Category Archives for "Summary"

Summary posts for fleet maintenance, trucking and transportation

Imagining a Completely Driverless Truck

Self-driven vehicles are in our future, and we’ve seen the technology improving in the recent years. Yet, when we envision the driverless cars, few of us actually thinks of trucks without drivers. While autonomous truck prototypes are already presented to the general public, we can imagine and take this step further imagining a truck that is completely automated. Such truck would not have a cab, infotainment or stereo systems. Drive data would be transmitted remotely to a control center, where all monitoring would be done.

Key Takeaways:

  • Although the idea of a driverless truck has been on the radar for a while, a true design for one is non-existent. Currently, there are only models that include some experimental autonomous controls.
  • Such a vehicle would be very stripped down, as human needs would be a non-issue. Gone would be anything having to do with human comfort. or entertainment. No cup holders.
  • What would probably remain would be the electronic capability and the temperature parameters to accommodate the product being hauled.

“In addition, the truck cab has to be arranged in a way to serve as a home away from home for long-haul drivers. All of that stuff – and all of that space and weight and materials – would suddenly be superfluous for an autonomous truck designer.”

Read more: https://www.truckinginfo.com/10133617/imagining-a-completely-driverless-truck

How Old Is Your Diesel Exhaust Fluid?

Due to the worldwide Covid-19 pandemic many companies have had to change their way of conducting business. Venues and events have had to be cancelled. Routes have changed. Straitened means has resulted moreover in some cutting of costs. Because of this some vehicles that may have been seeing regular use before the pandemic may have gotten sidelined. As things improve and the economy slowly reverses from its danker and darker regions some companies are bringing sidelined vehicles back into active duty. While this is a hopeful sign, it is very important not to rush it. Vehicles that have been out of commission for a time must be overhauled very thoroughly before getting back on the road. Many components should go into an exhaustive checklist to ensure these vehicles are road-worthy, including a step that can be overlooked. It's very important to check the diesel exhaust fluid in these vehicles. Under the best of conditions, data shows that such fluid should remain in these service vehicles for no more than 12 months. The time period can be altered considerably if the vehicle has been subject to summer heat temperatures, or there exists the real possibility of contamination. Autobus, truck and motor-coach fleet owners are well-advised to ensure that any diesel fluid purchased should be of ISO standard quality and kept at the optimal temperature and dispensed from a DEF appropriate container. Never use any equipment that has been used for other motor vehicle fluids. Moreover, such equipment should be kept clean with distilled or de-ionized water. Another concern that managers and owners should be on top of is when the fluid freezes in the vehicle. It's important not to pour in additives. Such additives will mar the product purity. Rather, allow the fluid to warm and thaw on its own, which it normally will.

Key Takeaways:

  • Before vehicles can be brought back into active fleet service an exhaustive list of checks should be completed, including potentially replacing outdated Diesel Exhaust Fluid.
  • Many vehicles have been sidelined due to logistical changes brought about by the pandemic. These include autobuses, trucks and motor-coaches.
  • Besides simply being too old, DEF fluid can become contaminated or be affected by the extremes of summer heat.

“The American Petroleum Institute recommends that you determine when DEF was put in the vehicle. The storage life of DEF is about 12 months in optimal conditions. If DEF has been stored in the vehicle over the past 12 months, it is recommended that it be drained and replaced.”

Read more: https://www.truckinginfo.com/10134704/how-old-is-your-diesel-exhaust-fluid

7 Car Damaging Habits That Are Hurting Your Car

There are seven things that are commonly done to vehicles that can cause a lot of damage in the long and short run. If you are driving your car recklessly, then you are not only putting your car at risk, but you are putting yourself at risk as well. If you accelerate after braking, or if you drive quickly, you are both burning up gas and wreaking havoc on your transmission. You should also never ignore the warning lights on the dash board.

Key Takeaways:

  • While we might know that maintenance is necessary, we might not know the repercussions.
  • The faster you drive, the more fuel you use and the more pressure you are putting on the transmission.
  • If you are ignoring the lights or ignoring regular maintenance, this could lead to damages.

“Before riding on the streets of the UAE, it is advised that you go through the several stringent road safety laws and regulations implemented by the regulatory authorities.”

Read more: https://www.carcility.com/blog/7-car-damaging-habits-that-are-hurting-your-car/

Alloy Wheels Vs Steel Wheels: Which Is Better

Wheels made from allow or steel are two most common wheel types and customers often pose the question regarding the difference between the two. Steel wheels are the basic type going back to automotive beginnings. There are many metals that can be used in allow wheel manufacturing process, but aluminum alloys are most widely used. Wheels made of steel are generally cheaper, more durable, but are heavier, which may not be preferable, depending on the use of the wheel.

Key Takeaways:

  • Alloy wheels and steel wheels are two wheels that are wanted and each have different conditions.
  • Each one has different features and it will depend on what you want out of a tire, like durability and pricing.
  • The weight of the steel wheels is beneficial for situations where you might be in the snow.

“The centrepiece wheel (with specific design for hub and spokes) and rim are separately made and then welded into one piece, followed by the final polishing and coating for the glossy finish.”

Read more: https://www.carcility.com/blog/alloy-wheels-vs-steel-wheels/

A Handyman’s Guide to Checking Tire Pressure

If you are concerned with the tire pressure of your vehicle then you will be happy to know that you don't need to take it to a mechanic each time you need the pressure in your tires checked. If you are going to be checking the pressure of your tires yourself, make sure the tires are cooled as them being heated up by the roads will affect the tire pressure. About once per month is how often you will want to check the pressure of your tires.

Key Takeaways:

  • If you are concerned with your tire pressure, you don't need to take it to a mechanic each time.
  • Before your measure the pressure yourself, keep in mind that you will want the tires to be cold.
  • Make sure the pressure across all the tires is the same, otherwise they will be unbalanced.

“Then, read the number on the tire pressure sensor, and write it down for future reference. It’s as easy as that! You can now compare the number, measured in pounds per square inch (PSI) of pressure, to the optimal pressure level.”

Read more: https://www.certifiedmastertech.com/4375/a-handymans-guide-to-checking-tire-pressure/

6 tasks to assess 2020 and set biz priorities for 2021

Semi tractor trailer truck fleet

Truckers over the past few weeks are showing an increased disinterest in trucking because they are missing their families and with the increased amount of tension in the air, it's taking a toll on them. If the year is coming to an end without your achieving what you wanted to then you can still jump start the new year. In 2021 you can make some early goals that you never go to since this year was difficult for everybody with the election and the pandemic.

Key Takeaways:

  • Over Thanksgiving week there were truckers who weren't happy with trucking life since they were missing family.
  • With the climate the election has created, and the pandemic, it's tough out there for sure.
  • You can still achieve goals you had for this year and really focus on jump starting 2021

“In the midst of all this, a reminder: Be thankful that, at least for most owner-operators, you have not been forced out of work. You may have had to adjust your equipment, or the commodities you hauled, but overall there is still high demand for your services.”

Read more: https://www.overdriveonline.com/6-tasks-assess-2020-set-business-priorities-2021/

Everything You Need to Do After Car Accidents

Millions of people were involved in car accidents last year, so it's important to know what you should do in the event that you are involved in a crash. The first thing you will want to do is make sure that nobody is injured after the crash and to make sure everyone is okay. Be sure to call the police and take a lot of pictures of the scene with your phone if need be. Don't play the blame game and don't take the blame, let the photos and the report sort that out.

Key Takeaways:

  • A lot of people have been seriously injured in car accidents in the year 2019.
  • In the event that you are in a car crash, be sure to let the police know and make sure there are no injuries first.
  • Make sure to take photos of the scene and don't try to play the blame game after a crash.

“A traumatic event, such as a car crash, triggers the body to produce fight and flight hormones. One of these is epinephrine, AKA “adrenaline,” which can reduce the body’s ability to sense pain.”

Read more: https://www.certifiedmastertech.com/4388/everything-you-need-to-do-after-car-accidents/

Which Tires Are Best for Your Automotive Job?

Semi tractor trailer truck fleet

The tires you are using matter greatly when it comes to what type of job you are going to be doing when you are in an industry where you are always on the road. If you aren't choosing the right type of tires you are going to put yourself and others at risk. A lot of car accidents are caused by not using the right tires. If you are driving in the city, long distances, or in the snow, you will need different tires.

Key Takeaways:

  • Any tires can't just be placed on a car, you have to make sure they will improve performance.
  • Tire related crashes are to blame for a lot of the crashes that happen each year, so make sure they are a good fit.
  • Your needs are also a factor for the kind of tires you will need, like snow, or long distance driving tires.

“Different types of tires are engineered with a specific purpose in mind. Read on and learn our tire recommendations based on the automotive job you’re considering.”

Read more: https://www.certifiedmastertech.com/4431/which-tires-are-best-for-your-automotive-job/

6 Overlooked Vehicle Maintenance Services That Can Help Extend Its Life

Most of us are pretty well aware of what needs to be done to make sure that a car is maintained properly. One thing that a lot of people tend to over look is the wheel alignment. The control of your vehicle and overall suspension of your vehicle is dependent on your wheel alignment. We all know that the oil must be changed, but we often wait until the last minute to do so and this goes for all other fluids as well.

Key Takeaways:

  • We often overlook vehicle maintenance and wait until the last minute or for a breakdown.
  • Wheel alignment is the most overlook aspect of maintenance for a vehicle there is.
  • the steering, and the fluids are among some of the other things that are overlooked.

“Make sure that you wash and clean both the interiors and exteriors regularly to have a dirt-free look and proper functionality. You should maintain a schedule to get your car wash and detailing done at least once in every six months.”

Read more: https://www.carcility.com/blog/overlooked-vehicle-maintenance-services-that-can-help-extend-its-life/

Most Common Types of Modern Machinery That Make Life Easier

No matter the size of our project if you are doing any digging, then you will need an excavator to help you with the digging. There are many different types of machines that you can use to help you perform at your project. Backhoes, bulldozers, and paving machines can all help you with your project since they use the latest technology and can help you to reach your deadline faster. No matter what your project is, you will want the latest technology.

Key Takeaways:

  • Construction has become faster and a lot more efficient than ever before thanks to developments.
  • Different jobs require different tools, but no matter how big your project, if you are digging, you need an excavator.
  • Whatever your project, you are going to want to make sure the job is done with the best technology.

“These behemoths use hydraulic power to move large amounts of earth and other materials around your building site. You can also use them for demolition, tree removal, and a host of other tasks.”

Read more: https://www.certifiedmastertech.com/4404/most-common-types-of-modern-machinery-that-make-life-easier/