Camshaft failures are becoming more common in diesel engines built for power, endurance, and long hauls. Even the strongest engines face trouble when stuck in heavy traffic for long periods. Across major highways like I-10 and I-15, where trucks idle and crawl through congestion, wear and tear adds up fast.
It’s not always about mileage—it’s about how engines are used. Frequent starts, stops, and idling cause stress on internal parts. One of the most affected parts is the camshaft, which plays a key role in engine timing. In this article, we’ll break down how traffic conditions are contributing to more camshaft wear than ever before.
What Does a Camshaft Actually Do?
The camshaft is a vital part of a diesel engine. It controls the timing of the intake and exhaust valves. As the camshaft rotates, it pushes lifters and rocker arms to open and close valves in sync with the piston. This ensures proper air and fuel mixture, and timely exhaust release. If the timing is off, your engine will run poorly or not at all. Because it moves constantly with the crankshaft, it’s always under pressure. Any wear or damage can throw off the engine’s rhythm entirely.
How Stop-and-Go Traffic Affects the Camshaft
Every time a diesel truck slows down or stops, the engine changes how it operates. In stop-and-go traffic, camshafts face inconsistent loads and heat cycles. Unlike highway cruising, where engine RPM stays steady, traffic causes constant fluctuations. These changes lead to increased metal-to-metal contact if lubrication isn’t perfect. Add to that long idling periods, and you get oil thinning, which reduces its protective quality. Over time, this causes scoring, pitting, and uneven wear on the cam lobes. That wear leads to poor valve timing, reduced power, and eventual failure.
Idling and Heat Buildup in Congested Areas
On I-10 and I-15, long-haul drivers often spend hours crawling through traffic. When engines idle for long periods, they don’t cool down properly. Heat builds up slowly, stressing engine oil and metal parts. Hotter oil breaks down faster and loses viscosity. This means it doesn’t cling to cam lobes and lifters like it should. Without enough oil film, friction increases—accelerating wear. Drivers who idle regularly see more premature camshaft issues than those on open roads.
Poor Lubrication Equals Faster Cam Wear
Oil is the lifeblood of your engine’s camshaft. But in traffic, lubrication quality drops. Oil pressure tends to be lower during idle, reducing flow to upper engine components. That includes the camshaft and valve train. Lower flow means less oil is reaching the lobes, and the thin film that protects them disappears. Once that protection is gone, metal starts grinding against metal. Even small imperfections in lubrication can lead to camshaft failure over time. Proper maintenance can reduce the risk, but traffic conditions still play a huge role.
Why Fontana and Inland Empire See More Cases
Fontana and nearby cities are freight hubs with heavy truck traffic daily. Trucks delivering goods through Southern California often face delays. These trucks idle in warehouse zones, freight yards, and congested highways. Many are older fleet vehicles that already have high mileage. Add the traffic conditions, and it’s a perfect storm for camshaft failure. Diesel repair shops in the area report growing numbers of cam and lifter issues. It’s not just wear and tear—it’s the local environment pushing engines past their limits.
Tips to Extend Camshaft Life in Heavy Traffic
The best way to protect your camshaft is through regular maintenance and smart driving habits. First, use high-quality diesel oil with added zinc or anti-wear additives. Change oil at recommended intervals, especially if you idle a lot. Consider installing an oil bypass filter for cleaner, longer-lasting oil. Let your engine warm up fully before heavy use. Avoid hard acceleration in traffic jams. And if your engine makes ticking sounds, get it inspected immediately. Early detection can save thousands on repairs later.
Signs Your Camshaft Might Be in Trouble
Here are a few things to watch for:
- Ticking or tapping noises from the top of the engine
- Hard starts or engine misfires
- Reduced engine power or acceleration
- Check engine light with timing-related codes
These signs don’t always mean a camshaft issue, but they’re worth checking. Early detection can save you a lot of money.
How to Protect Your Camshaft in Heavy Traffic
You can’t avoid traffic, but you can protect your engine. Here’s how:
- Use quality diesel oil with anti-wear additives like zinc (ZDDP).
- Change oil regularly, especially if you idle a lot. Don’t wait for the oil to go bad.
- Warm up the engine before driving hard.
- Avoid hard acceleration in stop-and-go conditions.
- Install an oil bypass filter to keep oil cleaner for longer.
- Listen for new engine noises and get them checked out early.
These steps won’t eliminate wear, but they’ll slow it down.
Prevention Beats Expensive Repairs
Camshaft failure isn’t something most drivers think about—until it happens. But for trucks in heavy traffic zones like I-10 and I-15, it’s becoming a real issue. The mix of idling, low-speed operation, and poor lubrication creates a harsh environment. Over time, these conditions wear down your engine’s most critical timing component. The good news is that many of these problems are preventable. With proper care and awareness, drivers and fleet owners in Fontana can keep their diesel engines running strong for years.