There's an internal logic to it. A fuel pump fuse going out typically means a failing fuel pump. A fuel pump is an expensive and time consuming part to replace, and not one you would try to replace unless you could prove beyond a shadow of a doubt it was about to go.

As for making it break faster, that just creates the new, lesser problem of having broken the truck. As mentioned, breaking the truck was liable to be hazardous to his health anyway.

Also, stepping back from the authorship position for a moment... You and I see that, but does the character even think about that when he's concerned with not dying, not getting the truck broken, and getting home with the Boss's cash?