MAINTENANCE

Telematics, the use of telecommunications technology to collect, store, share, and analyze vehicle data, has automated the management of fleet fuel consumption, maintenance, repair, and safety. The technology’s efficacy led the State of California to […] More

The rapid electrification of the light-duty vehicle market is being driven globally by governments that are working overtime to address climate change. Whether it’s the result of direct regulation of the vans and trucks in […] More

Winter weather can be tough on diesel fleets, resulting in costly downtime and lost profits. Common cold weather culprits include battery issues, poor cold starts, loss of fuel economy, diesel fuel gelling, and clogged fuel […] More

The basic principles behind the universal joint have been around for centuries, but the methods behind their manufacture are changing. Here Nick Jordan, head of engineering and quality at steering system specialist, Pailton Engineering, explains […] More

By John Kuder You need simple solutions to reduce your fleet’s cost of loss. One way to do so is to focus on fleet vehicle maintenance and repairs. After all, once you buy a shiny […] More

By Gabe Rhoads Industries around the world are tasked to dramatically curb emissions to mitigate climate change and to contribute to a more sustainable environment. The heavy-duty trucking space represents one of the greatest opportunities […] More

Many workers are injured or killed at the workplace every day in the US and Canada. It’s becoming more and more common to see news scenes of a large crane at a construction site in […] More

By John McQuillan Ecologically-minded coatings have become an increasingly popular choice for work truck manufacturers and refinish operations within the commercial vehicle industry over recent years. Increased focus on climate change, health concerns, and environmental […] More

By David Massanga As e-commerce continues to soar amid the aftermath of the global health pandemic, more and more commercial fleets are transporting goods across North America with truck drivers logging billions of miles annually. […] More

We’ve all been there. On a busy morning with several stops on the day’s schedule, you go to crank your truck and immediately realize something is wrong. Whether the fix is as simple as a […] More

By Fred Fakkema Most regions of the country are more than familiar and prepared for severe weather conditions at some point throughout the winter months. However, even if a region can predict its winter storm […] More

By Mike Skoropad A recent study by Continental Tires found that 34% of fleet drivers regularly ride on underinflated tires. Aside from reducing traction and increasing braking distances, driving on underinflated tires can decrease your […] More

By David Armitage Diesel is an organic compound, and like a slice of bread, it can go moldy. Mold, a form of fungus, yeasts, and bacteria can grow in fuel over time. Termed “microbiological contamination,” this […] More

Until now, if you were in the market for an auxiliary, tie-in heating/cooling, or stand-alone HVAC kit for a Ford Transit, RAM ProMaster, or Mercedes Sprinter van, you’d have to first obtain a model-specific kit […] More

By John McQuillan With climate change and related environmental concerns mounting, there is growing unease about whether certain products or industrial processes are “green.” And if, in fact, a product or process is green, there […] More

By Del Williams Last month you read about how an oil skimmer using a Free-Floating Connector Tube™ removes floating oil from the surface of wastewater at tank wash facilities. These skimmers work great for customers […] More

By Spencer Martineau and Kevin Griffith Tightening emissions standards around the world have driven diesel engine manufacturers to develop technology that can enhance fuel economy while dramatically reducing emissions. To those ends, many truck makers […] More

By Del Williams In the transportation industry, regulations require tank trucks that haul food-grade oils to be thoroughly washed out between loads before any new product is introduced. Facilities that clean these tank trucks produce […] More

By Roger Wareham In many service and utility truck applications, hydraulic systems are used to run a crane, fluid pumps, and hydraulically driven tools. When properly maintained, hydraulic systems offer great performance and reliability. If […] More

How often is lift maintenance needed? Even the most rugged, low-maintenance lifts need attention from time-to-time. It’s important to give your lift a onceover every day before you use it, check the safety devices, operating […] More

By Jeffrey Harmening With 2020 dominated by challenges caused by COVID-19, some diesel-powered vehicles have likely been out of service for a long period of time. This includes buses, motor coaches, trucks, and other fleet […] More

One of the greatest tools of a landscaper is a hardworking, versatile vehicle that accommodates an incredible number of tasks throughout every season. A reliable truck can take you from snow removal and salt spreading […] More

By Eli Greenbaum When a working truck goes down because of an accident, a claim-and-repair process swings into action. That means filing insurance claims, getting estimates, watching the dollars, and managing the repair cycle. The […] More

Truck repair and service shops with motor vehicle waste disposal wells—floor drains or sinks in service bays that connect to a septic system or dry well—are regulated by the EPA. During normal truck repair and […] More

A day in the life of a service technician can be unpredictable, presenting a variety of challenges throughout the workday. These in-demand workers often don’t know what tools or equipment they need until they get […] More

By Eli Greenbaum Whether you own or manage a single working truck or a fleet, making sure that a truck is maintained and operating properly can have a noticeable impact on the bottom line. If […] More

By Colin Dilley For some automobile drivers, a vehicle is just a means to an end, nothing more than a convenient way to get from Point A to Point B. On the other hand, heavy-duty […] More

Preparing your equipment for the challenges of the season ahead keeps you safe and helps preserve the resilience of your truck equipment. Monroe Truck Equipment’s versatile work-ready trucks, commercial snowplows, and service parts help all […] More

When it comes to cargo securement, having the proper type and quantity of tie-downs is only half the battle. In order to safely secure a load, tie-downs must be in good working condition without cuts, […] More

By Callie Vanek The COVID-19 pandemic has most companies searching for savings and operating efficiencies. When it comes to a work truck fleet, leadership may be able to find those opportunities where the rubber meets […] More

By Todd Mouw For fleets looking to adopt alternative fueled vehicles, training on the maintenance plays a key role. It’s one thing to choose an alternative to gasoline or diesel, but a crucial component is […] More

His name is Tom Loudermilk. He’s a single dad from Indiana. He owns a fleet of ten trucks and four trailers located in Indianapolis. He proudly runs a family owned business; it’s just Tom and […] More

For a novice Class 8 truck driver getting accustomed to the industry, life on the open road can be intimidating. Drivers learn that part of their responsibility is knowing how to properly service and maintain […] More

If your truck is damaged and needs repairs, you want the work done right. You want everything brought back to pre-damage condition. This includes making sure your truck looks right with a top-quality paint job. […] More

If you own a truck with a diesel engine that’s traveled a couple of hundred thousand miles, you might notice a loss in fuel efficiency or an illuminated warning light on the truck’s dash. A […] More

Wheel seals for commercial trucks can be two-piece or single-piece and are important for keeping wheel bearings well lubricated and free of corrosion and also for preventing damage to axle spindles. Proper wheel seal maintenance […] More

For proper truck maintenance, there is a checklist of equipment-maintenance items to review before hitting the road. In most cases, the standard list includes oil levels and tire pressure, while trailer wheel maintenance is often […] More

Diesel fuel gelling is a common problem that often impacts engine performance and results in downtime. Although it can occur year-round, it is most prevalent in winter with the effects of cold temperatures on #2 […] More

A service tech’s safety, job satisfaction, and productivity are among the top priorities for most fleet managers. In order to achieve these objectives, you need to start by specifying a truck with the right accessories […] More

When October rolls around and fall weather approaches—particularly in the northern US—the days grow shorter as the sun dips lower into the autumn sky. Birds organize as they anticipate their annual departure to the sunny […] More

As autumn leaves fall and the temperature drops, most of us get our fall and winter wardrobes out of the back of the closet. Those in the maintenance business start thinking much further ahead to […] More

Chances are environmental concerns are a factor in the decisions made about your trucks and your business. Now consider going even greener.  Going green is a cultural phenomenon that’s gained a solid foothold in our […] More

Time after time you test a work truck’s limits, and as long as it gets from point A to point B, everything is fine. You make sure scheduled service maintenance is fulfilled and the tires […] More

Trailers tend to receive the short end of the stick when it comes to truck maintenance, but ensuring all vehicle components work properly is essential to the safety, performance, and bottom line of any fleet.  […] More

In last month’s issue, we learned you don’t always get what you pay for, especially with tires. You could be getting more than you’re paying for and could significantly cut operational costs. The best way […] More

The dog days of summer are in full swing. It’s a common misconception that battery problems happen primarily in winter, but the sizzling summer heat can also have a detrimental impact on the vehicle’s battery […] More

We’ve all heard the adage: “You get what you pay for.”  In many cases that’s true. Yet, when it comes to the tires in your fleet, it may not be the case. With tires, you […] More

With the creation of two diesel engine oil categories a few years ago and a growing number of engine oil viscosities for gas and diesel engines, shops need to properly accommodate numerous oils. Training technicians […] More

Automotive technicians don’t need to worry when they hear “propane.” Aside from a few differences, propane autogas vehicles are much like conventionally fueled models when it comes to keeping them running. And in some cases […] More

Fleets leave millions of dollars on the table every year by not balancing their tires and wheels. Poor tire and wheel balance results in uneven tire wear that prematurely consigns thousands of tires to the […] More

MAINTAINING STEERING AND SUSPENSION SYSTEMS Steering and suspension are two of the most important systems on any commercial vehicle. Power steering systems help increase steering stability and handling, while suspension systems help maintain proper contact […] More

Typically, fleet vehicles are the most expensive asset an organization owns. Because of this, the goal for many organizations is to extend each vehicle’s life for as long as possible. However, if that is truly […] More

5 TIPS FROM A BIODIESEL SPECIALIST With frigid temperatures approaching, now is the time to check your fuel system to prevent common issues and keep equipment running smoothly through cold winter months. Five simple steps […] More

When it comes to maximizing uptime, there’s one key area that fleets often overlook: proactive tire maintenance. Fleets that implement a comprehensive tire maintenance program can maximize their tire assets through proactive management rather than […] More

Work trucks routinely take on tough jobs day in and day out. That’s what they’re supposed to do and why they’re built. But the jobs those trucks perform and the harsh conditions they’re often subjected […] More

IT’S TIME TO PREPARE YOUR FLEET FOR WINTER. In the last few years, winter weather has hit harder than ever before, meaning that it’s not too soon to start preparing for inclement weather. The first […] More

Service after the sale is a top priority for most contractors when investing in a piece of construction equipment and can be what separates a quality equipment dealer from its competition. How quickly a service […] More

Trucks on the road—from light pickups to Class 8 monsters—require maintenance, including everything from oil changes to replacing worn parts. Smart truck owners also make corrosion prevention a high priority in their routine. It’s a […] More

A company in operation for almost two decades knows the way to keep things running smoothly and efficiently is through proper care and attention to necessary elements of business. Those necessary elements look different for every […] More

The best way to ensure your service truck fleet remains in top shape is to invest in a proactive service truck fleet maintenance plan. Though without a good implementation strategy in place, trying to get […] More

Many common technical problems are quickly and simply solved with the help of additives. These smart chemical tools should always be found in a fleet operator’s tool box because they help save money day by […] More

At Muncie Power Products, troubleshooting plays a pivotal role in setting the company apart from its competitors. And, it’s a service applicable to all of the company’s product lines and available to all Muncie Power […] More

The advanced technology in modern trucks rolling off the assembly line represents a new horizon for the work truck industry. This generation of heavy-duty engines is designed to produce fewer emissions and achieve increased fuel […] More

The service work truck fleet is in some ways the heart and soul of many businesses. Ensuring your service truck fleet is in top condition goes a long way toward a smoothly run business. This […] More

A trip to the doctor’s office for a regularly scheduled health exam is a proactive way to know and correct any minor medical issues before they become big problems. The same holds true for preventive maintenance […] More

How often should the seals in your telescopic cylinder be replaced? How often should you change the hydraulic oil in your wet-line kit? How often should you apply grease? These are questions we hear often […] More

Dr. Seuss famously tells us, “Kid, you can move mountains!” So we think we can! Though even someone as large as Paul Bunyan might need a little help, and that help can come in the […] More

No matter your industry, you rely on your work trucks to get the job done. With a busy schedule and a tight budget, it’s easy to overlook the crucial maintenance and technological advantages that keep […] More

Managing a work truck fleet can be a daunting task. Simply knowing a truck’s location and its operator can be difficult. One way to better manage a fleet of work trucks is to install GPS […] More

Palfleet Truck Equipment uses LINE-X coatings on several aspects of its fleet bodies. line-x is featured as the yellow coating on the top of the bumper and inside tool box compartments. With more than 30 […] More

One of the best parts of my job is getting out into the field. I am always amazed at the ingenuity and ways people solve their work truck application issues. Work trucks are designed to […] More

As a fleet manager, you acknowledge you’ll never have 100 percent of your fleet on the road given PMs and normal repairs. Although 100 percent of your fleet’s usage is impossible, it is possible to […] More

By Tony Negri Historically, Total Base Number (TBN) has been a key indicator of remaining useful oil life in heavy-duty engine oils. While acid neutralization is still an important function of engine oil, changes in […] More

Some products work wonders. You buy a product thinking, “Eh, I’ll just try it,” and the next thing you know, you swear by it! Some products aren’t worth anything. You buy a product hoping it’ll […] More

GCR Tires and Service (GCR) has stood for quality and service in the commercial tire business since 1945. Putting safety at the core of everything it touches, GCR’s focus is on timely solutions and long-lasting […] More

A fleet vehicle’s appearance is a reflection of the business it promotes. The state of the vehicle also says a lot about the business, and that’s why it is so important to keep trucks and vans […] More

Here are some interesting facts about a product that is a great solution for one industry but has become a challenge for another; namely the work truck industry. Over 12 million of them arrive on […] More

The rule of changing a vehicle’s oil every three months or 3,000 miles has been blown out of the water by advances in oil and oil filter technology. That’s good news for a fleet owner’s […] More

Professional drivers typically recognize the telltale signs of out-of-balance truck tires. A vibrating steering wheel and/or seat, uneven tread wear, and decreased fuel economy can all point to the need to bring wheels back in […] More

Customers often ask, “What type of battery works best with the Maxwell Engine Start Module (ESM)?” Since the Maxwell ESM handles the engine cranking, the number and type of batteries you need can be determined […] More

There have been a number of important updates and changes that could significantly impact parts selection and service procedures when servicing Cummins® ISX15 engines. This engine series has become a very popular power source for […] More

In a recent conversation about extending time between oil changes, a representative from a large truck manufacturer mentioned that one of their biggest concerns was that extended service intervals for engine oil could negatively affect […] More

  When engineers are designing the latest and greatest vehicles, trucks, and other types of industrial equipment—or when fleet managers are charged with maintaining them—there’s a constant need to explore innovation in materials for both […] More

Did you ever think about what kind of people you want doing preventive maintenance (PM) on your equipment? Most maintenance managers don’t give PM a second thought—except to find the time to complete the work. […] More

Oil change is probably the most important component in a fleet owner’s list of preventive maintenance items. And, depending on its frequency, it is likely to be among the most expensive. Advancements in oil and […] More

The recent trend in the industry is to specify and build newer commercial vehicles with air disc brakes. Commercial air disc brakes are quite different from the more well-known s-cam (or drum brakes) that have […] More

Fleets have a different set of challenges to navigate as temperatures fluctuate and road conditions become a factor throughout the different seasons. Maintaining critical vehicle systems before seasonality sets in can help maximize vehicle investment […] More

Most of today’s large, over-the-road vocational vehicles use air brake systems to provide vehicle braking, as opposed to passenger cars, which use hydraulic braking. Air brake systems have proven to be quite reliable and capable […] More

The quick-lube industry has made it easier than ever for people to regularly maintain their personal vehicles. Simply pull in to the service bay, let the crew do the work based on the manufacturer’s basic […] More

Trends over the past few decades reveal the steady increase in demand for aluminum wheels vs steel, with penetration increasing in all categories and fleets of all sizes recognizing the advantages.  Government regulations are adding […] More

Everyone wants to get the most out of their work trucks. In maintenance functions and service applications, efficiency and cost are always battling against the day-to-day needs and malfunctions that plague your equipment. Whether you […] More

Fleets and drivers should always have a good written maintenance policy in place. This policy should be specific to their vehicles, equipment, geography, distance they travel, loads they carry, time on the road, and other […] More

The Diesel Exhaust Fluid (DEF) used in Selective Catalytic Reduction (SCR) emissions systems might seem like a simple thing to manage, much like putting fuel in your vehicle. However, there are some important considerations to […] More

Work applications like delivery trucks and warehouse forklifts serve different purposes, but they both have one critical function in common: Reliability to their operators. If a truck doesn’t start or a forklift loses battery power […] More

A variety of units and refrigerants makes servicing heavy-duty air conditioning systems complicated and challenging. To help troubleshoot the manual recognition of each operating system, shops rely on A/C machines to get a unit running […] More

When choosing brake technology, there are a few key factors to consider before making a decision: Find the right balance between top-quality pedal feel and affordable price, determine whether vehicle-use patterns demand any special brake […] More

The type of lift chosen for a shop can dramatically impact the facility’s productivity level. For example, of the different types of mobile lifts, the faster raising and lowering hydraulic lifts—as opposed to the slower […] More

If you’re a fleet owner, you know that time is money. Having vehicles out of service for repairs is a costly expense and fleet owners want to maximize the life of their assets. Most often, […] More

In order to meet federal diesel emissions standards established in 2007, all diesel trucks are required to be equipped with a Diesel Particulate Filter (DPF), which cuts down on emissions of particulate matter that come […] More

Understanding and choosing tires with outstanding technology and fitting them to the fleet’s needs won’t amount to much if the tires aren’t also properly maintained. Every fleet should have a formal tire maintenance program and […] More

If there is something I can easily admit to, it’s the fact that I don’t wash my car enough. Not only that, I never tend to tire and wheel cleanliness. And yet, I know I […] More

It’s always difficult to give up something that’s worked so well for you, but it becomes crucial as a fleet manager to know when to make the call of retiring versus retooling your vehicles. While […] More

Driving a commercial vehicle doesn’t have to mean fatigue, discomfort, or general unpleasantness. It also doesn’t have to mean low efficiency and high CO2 output. More truck manufacturers are adding passenger vehicle-like touches to cabs […] More

Just the other day, in the shop, we were running a new truck and setting it up. The mechanics were asking why the transmission and gears make so much noise. Matter of fact, the whole […] More

In an article from last December, Shell Rotella provided information about how engine evolution lead to the engineering of a new oil category: PC-11. Now, with the deadline looming, Chevron senior staff engineer and head […] More

When the pressure is on to lower vehicle and equipment maintenance costs while you’re also being asked to accomplish that by doing more with less, maintenance excellence is now more important than ever. That scenario […] More

Equipment maintenance helps keep your truck’s mobile power equipment up and running. It can help owners, end-users, and operators with building our world and making a living. Both proper maintenance and scheduled maintenance are needed […] More

The service supply chain you rely on to efficiently manage maintenance and repairs at internal shops and with dealer and third-party service providers can be complex. Access to real-time information during service events improves decision […] More

Utility fleet managers know that vehicle downtime is costly. The quicker a truck can be processed at the maintenance facility, the quicker it can be returned to service, resulting in more efficient operations. Fleet operators […] More

The indicators all lead to the same conclusions: By employing tire inflation optimization practices, tread, casing life, and fuel economy are improved; a leading cause of inspection citations and a factor in commercial vehicle crashes […] More

Are paper-based inspections, multiple disconnected applications, and poor provider communications making it difficult to get reliable, quality, and timely data that’s necessary for good decision-making? According to Michael Riemer, VP products and channel marketing, Decisiv, […] More

I’m sure your drivers are pretty well trained as drivers. They spend most of their work life in or around one of your company’s greatest assets: your trucks. Most training dollars are spent on making […] More

The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), the American Petroleum Institute (API), and major engine manufacturers have agreed on goals to improve fuel economy and emissions in future medium- and […] More

Back in 1946, Nickolas Savko and his wife Gilda started their business in Columbus, Ohio, with a single pickup truck and a few employees. Nearly 70 years later, Savko is now one of the largest […] More

Every year, the price of tires increases operating costs. For example, in 2013, the average cost of a new replacement tire increased significantly—10 percent compared to 2012 and 22 percent from 2011, according to an […] More