Fleets are always striving to shorten the amount of time their commercial vehicles are stuck in the shop. Finding the problem, or the right part, isn’t always easy, but it can always be done a little more efficiently. And the best way to avoid long repairs is to avoid breakdowns in the first place with proper preventive maintenance.
These stories published in 2021 and selected by our editorial staff provide a good mix of strategies and advice that should help your downtime drop in 2022.
Lube it or lose it
Techniques to lubricate steer axle kingpins land identify when they need to be replaced, which will help prolong the component’s life and ease future servicing procedures.
Gremlins and ghosts: How to combat electrical issues on modern trucks
As trucks are infused with more electronic components, service has become more complicated, particularly regarding electrical systems, the truck’s “nervous system.” This article explains how a mix of the right PMs and diagnostic tools provide relief to this pain point.
Finding the root cause of: A check engine light
A master technician explains how he investigated and resolved a mysterious check engine light alert pertaining to a heavy-duty truck’s aftertreatment system.
How digitizing driver communication can improve maintenance
Electronic driver vehicle inspection reports (eDVIRs) allow fleets to quickly share critical maintenance information among its departments, and this article goes over how to set up a customized system to meet your fleets operational needs.
How speeding hastens truck component wear and tear
A driver who speeds can cause more work for technicians. This piece explains how and what to do about it.
How to optimize your shop parts strategy
It’s no secret that parts are harder to come by due to supply chain stressors, and tweaking your inventory strategy and working with the right vendors can be the difference between a few days or weeks of downtime for an asset.
Getting to the bottom of air brake system leaks
Faulty brakes make for unsafe trucks, and leaks in the system certainly diminish the effectiveness of air brakes. This article discusses how valves and corrosion can cause major issues and how to detect and fix them.
How to prepare your fleet for winter
Winter is upon us, and here are some tips to fortify trucks against the elements.
Bendix Tech Tips: Troubleshooting and diagnosing ADAS
Bendix Commercial Vehicle Systems offers some advice on how to keep advanced driver assistance systems (ADAS) from keeping trucks off the road through diagnostic and troubleshooting techniques.
