The value of takeoff tire inspection
All good tire management programs include close monitoring of scrap tires—those tires that are no longer serviceable either as partially worn new tires or retreads—or casings that are no longer acceptable for retreading. There are many specific reasons that can render a truck tire as “scrap.” Nearly all of these are detailed, along with descriptions,
Proper wheel maintenance contributes to efficiency, cost savings
Maintenance is a critical component of ensuring reliability and safety of fleets, their drivers and others on the road. Wheel maintenance is also a significant contributor to the overall efficiency, lifetime operating costs and appearance of commercial vehicle wheels. When wheels need continuous refurbishing, it can become maintenance and time intensive. Steel wheels require refurbishing,
Goodyear names 32nd Highway Hero
A truck driver who saved a law enforcement official from being strangled by a prisoner has been named the 32nd Goodyear Highway Hero. Chosen from three finalists, Clinton Blackburn of Morehead, Ky., accepted the 32nd Goodyear North America Highway Hero Award during MATS. Blackburn was driving near Elizabethtown, Ky., last year when he observed a
Bendix launches Wingman Fusion driver assistance system
Bendix Wingman Fusion, an integration of advanced safety technologies, is now available from Bendix Commercial Vehicle Systems LLC, offering new capabilities and unequalled performance to North American fleets and drivers. Wingman Fusion combines a suite of Bendix advanced safety technologies—radar, camera, the vehicle’s brakes and SafetyDirect by Bendix CVS—into a comprehensive driver assistance system. With
Investing in aerodynamics to improve fuel efficiency
Wind resistance is a total drag—literally. Wind resistance is one of the top forces working against the truck as it runs down the road. (The other factors being: grade resistance; tire rolling resistance; and engine accessory and/or drivetrain losses, according to Cummins MPG Guide: “Secrets of better fuel economy”.) Did you know that every 2%
Making a case for better tire care
A case could be made for the statement, “the best tires are only as good as their air pressure.” If the correct tire air pressure is not maintained, tires will fail prematurely. According to Gary Schroeder, director of commercial vehicle and OEM sales for Cooper Tire, “Everyone will agree that the No.1 tip for longer
Fuel purchasing solutions to optimize your fleet
“Even at currently reduced prices, fuel represents a lot of money relative to a motor carrier’s margin,” says Ernie Betancourt, president of QuikQ. If a carrier averages 6.5 MPG, and pays an average of $2.50 per gallon for fuel, that represents a cost of $0.38 per mile. “Managing fuel purchasing is an extremely complex process,”
Mitchell 1 releases software suite for truck service technicians
Mitchell 1 released the latest upgrade to its labor estimating, diagnostic trouble code procedures and repair information for all-makes medium- and heavy-duty trucks. The new TruckSeries software suite is a single online application that provides truck service technicians the fastest, most complete and accurate solutions for every stage of the repair process, said Mitchell 1.
Johnson Truck Bodies showcases latest equipment advances
Johnson Refrigerated Truck Bodies (JRTB) showcased its line of refrigerated truck bodies at the 2015 NTEA Work Truck Show in the Indiana Convention Center, including a lightweight, three-temperature-zone Guardian composite truck body built to serve the growing market for home and B2B deliveries. The specially designed truck body is mounted on a Ford F-550 chassis
Mercedes-Benz Vans launches mid-size Metris van
Mercedes-Benz Vans USA introduced the Mercedes-Benz Metris at the NTEA Work Truck Show in Indianapolis. The Metris, which launches at U.S. dealers in October 2015, is the U.S. and Canadian sibling to the “Vito,” which remains the midsize commercial van nameplate for all other global markets. “We are pleased to debut the Mercedes-Benz Metris at
