Maintenance

Ensuring techs get the parts they need
Nothing is more frustrating to a fleet than having a repair held up because the parts to fix it are not available. And nothing is more frustrating to a technician than requesting parts from the parts department only to have the wrong one picked.
April 21, 2023
Technicians working on an engine in a truck shop
Renewable diesel production 'booming' as national availability remains in question
Production of carbon cutting renewable diesel is forecast to more than double by 2025, but fleet access beyond the West Coast remains in doubt.
April 18, 2023
Imports of European-based Neste renewable diesel to the U.S. could decline as domestic production ramps up swiftly amid state and federal incentives.
How to replace a universal joint on a heavy truck
When replacing a universal joint, experts note the importance of following manufacturer guidance, using proper tools and post-service inspection and lubrication as essential for ensuring a universal joint achieves its maximum life cycle.
March 18, 2023
Replacing a universal joint on a heavy truck
TMC takes up aftermarket brake linings
The panel says OEM brake linings go through rigorous tests before being spec'd into new equipment. Aftermarket products do not. "This is significant problem," Jim Clark says. "Something is wrong here that we need to -- and I think we can -- address."
March 1, 2023
A group of men on a stage talking about brake linings.
As maintenance turns to ecommerce, eBay rolls out parts guarantee
Three parts or accessories are sold every second on the eBay marketplace.
February 15, 2023
Lead
Smaller fleets lagging behind in telematics adoption and missing out on an 'integral' part of fleet operations
Smaller fleets have been shying away from fleet telematics, but as Penske Transportation Solutions makes clear, Software as as Service makes telematics a more affordable option.
February 13, 2023
Prioritizing telematics data for tire management and more is becoming more of a focus for fleets large and small particularly as more truck and driver performance information becomes available.
Owner-ops navigate rocky truck parts-procurement landscape
In Part 1 of this two-part feature, research reveals owners increasingly turning online and to new vendors for parts in the post-COVID era of procurement. Others have gotten crafty, devising unique strategies to ensure they have the parts they need.
February 8, 2023
Photo of parts, trucks in fleet garage
Diesel price declines forecast to continue into 2023
Diesel price drops at the pump are expected to continue in 2023 as refinery production increases and wholesale and retail markups decline.
December 18, 2022
trucks at a fuel island
Ford F-150s recalled for wiper problem; Navistar trucks see three recalls this month
Almost a half-million Ford F-150 pickups will be potentially affected by a wiper motor recall while Navistar issued three recalls this month that impact International and LoneStar trucks.
November 30, 2022
Ford F-150
Shell's new synthetic Rotella T6 boosts fuel economy, offers better wear performance
Shell's new 10W-30 full synthetic heavy duty diesel engine oil offers improved fuel economy and better wear performance.
November 2, 2022
Shell Rotella T6
Caliper stuck? Tips for unfreezing a frozen brake caliper
Caliper pistons that are not returning properly, or appear to be seized in the bore, can be caused by residual hydraulic pressure keeping the piston applied.
October 5, 2022
brake caliper
Shops would do well to focus on culture when hiring young techs, Votech officials say
A paycheck isn't everything. Votech officials explain how shops would do well to consider not only pay but their workplace culture as today's diesel tech students carefully consider their options with smart phones in hand.
September 27, 2022
Female diesel tech at UTI
FordPro's new digital fleet management suite streamlines mountains of paperwork
FordPro's new digital fleet management suite helps small and medium businesses get past piles of paperwork and into a more efficient and organized approach to fleet management.
September 13, 2022
Ford Pro Fleet Mgmt Software Lifestyle
New diesel techs rely more on Google, less on training
With smartphones in hand, aspiring diesel technicians are quickly finding their best opportunities online in a hot market clamoring for their attention, but wrenching skills for some compared to rookie techs ten years ago may be lacking.
September 13, 2022
WyoTech student and instructor working on a diesel engine
Fall HD Repair Forum taking on EVs and ADAS in Cleveland
Electric vehicles continue to roll out along with advanced driver assistance systems (ADAS) and HD Repair Forum is taking on both at their fall forum a few weeks away in Cleveland.
August 31, 2022
Phillips offers tips to combat corrosion
Wet and freezing weather typically means more corrosion risks in a vehicle's electrical system. Check out advice from Phillips to help keep corrosion at bay.
August 31, 2022
Corroded socket Phillips
Declining fuel prices threatened as OPEC hits 'a tough spot,' IRA imposes oil tax and refineries cash in on renewable diesel
Fuel prices have been dropping but experts warn that it may not last for long as OPEC considers cutting production and the recently passed Inflation Reduction Act gears up for an oil tax.
August 24, 2022
CEFCO fuel prices sign
Florida city selling fuel well below state and national averages
Gas at $3.75 a gallon and diesel at $4.79?! Fuel prices have been falling fast in a part of Florida more commonly known for its beautiful beaches.
July 13, 2022
Murphy's lowest price in state
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