Diagnosing tire-related vibration complaints
Given the ongoing driver shortage, it is important to keep your current drivers happy. When drivers complain about vibration issues with their vehicles, it is imperative to troubleshoot and solve the problem quickly. Truck ride complaints can be initiated by many different vehicle conditions. In addition to tire and wheel assembly issues, vehicle components such
The advantages of key process indicators and reporting tools
It’s no secret that finding ways to lower costs is a key to gaining a competitive advantage. That subject was an important part of the educational program of last year’s Electric Utility Fleet Managers Conference (EUFMC), which was attended by more than 120 fleet representatives from investor-owned electric utilities, electric cooperatives and electrical contractors in
Answering four of the biggest fleet tire questions
With tires being the second-largest fleet maintenance cost next to fuel, fleet managers need to keep a close watch on how their tires are performing. Maximizing tire removal mileage, minimizing tire related roadside service calls, keeping tires properly inflated to improve fuel economy and keeping the casing in excellent condition to improve retreadability are all
The ins and outs of high-temp, high-shear oils
Formulated to solve heavy-duty diesel challenges, API FA-4 lubricants allow for further fuel economy gains due to high-temperature, high-shear (HTHS) low viscosity oils—meaning that they have less resistance to flow between engine parts moving at high speeds in elevated operating temperatures. With this move to low HTHS viscosity levels, new additive technology is essential to
The proper truck tire test procedures
New commercial tire designs and models are regularly introduced into the marketplace. Tire manufacturers are continually developing innovative tire brands utilizing the latest in material technology and tire design. Some designs are marketed for the improved fuel economy, others for better treadwear (miles/32-in.) and miles to removal. When the tire is described as having “improved
The newest Mercedes-Benz Sprinter goes from vehicle to integrated system solution
At a recent sneak preview of the new Sprinter model, held at its Sprinter Innovation Campus in Germany, Mercedes-Benz Vans was focused on the industry segments that the third generation of its commercial van is designed to serve. Along with passenger transport applications, the company noted that trade, service and delivery sectors are in need of
Dive into electric truck details as you would with any equipment
Electrification! The buzz of that word is quickly drowning out the reality of the technology. It’s easy to talk about it in terms of generalities, but it’s important to understand that the excitement around electrification is because it has real-world, money-saving applications that will impact your fleet in the next two to three years. Let’s
New engines require new lubricants
To meet stricter fuel economy regulations and reduce greenhouse gas emissions, OEMs have made significant changes to their engine designs and operating conditions. This has led to the need for lubricants that provide greater fuel efficiency and engine hardware protection from higher operating temperatures and higher loading. In response to the OEMs seeking the highest
Truck maintenance and fuel tips for winter
This is a winter we won’t soon forget. Temperatures in the sub zero range across the country and snow covering roads from north to south have made it a treacherous time for those who make their living on the road—and a challenging time for fleet managers who must make sure vehicles are road-ready and prepared
Tips for maintaining commercial tires this winter
During the winter driving season, traction in snow, ice and slushy road conditions are always a concern. A thorough inspection of tires is always important, but becomes even more so when winter begins. Tire-related roadside service calls are no fun any time of the year, but winter weather can make those situations particularly brutal. With
Fuel and oil: a year-end update
Much has happened this year in the areas of diesel engine oils and alternative fuels. We have approximately one year under our belts with the new API CK-4/FA-4 API performance categories. CK-4 is an improvement over CJ-4 in the areas of oxidative stability, viscosity control (shear stability), air entrainment (aeration), and catalyst/particulate trap durability. CK-4
Balancing tire and wheel assemblies
One of the many important decisions for fleet managers is to determine whether or not balancing your tires and wheel assemblies is worth the time and cost. There are numerous benefits to initiating a tire balancing program: Vehicle ride is improved, which increases driver satisfaction and comfort; Irregular tire wear drops significantly; Tire removal mile