we can help coordinate towing to a secure location and ensure you are taken care of. However, our primary goal is always an on-site fix.
Yes, we work with many different fleets and are familiar with the documentation and communication requirements needed for commercial fleet maintenance.
Eengine Transmission Repairs
We handle all commercial vehicles in South Carolina, from local delivery box trucks and vocational vehicles to heavy-duty diesel semis.
Yes. Our mobile truck transmission repair covers on-site fixes like sensor or shift cable replacements. For extensive damage, we coordinate transport to our secure facility.
Symptoms often overlap. We use precision diagnostics to determine if you need a full gearbox repair or a simpler fix like a clutch linkage adjustment or release bearing replacement.
Watch for Transmission Control Module (TCM) errors, overheating, burnt fluid smells, or internal slipping caused by the high torque of diesel engines.
Routine inspections identify metal shavings, seal leaks, or worn mounts early. This prevents catastrophic gearbox failure and maximizes your fleet uptime.
Trailer Electrical AC
It depends on the trailer, but it can include connectors, ground power feeds, harnesses, fuses, relays, lights, control circuits, wiring, and damage.
K&M provides trailer electrical and AC service. The repair cannot be determined until the unit, controls, airflow, power supply, and accessible components are checked.
Weak grounds, corrosion, loose pins, and damaged wiring, and moisture can cause this. Faults with the connection between the tractor and the trailer can cause it too.
Yes. The AC can try to work, but the control circuit or the blower circuit may have a failure.
Yes, both are done. The website states this. Call with the unit type and symptoms to be sure which service is needed.
Trailer Repair
We handle all types including truck and trailer repair, structural, and system-based services.
Yes, we offer fast mobile trailer repair across South Carolina.
Yes, including travel trailer fridge repair, furnace, AC, and water heater systems.
We provide complete semi trailer repair for commercial fleets.
Yes, urgent trailer repair services are available on request.
Steering & Suspension
Steering wheel play is usually caused by worn tie rod ends, loose drag links, worn steering shaft U-joints, or internal gear wear inside the power steering box.
Key symptoms include uneven front tire wear, wheel shimmy at high speeds, popping noises when turning, or difficulty holding a straight line on the highway.
Yes. Our mobile technicians can replace burst power steering hoses, tighten loose fittings, and refill hydraulic systems at your breakdown site.
DOT regulations state that steering wheel play should generally not exceed 2 inches on a 20-inch steering wheel. Excess play will result in an immediate out-of-service violation.
Pulling is typically caused by improper wheel alignment, uneven tire pressure, worn tie rods, or a sticking brake caliper on one side of the steer axle.
Force Regen
It is a technician-led service using diagnostic software to override engine locks and initiate a deep, stationary cleaning of the Diesel Particulate Filter.
Once soot levels exceed a "safety ceiling" or the truck enters "Limp Mode," the computer disables manual cleaning to prevent fire hazards, requiring professional tools to bypass.
Common signs include a flashing DPF light, sudden loss of engine power (derate), or the truck being stuck in "Limp Mode."
We provide specialized forced regens for all major heavy-duty rigs, including Cummins, Detroit, Paccar, and Mack MP8 engines.
The duration varies based on soot levels and system health, but we prioritize rapid turnarounds to minimize your downtime and get you back on the road.
It clears trapped soot, but it cannot fix cracked filters or remove hardened ash. We perform a full system audit first to ensure a regen is the right solution.
Limit excessive idling and address faulty NOx or pressure sensors immediately, as these often prevent the truck from cleaning itself during normal operation.
Lockouts
We can provide this service on cars, trucks, and vans as well as box trucks and commercial cabs as long as the door and lock entry systems can be accessed.
K&M offers 24-hour vehicle lockout service. Call 803-393-4907 and provide your location, vehicle description, and access situation.
Yes, you will need to provide identification to prove you are the owner or have legal control or access right to the vehicle.
We will use a non-damaging method when possible; however, every vehicle and lockout is different. Access conditions and existing damage, along with the type of lock, can all affect the method.
A vehicle lockout service may be provided to open the vehicle, but a locksmith or dealer may be needed to provide or program a new key.
Fuel Delivery
We typically deliver 10 to 20 gallons of ultra-low sulfur diesel, which is enough to prime your system, restart your engine, and safely reach the nearest truck stop.
Running dry pulls air into the fuel lines, fuel filter housing, and injectors. Diesel engines cannot compress air to build necessary fuel pressure, requiring manual priming and bleeding of the lines.
Yes. Diesel fuel acts as a lubricant for high-pressure fuel pumps and injectors. Cranking the engine dry causes metal-on-metal friction and can burn out your starter motor.
If your fuel gels, call our emergency service. We bring fresh fuel treated with emergency anti-gel additives and can replace gelled fuel filters right on the roadside.
We average a 60-minute response time along major South Carolina highway corridors, including I-26, I-77, and I-20 near Columbia and Ridgeway.
Semi Truck Repair
Our mobile semi truck repair units typically arrive within 60 minutes. Being the closest semi truck repair option near Ridgeway allows us to reach you fast and minimize your roadside downtime.
Yes, we provide 24hr semi truck & trailer mobile repair 365 days a year. Our team is always on standby for emergency roadside semi truck repair, including fuel delivery and forced regens.
We are a full-service semi truck repair shop for all Class 8 makes and models. Our expertise includes semi truck & trailer repair, covering everything from reefer units to heavy-duty engine overhauls.
Our mobile semi-truck repair trucks carry advanced diagnostic software to clear fault codes and troubleshoot semi-truck electrical repair issues on-site, often saving you the cost of a tow.
Yes. From our Ridgeway shop, we provide semi truck engine repair, semi truck transmission repair, and semi truck brake repair to ensure your rig stays fully DOT-compliant and safe.
Air & Cabin Filter
Most heavy-duty diesel engines need an air filter replacement every 15,000 to 30,000 miles. However, driving through dusty construction sites or heavy agricultural areas in South Carolina may require more frequent changes.
Common signs include reduced airflow from the AC or heater vents, persistent odors inside the cab, excessive dust accumulation on the dash, and noisy HVAC blower operation.
Yes. A restricted engine air filter disrupts the air-to-fuel ratio in diesel engines. This forces the engine to burn extra fuel to maintain power, dropping your overall MPG.
Yes. Our mobile roadside mechanics carry common heavy-duty filters and can complete replacements right on the shoulder of I-26, I-77, I-20, or at local staging areas.
Dirt particles entering the air intake cause dusting, which damages the turbocharger compressor wheel and scores internal cylinder walls, potentially leading to catastrophic engine failure.
Liftgate Repair
We offer complete truck liftgate repair, including motor, cylinder, electrical, and structural repairs.
Yes, we specialize in box truck liftgate repair for all major models.
Yes, our mobile units deliver on-site liftgate repair service across South Carolina.
Common issues include motor failure, hydraulic leaks, and damaged components requiring liftgate cylinder repair.
Absolutely, we provide professional liftgate dent repair and structural restoration.
Trailer Door
We provide complete trailer door repair, including roll-up, swing, cargo, and enclosed trailer door services.
Yes, we specialize in semi trailer door repair for all major trailer models.
Absolutely, our trailer roll up door repair services cover tracks, springs, and alignment issues.
Yes, we provide mobile trailer door repair across South Carolina.
Regular maintenance every 6–12 months helps prevent major issues and ensures smooth operation.
Trailer Tires
Yes, we provide fast roadside trailer tire repair services throughout South Carolina.
Absolutely. Our semi trailer tire repair team handles many repairs directly at your location.
Most mobile trailer tire repair jobs are completed within 30–60 minutes depending on damage severity.
Yes, if the tire is unsafe to repair, we offer replacement solutions.
We serve multiple routes, cities, and commercial areas across South Carolina.
Our technicians perform a full inspection and recommend the safest option.
Semi Truck Tires
Yes, we offer fast mobile semi truck tire repair services across the state.
We aim to reach the closest semi truck tire repair location as quickly as possible based on traffic and distance.
Yes, we provide urgent roadside tire repair for semi trucks.
Yes, we specialize in large-scale semi truck tires repair for fleets.
We provide semi truck tire repair services throughout South Carolina.
Body & Trim
We provide complete truck body repair, including structural fixes, dent removal, repainting, and heavy truck body repair services.
Yes, we specialize in commercial truck body repair for fleets and individual operators across South Carolina.
Absolutely. Our team offers expert semi truck body repair to restore performance and safety.
Yes, we handle american truck bodies and repair as well as american truck bodies & repair services for various models.
The timeline depends on the damage, but we aim to complete every truck and body repair project quickly without compromising quality.
Towing Emergency
Our GPS-dispatched units cover the I-77, I-20, and I-26 corridors and typically arrive within 45–90 minutes depending on your exact location and traffic conditions.
Yes. Our heavy-duty fleet includes rotator wreckers and underlift equipment rated for fully loaded tractor-trailers up to 80,000 lbs, as well as oversized and specialized cargo units.
Absolutely. Our dispatch line is staffed 24 hours a day, 365 days a year. We treat every day like a workday because breakdowns never follow a schedule.
Yes. We deliver to any destination you specify across South Carolina. However, towing directly to our Ridgeway facility qualifies you for priority same-day diagnostic and repair service.
Have your exact location or nearest mile marker, vehicle make and model, a brief description of the issue, and your fleet or DOT number ready to speed up dispatch.
Yes. Our operators follow FMCSA cargo securement standards and document the load condition before and after transport to protect you from any disputed liability claims.
Towing – Light Duty
Light duty towing generally includes small to mid-size passenger vehicles. We assess the vehicle to ensure appropriate towing.
Yes, at K&M, we offer 24 hour emergency towing and roadside assistance. Provide your location, vehicle description, condition, and intended destination to our dispatcher at 803-393-4907.
A flatbed tow is preferred for all-wheel drive vehicles, damaged or locked wheels, low or no clearance, and for towing concerns with the drivetrain or where all wheels should be supported.
Yes, as long as the vehicle is not compromised beyond our ability to load and secure the vehicle. Tell us about any wheel damage, fluid leaks, deployed airbags, broken steering, and if any part is blocking access.
Most towing services are able to transport to a place of repair, a secure storage location, or other approved destination such as your residence. We confirm access for the destination and provide any special instructions.
Towing – High Duty
Our rotator fleet handles vehicles up to and beyond 80,000 lbs, including fully loaded tractor-trailers, tanker trucks, dump trucks, and oversized construction equipment. We dispatch based on confirmed vehicle weight, so the right rig always arrives first.
Yes. Rollover and jackknife recovery is a core speciality. Our WreckMaster-certified operators use 50-ton rotators with 360-degree boom rotation to safely upright and recover overturned commercial vehicles while coordinating with SCDOT for lane management.
We use factory-specified attachment points for every OEM make and model, conduct a pre-tow photographic condition assessment, and apply FMCSA-compliant rigging techniques. This process is documented and shared with you before we move the vehicle.
Yes. If your cargo has shifted and your load is non-compliant, we assess and re-secure before towing. Moving a trailer with an unsecured load is both illegal and dangerous, and our team is trained to bring it into FMCSA cargo securement compliance on-site.
Yes. Towing to our Ridgeway facility triggers an immediate diagnostic intake with a pre-attached condition report. This eliminates the delay of explaining the incident to a new technician and puts your vehicle on the fastest path to repair and DOT compliance.
Our primary coverage spans the I-77, I-20, and I-26 corridors across the Midlands, with extended reach across central South Carolina. Call our dispatch line to confirm coverage for your exact location, we will give you a verified ETA before we roll.