by Jake Schell

Best of the Truck Blog

The “Did You Know” blog posts present tips, tricks and insights from Mitchell 1’s commercial vehicle group. Our technical editorial team has an impressive pool of collective knowledge and experience relating to repairing and maintaining Class 4-8 vehicles. Below is a quick summary of the information they shared throughout the past year – click the headline links to read the full blog posts.

 

Tank Considerations for Alternative Fuels

Over time, and especially the past 15 years, natural gas has seen an enthusiastic reception into fleets around the globe and helped to ease the rising cost of oil. But the components for these fuels have different requirements than components on gas or diesel fueled trucks.

 

 

Electrical Gremlins

The term “gremlin” dates from World War II when it referred to mythical creatures that caused mechanical or electrical faults in airplanes or machinery. Their modern equivalent lives on in car and truck electrical systems.

 

 

 

Diagnosing Parasitic Loads

With increasing electronic controls in modern trucks, parasitic loads are becoming a larger concern for today’s fleets. Diagnosing them can be a bit like looking for a needle in a haystack.

 

 

Braking System Considerations — Disc or Drum?

There are several aspects to think about when considering a braking system for a commercial truck, but one of the first decisions is most likely going to be between disc and drum brakes. Each type has pros and cons that will impact different users in differing circumstances.

 

 

Service Updates – You Bet!

It is possible you may be replacing a part that is actually good due to a procedure change or chasing down the wrong component, circuit, etc. Always check the service information for the vehicle procedure you are working on to ensure you have the latest information.

 

 

Stationary Regeneration – We’ve Got You Covered

The DPF’s function is to trap diesel particulates so they cannot cause pollution. These particulates are usually burnt through normal engine operation (active regeneration), but when temperatures in the system are not high enough to burn thoroughly, these particulates can build up and trigger the “DPF Regen Needed” light to illuminate on your dash.

 

 

Rudolf Wouldn’t Recognize These Diesels

Diesel engine technology has advanced dramatically since the single-cylinder diesel engine of 1897. Rudolf Diesel would probably not even recognize today’s modern version of his invention.

 

 

 

Integrated Solutions Maximize Axle and Suspension Optimization

Medium and heavy axles and suspensions have a difficult task of needing to meet multiple purposes and requirements.

 

 

 

Do You Need to Winterize Your Vehicle’s HVAC System?

Of course you do! It’s especially important for commercial vehicles that travel to exceptionally cold climates.

 

 

 

 

Tips for Maintaining Variable Geometry Turbochargers

The new VGTs are more complex than older wastegate turbochargers and technicians must be trained to accurately diagnose and repair them. Here are some tips to get started.

 

 

 

Tips for Avoiding Common CSA Violations

Some of the most common violations uncovered during Compliance, Safety, Accountability (CSA) inspections occur from improper maintenance, particularly in the lighting and braking systems. There are some simple steps you can take to lower the likelihood of being cited for violations found during an inspection.