Peterbilt Motors Co. has announced enhancements to its SmartLinq remote diagnostic system, as well as expanded availability to all Class 8 truck engines.

One new feature of the system is SmartLinq Service Management, which provides customers with real-time access to the status of truck repairs and service being performed at Peterbilt dealerships. According to Peterbilt, it improves uptime by streamlining communication between customers and dealers to expedite decision-making in the servicing of the vehicle, for instance approving electronic repair estimates.

“SmartLinq provides customers with instant, complete remote diagnostic information,” said Mike Conroy, Peterbilt’s director of field service. “SmartLinq Service Management takes the next step by giving customers that same convenience during the service process, letting them manage it more efficiently.”

Beginning this month, every Class 8 truck produced will have a code that dealer service technicians scan to access detailed chassis information and updatable service records though SmartLinq Service Management. Model year 2007 and newer trucks can be retrofitted with a code through Peterbilt dealerships.

Another new feature is reasoning engine technology, a collective knowledge approach to truck diagnostics and repair that will be integrated with the SmartLinq platform in December, according to Peterbilt.

“Reasoning engine technology improves truck service and repair efficiencies to get trucks back on the road faster,” explained Scott Newhouse, Peterbilt’s chief engineer. “Using actual field repair data, it provides technicians and customers with the most efficient diagnostic and service procedures.”