Stuart says: For some reason, the industry is paranoid about air restriction gauges. We just like to look at air filters and change them; we like to blow them out; we like to change them at every PM or at the request of the driver; or for driver safety; or at the terminal manager’s request. We like to look through them to “see” if they are dirty; stick a light it to see if we can see the light; and then get excited about having them washed.
Well, here is the guiding light. Do not look at, do not remove and do not wash air filters; rely on the restriction gauge to maximize filter life. Based on the size and application, you might be surprised at a filter’s life. Do not allow your maintenance program to cost you money—this is one way to lower your cost. Be wary of yearly replacement just because the filter is a year old and it is cheap insurance to change it.
I recommend changing at 18-in. of restriction, which is below the manufacturer’s recommendations. We want to shave minutes off of PM times, and a filter’s cost can be equivalent to 1 hour of burden labor cost.
For more information, visit www.darrystuart.com or e-mail comments or questions to Darry at: [email protected].