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  • July 2021

    • July 2021

    Photo courtesy of Bendix
    Balanced air disc and drum brakes deliver evenly distributed brake force and timing behavior for comfortable vehicle driving, optimal braking performance, vehicle stability, and even brake wear.
    Brakes, Tire & Wheel

    Why balance brakes?

    James Alfred
    Aug. 24, 2021
    Balancing air disc brakes and drum brakes is no easy task, but doing so can pay dividends in optimal safety and efficiency.
    Photo courtesy of Bee Line Co.
    Regardless of how much it costs, alignment equipment must be accurate and easy to use and help the fleet show a positive ROI over a desired period of time.
    Chassis, Body & Cab

    Is an alignment the answer?

    Gregg Wartgow
    Aug. 6, 2021
    A lot goes into maximizing tire life, including properly performed all-axle alignments at all the right times.
    Photo courtesy of Optronics International | USA Harness International
    Pulsating brake-activated lamps, in addition to standard steady-burning brake lamps, can help avoid rear-end collisions.
    Chassis, Body & Cab

    Pulsating brake lamps and their impact on fleet equipment

    David Brierley
    July 21, 2021
    How fleets can benefit from current FMCSA lighting regulation exemptions.
    Photo courtesy of Wallace State Community College
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    Employees & Training

    Expanding the dimensions of technician training

    Tyler Fussner
    July 19, 2021
    Leveraging technologies such as augmented reality and virtual reality can elevate the capabilities and proficiencies of heavy-duty technicians.
    165982476 | Wattanaphob | Dreamstime.com
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    Fluids & Chemicals

    The journey and continued evolution of heavy-duty engine oils

    Darryl Purificati
    July 16, 2021
    As commercial vehicle engines advance, engine oils keep up by providing lower viscosity, greater oxidation resistance, and improved aeration control and shear stability.

    More content from July 2021

    Photo courtesy of Coast Products
    mobile maintenance staff should have lighted and reflective vests for proper visibility during roadside service.
    Shop Safety

    Technician safety: Priority No. 1

    David Brierley
    July 15, 2021
    The bottom line is important to every fleet, but the most important assets in the maintenance bay are the people.
    138731417 | Adonis1969 | Dreamstime.com
    Dreamstime Xxl 138731417
    Employees & Training

    Technician shortage toolkit

    George Arrants
    July 12, 2021
    Fleets need to put in the work to help ease the shortage of qualified heavy-duty technicians in the workforce.
    68325661 | Krolone | Dreamstime.com
    Dreamstime 68325661 01
    Shop Management

    Complex versus complicated maintenance

    Joel Levitt
    July 9, 2021
    Vehicle service and repair can be broken down into two categories: that which can be reliably resolved, and that which cannot.
    Photo courtesy of Bee Line Co.
    Bee Line 60cb76493e383
    Shop Equipment

    Pros and cons of various alignment equipment options

    Gregg Wartgow
    July 8, 2021
    Accuracy, repeatability, and longevity are important considerations when selecting alignment equipment.
    Photo courtesy of MD Alignment Services
    Md Alignment 60cb7644922d5
    Shop Equipment

    Tech Tip: Evaluating an alignment provider

    Gregg Wartgow
    July 8, 2021
    If a fleet decides that it would rather outsource its vehicle alignment services, TMC RP 642 offers some advice on choosing a good alignment partner.
    Photo courtesy of Wallace State Community College and 30408408 | Sauliusl | Dreamstime.com
    Leveraging AR and VR technologies can help move maintenance into the 21st century.
    Employees & Training

    Augmented reality versus virtual reality

    Tyler Fussner
    July 8, 2021
    Distinguishing between the different advanced technician training technology options.
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    Tools

    Ratcheting Multi-Bit Drivers

    GEARWRENCH
    June 21, 2021
    Bits store in tool's end cap for easy access
    Lisle
    Tools

    Pigtail Rubber Gasket Tool, No. 81140

    Lisle Corporation
    June 21, 2021
    Features a rounded steel tip
    Brass Knuckle
    Michelinxmultitsa Cut2 Png 317654 Original
    Brakes, Tire & Wheel

    Pre-Mold Retreads

    Michelin North America
    June 15, 2021
    Enhances scrub and wear resistance
    Power Ride 30 K (2v1) Min (1)
    Trailers, Towing & Specialty

    PowerRide

    Curt Group
    June 15, 2021
    30,000-lb fully tested rating
    Motor Wheel Drums New 60c76bb316f79
    Brakes, Tire & Wheel

    CentriFuse

    Motor Wheel
    June 15, 2021
    Permanently bonded steel shell
    2020 08 24 Navistar Maxxus L2
    Lsichem Logotypes Tac450 200714 1024x305
    Fluids & Chemicals

    TotalArmor Clean450

    Lubrication Specialties, Inc.
    June 15, 2021
    Removes “sticky” injector deposits
    Momentum Smaller Diameter Side Mount, 55 Dge
    Powertrain

    Vocational Side Mount System

    Momentum Fuel Technologies
    June 14, 2021
    Available in 32 and 55 Diesel Gallon Equivalent (DGE) tank capacities
    Dorman
    Chassis, Body & Cab

    Windshield Seal, No. 750-5200

    Dorman Products, Inc.
    June 14, 2021
    For Freightliner Cascadia 2018-07
    970 5212 007
    Photo courtesy of Lubrizol
    'As long as the OEMs continue to decide that they can go lower and lower with emissions and keep reaping those benefits for for viscosity, we're going to have to be able to adjust our molecules to work in that environment,' said John Loop, Lubrizol technology manager.
    Powertrain

    Modern engine oils unlock formula for success

    John Hitch
    June 10, 2021
    Engine oils add efficiency to improve fuel economy, and ultimately, total cost of ownership.
    Photo courtesy of Wallace State Community College
    Diesel Tech Wallace State 60ba21e1e2d7b
    Employees & Training

    Diesel tech school uses VR, money to attract students

    Tyler Fussner
    June 4, 2021
    Wallace State C.C. uses virtual reality and a 'learn while you earn' approach to attract students to the trade and fill the tech shortage.
    Photo courtesy of Derive
    20210514 Deriveinstall 0774
    Emissions & Efficiency

    Calibrating engines to reduce fuel costs, emissions

    John Hitch
    June 3, 2021
    By adjusting engine performance through a quick firmware installation, Derive's VQ Efficiency is saving fleets on fuel and cutting emissions.
    Photo courtesy of Volvo Trucks North America
    Volvo Vnr Electric 4x2 With Reefer Trailer Training Center 60a65b4e10aee
    Emissions & Efficiency

    Two important steps toward electric vehicle adoption

    Michael Roeth
    May 26, 2021
    What can fleets be doing today to aid in the research and advancement of zero-emission trucks?
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    Tools

    Extended Handle Ratchets

    Milwaukee Tool
    March 2, 2021
    Available in 1/4", 3/8", and 1/2"
    Ua22 0 6037be7c9ce64 603d367c8572d Web
    P7 R Core 502181 Standard Laying
    Tools

    P7R Core Flashlight

    Ledlenser
    Feb. 23, 2021
    Protected against water and dust
    Cta Scape 2
    Tools

    Front Crankshaft Seal Installer Tool - 6.6L Duramax Diesel, No. 3879

    CTA Tools
    Feb. 2, 2021
    Press fits front seal to engine block and crankshaft
    Lisle Relay Tester Scape
    Tools

    Relay Pro 12V and 24V Relay Tester, No. 60150

    Lisle Corporation
    Jan. 29, 2021
    Heavy duty gator clips provide secure connection
    Mcl2038 Hik Product Image Primary Image