If both medium- and heavy-duty trucks roll into your bays on the regular, you’ve probably seen a difference in the way data is collected. Switching between different scan tools and service information can lead to a breakdown in communication. It takes the right type of equipment to get the information and data points you need to make the correct fix. Without it, the repair process can turn into a lot of guesswork and assumptions. 

When it comes to heavy-duty data, it can almost feel like, at times, you’re receiving too much. But with light-duty it’s actually quite the opposite and your trucks will stay quiet until you ask for the data directly. Getting information for say your service vans or parts vehicles is on a request-only basis. 

Now what you do with that data is up to you, but the first and most important step is understanding how your light-duty vehicles communicate differently than your typical Class 8 truck. The fundamental differences in how these systems “talk” and ‘listen’ are important to recognize if you want to receive actionable instruction and desired results. 

Understanding how the communication surrounding data collection and diagnostics differs for both segments will allow your technicians to more accurately identify the root cause of technical issues.

This makes for an effective repair and minimal downtime so your trucks can get back on the road.