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Improve Fleet Maintenance With Contract Maintenance

Regular maintenance is critical to equipment’s safety, reliability, and efficiency, helping fleets and drivers prevent mechanical failures, avoid roadside violations and maintain uptime. However, maintaining equipment can be complex, requiring significant investments in tooling, training and labor. Penske can ease the maintenance burden on trucking companies through its contract maintenance plans, allowing carriers to focus on their customers and business.

Penske’s maintenance partnerships start by bringing carriers’ trucks up to Penske’s high quality standards with a regular maintenance schedule. Program benefits include:

Easy Access: Customers can access a nationwide network of more than 900 shops and 10,000 technicians.

Discounted Rates: Penske offers tire retreading, DPF filter cleaning and rental trucks at preferred rates as part of its contract maintenance program.

Roadside Support: While preventive maintenance helps curb roadside failures, breakdowns happen. The key is getting equipment back up and running quickly. There are more than 12,000 service providers who deliver 24/7 roadside assistance.

Fleet Services: Regulatory compliance requires careful documentation and can be a time-consuming process, but Penske’s Fleet Services and Operating Tax groups offer vehicle licensing, permits and tax reporting services, taking the complexity out of compliance.

Fueling Services: There are more than 360 Penske fueling locations, and when customers fuel at Penske locations, they have the benefit of customer service representatives who conduct vehicle and safety inspections and top off the oil, windshield washer fluid and antifreeze during fueling.

Visibility: Customers have access to real-time fleet data with Fleet Insight™ to help them make proactive decisions and keep their vehicles on the road.

Data Analytics: Penske analyzes vast amounts of data from across its network, including remote diagnostics, to understand when specific components may fail on each vehicle type. Detailed information allows shops to be proactive and schedule a repair before there’s a problem.

Dynamic PM: Penske’s Dynamic PM services analyze specifications and trends unique to each fleet, delivering the right preventive maintenance at the right time. Technicians completing a Dynamic PM use speech recognition technology to guide and record specific inspection steps, which ensures techs can focus on accuracy, safety and quality.

Extended Hours: Some locations offer extended hours and weekend availability so technicians can perform maintenance to help boost fleets’ uptime.


To learn more about how Penske’s Contract Maintenance can benefit you, contact 855-345-7268.

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DVIRs Help Improve Safety and Avoid Unscheduled Repairs

Daily pre- and post-trip inspections of tractors and trailers are legally required by the Department of Transportation and are a best practice to improve safety and reduce downtime. Drivers identify and report any defects or issues with the vehicle that could affect its safety or performance via Driver Vehicle Inspection Reports (DVIRs).

“If a driver finds something in the pre- or post-trip, they shouldn’t delay getting it fixed or repaired,” said Chris Hough, vice president of maintenance services at Penske Truck Leasing.

Items related to safety, such as issues with tires, brakes or lights, need to be taken care of immediately, but some things may be able to wait until a more convenient time. “If it is a torn seat cushion, they can maybe ride that to the next PM, but the safety side has to be addressed as it happens,” Hough said.

The key is sharing the information quickly with management or maintenance personnel so they can determine how to address needed repairs.

Hough said drivers and carriers can share information with Penske’s shops in several ways. Drivers can submit paper DVIRs or electronic versions. “We have customers who use electronic DVIRs, and we partner with their telematics providers to get those,” he said, adding that Penske can also provide feedback electronically.

Drivers can also share information via tablets within Penske’s shops. “When they come into our shop, if they have an issue, they can write it up electronically. We have podiums with iPads that automatically feed into our system of record to get the repair order,” Hough explained.

Thorough Inspections

Hough said drivers must do a comprehensive pre- and post-trip inspection to help avoid over-the-road failures. “A lot of issues could be taken care of upfront if proper pre- and post-trips are done consistently,” he said.

Best practices include:

  • Walking around the tractor and visually inspecting the exterior components. Drivers should pay extra attention to tires, wheels, lights, mirrors, wipers and any visible signs of damage or wear
  • Opening the hood and checking the engine oil level, coolant level and power steering fluid levels. Other fluids to check include transmission, brake and windshield washer fluids
  • Inspecting the belts, hoses and wiring for any signs of damage or loose connections.
  • Verifying that the battery is securely mounted and terminals are clean
  • Checking the brake shoes/pads, brake lines and hydraulic brake fluid levels when applicable
  • Inspecting the tire tread depth, sidewalls and overall condition and ensuring proper inflation using a tire pressure gauge

Regular PM Services

A robust preventive maintenance program can help reduce the number of items drivers find. “There are so many aspects of the pre-trip inspection that are related to frequent and properly done PMs,” Hough said. “With our voice-activated PM system, our technicians can’t take shortcuts and they inspect every single item.”

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Watch Your Speed: Operation Safe Driver

Speeding alone has caused more than one-quarter of all deaths from motor vehicle accidents since 2008, according to data from the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS).

Prepare for the presence of law enforcement. Follow these six best practices and take a giant step toward avoiding warnings, citations or accidents on the road every week of the year.

1. Drive under the posted speed limit. Excessive speed is the most frequent driver-related crash factor in CMVs and passenger cars, according to the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA).

2. Keep your eyes on the road. Don’t use a cell phone while driving; avoid distractions like eating or changing radio stations. Distracted driving claimed 3,522 lives in 2021, according to the National Highway Transportation Safety Administration (NHTSA).

3. Wear your seatbelt. It’s the law in all 50 states. Seatbelts save nearly 15,000 lives each year on average, says NHTSA.

4. Avoid alcohol or drugs. Drunk driving alone caused 13,384 deaths in 2021, says NHTSA.

5. Check your aggression. Law enforcement officers will look for tailgating, improper lane changes, improper passing and other aggressive driving behaviors. And remember to always drive defensively.

6. Follow the rules of the road. Watch for work zone speed limits, stop signs and stoplights, pedestrian crossings and other traffic control devices, and always obey them.

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Brake Selection and Care is Critical for Safety

The brake system on a commercial motor vehicle (CMV) must perform constantly and under all conditions. While both air disc brakes and S-cam drum brakes can get the job done, many manufacturers have made air disc brakes standard and the adoption rate for air disc brakes is increasing.

“The biggest difference between air disc brakes and S-cam drum brakes is disc brakes have a shorter stopping distance and you eliminate several components, so there are less maintenance items on air disc brakes,” said Chris Hough, vice president of maintenance at Penske Truck Leasing.

For example, air disc brakes do not need a slack adjuster, but S-cam brakes do. Kerri Wirachowsky, director of inspection programs for the Commercial Vehicle Safety Alliance (CVSA), said brakes out of adjustment is the number one violation drivers receive.

“Generally, when a vehicle is put out of service for brakes being out of adjustment, it is because the automatic slack adjuster did not adjust correctly. It could be because it was not maintained or because it failed,” Hough said.

Additionally, air disc brakes don’t experience brake fade, or result in stopping power, after repeated use. At higher speeds, disc brakes have a better response at higher temperatures.

Initially, the adoption of air disc brakes was slower because they were more expensive and roadside service didn’t always have parts, Wirachowsky said. “As more and more get introduced into the market, the more the price comes down and the more familiar technicians get with them and can do roadside repair. I think over the course of time, we’re going to see more go that way,” Wirachowsky said.

Penske Truck Leasing made air disc brakes standard on tractors within its rental fleet in 2017, and Hough expects to see increased adoption on trailers as well. “Over time, as technology continues to improve and air disc brakes become more economical, which they are, we’ll probably see the industry transition to air disc brakes on trailers,” Hough said.

Brake Maintenance

When maintained and installed correctly, both brake types meet required safety standards, but maintenance is critical for all systems. Disc brakes are sometimes erroneously characterized as being maintenance free and they are not, and brake systems, whether they are disc brakes or drum brakes, require attention.

Hough said brakes must be checked at every preventive maintenance inspection and drivers should regularly check brakes during pre- and post-trip inspections. Plus, brakes need to be lubricated or greased at set intervals and slack adjusters on S-cam drum brakes have to be tested.

“During a PM inspection, we measure the applied brake stroke. With the foot pedal applied, we measure the total distance the slack adjuster is traveling so we know it is working correctly,” Hough said. “They’re dependable, but from time to time, one will fail.”

Hoses and tubing have been an important focus area for CVSA inspectors for several years because brake hose chafing is another common violation. “You could have belly hoses on the trailer that are rubbing or the gladhand hoses are too long and they rub on the catwalk,” Wirachowsky said. “That is what we look for, and drivers should be looking for that during their inspection.”

If a hose rubs up against something until it punctures the liner of the hose, it will leak air. “If it is leaking air, the brakes won’t work correctly,” Hough said, adding that some hoses are difficult for drivers to inspect during pre- and post-trip inspections. “That is why it is so important during a PM inspection to check for any type of chafing.”

Overall Safety

According to the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration’s (FMCSA’s) latest Large Truck and Bus Crash Facts report, the brake system was the third most cited vehicle-related factor in fatal commercial motor vehicle and passenger vehicle crashes, highlighting the critical safety role brakes play in transportation.

Additionally, brake-related violations accounted for eight out of the top 20 vehicle violations in 2022, according to FMCSA’s Motor Carrier Management Information System. Plus, brake-related violations make up the largest percentage of all out-of-service violations cited during roadside inspections, CVSA reported.

Additional Information

CVSA has several brake sources available:

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    The Path to EV Adoption Starts With Penske

    Battery electric vehicle (BEV) technology has continued to develop and is a growing alternative to traditional diesel and other alternative powertrains in certain applications. The 2023 State of Sustainable Fleets report found that interest in BEVs has spread across medium- and heavy-duty fleets and has attracted more attention than other clean drivetrains.

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    Brake Safety: 10+ Tips to Pass an Inspection

    When you press the brake pedal on your truck, you expect an instant response. Yet any number of issues can cause your vehicle’s braking systems to fail, increasing your risk of a serious accident while putting you and your cargo in danger. That’s why maintaining your truck’s braking system is so important and a major part of your Pre-Trip Inspection.

    To ensure brake safety every day of the year, here are 10 tips to help ensure your brake linings and pads are ready for the road:

    1. Inspect all the parts of the brake linings and pads that you can see during pre- and post-trip inspections.

    2. Check for signs of missing or damaged brake lining, such as grooves in the drum from rivet contact.

    3. Look at the shoe-to-drum clearance and ensure that there is adequate lining on the shoe.

    4. Try to find any signs of leaks from the hub or other components that may contaminate the lining or pad surface.

    5. Look for any missing lining blocks.

    6. Scan for visible cracks or voids in the lining block.

    7. Check for any exposed rivets or lining blocks that look loose on the shoe.

    8. On disc brakes, pay close attention to the condition of the rotor. Look for either metal-to-metal contact or heavily rusted rotors across the entire friction surface on either side.

    9. Make any repairs in accordance with the brake manufacturer’s requirements and guidelines.

    10. Note any brake lining or pad-related issues in your driver vehicle inspection reports and report them to the motor carrier.

    In addition, always check for these brake-related items during pre- and post-trip inspections:

    • Any missing, non-functioning, loose or cracked parts
    • Audible air leaks coming from around the brake components and lines
    • Slack adjusters that are different lengths
    • Air pressure below 90-100 psi
    • Rust holes or broken springs in the brake housing section of the parking brake
    • Malfunctioning ABS warning lamps

    Remember, a properly conducted pre-trip inspection will go a long way toward passing a brake inspection — and keeping you and those around you safe.

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    Fleets Continue to Successfully Adopt Onboard Safety Technology

    The use of in-cab safety technologies is becoming increasingly common among fleets, driving significant safety improvements.

    The National Private Truck Council’s (NPTC) 2023 Benchmarking Report found that all respondents have deployed some type of onboard technology, including 97% that deploy onboard technology related to driver performance. Additionally, nearly three-quarters of the survey respondents reported adopting speed-monitoring devices, in-cab cameras, collision warnings, lane departure technology and automatic transmissions.

    “Across the board, fleets report increasing the penetration of these active safety technologies, providing them with more tools to aggressively manage the safety side of the business,” the report stated.

    The latest figures from the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration show that large truck crashes declined by 2.5% in 2022 compared to 2021.

    Similarly, the American Transportation Research Institute’s (ATRI) 2022 report, The Impact of Rising Insurance Costs on the Trucking Industry, found that 92% of all fleets participating in the survey have adopted new safety technology in the last three years. ATRI also found that 56% of carriers implemented three or more new safety technologies. Road-facing cameras were reported with the highest frequency (83%), followed by speed governors (46%), forward collision warnings (43%), adaptive cruise control (42%) and lane departure warnings (42%).

    Within the NPTC report, most respondents (83%) reported using speed-monitoring technology, followed by automatic transmissions (79%), collision warning (76%), in-cab cameras (74%) and lane departure (73%).

    Fleet Camera Usage

    Cameras have been shown to improve driver coaching and reduce liability. ATRI’s report, Issues and Opportunities with Driver-Facing Cameras, found that the use of in-cab camera technologies in the trucking industry is dramatically increasing. Growth is especially high with road-facing cameras, which can capture safety event data that often exonerates drivers or allows parties to settle cases faster and at a lower cost.

    However, driver-facing cameras (DFCs) are poorly utilized across the trucking industry. ATRI said that is often due to driver privacy concerns, confusion over video use, personal access and recording models, and concern that truck driver negligence, however subtle, will be highlighted.

    ATRI found that drivers using driver-facing cameras rated the technology’s ability to improve safety at 2.6 out of 10, more than two times higher than drivers who have never used the technology. “Current experience with DFCs is one of the biggest factors leading to higher driver approval,” according to the report.

    ATRI outlined 10 steps to greater acceptance of DFCs among drivers based on driver feedback as part of its report. The top suggestion was for fleets to view footage only after a crash for legal purposes and not for coaching or internal evaluations.

    Other suggestions included keeping cameras off when the vehicle is not moving, only activating cameras with significant safety events, using recordings for coaching but not punitive means, and increasing communication around why they use cameras and who has access. ATRI noted that carriers could develop formal policies and agreements regarding who views the footage and under what circumstances to alleviate driver concerns.

    Safety Technology Choices

    Chuck Pagesy, director of safety for Penske Truck Leasing, said adding cameras and other on-board safety technology is a customer decision, but Penske’s leasing team can offer input and help customers find the right safety solutions for their fleets and drivers. In addition to cameras, Penske can offer guidance on lane departure warning systems, adaptive cruise control, electronic stability control, automatic braking, air disc brakes and more.

    Active Safety Technologies Private Fleets are Using*

    Speed Monitoring – 83%
    Automatic Transmission – 79%
    Collision Warning – 76%
    In-cab Cameras – 74%
    Lane Departure – 73%
    Disc Brakes – 71%
    Adaptive Cruise Control – 65%
    Electronic Stability Control – 51%
    Tire Inflation – 46%
    Back-up Cameras – 18%

    *Source: NPTC 2023 Benchmarking Survey

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    Operational Costs of Trucking Continue to Fluctuate

    Operational costs within trucking can vary significantly from year to year and even region to region. The American Transportation Research Institute’s (ATRI) 2023 Analysis of the Operational Costs of Trucking found that costs climbed to a new high in 2022 for the second year in a row, increasing by 21.3% over 2021 to $2.251 per mile. Costs surpassed $2 per mile for the first time since ATRI launched the report.

    According to the report, “2022 broke the 2021 record for the costliest year to operate in the trucking industry – whether calculated with or without fuel.” The analysis is based on financial data from motor carriers of all sectors and fleet sizes. Carriers can use ATRI’s report as a benchmarking tool and glean insight into how to manage expenses.

    The leading contributor to this increase again this year was fuel, which was 53.7% higher than in 2021. However, other line items also rose by double digits. Driver wages increased by 15.5% to $0.724 per mile, reflecting the ongoing industry effort to attract and retain drivers. Parts shortages and rising technician labor rates pushed repair and maintenance costs up 12% to $0.196 per mile. ATRI said atypical market conditions posed unique challenges for acquiring and maintaining equipment in 2022, so truck and trailer payments increased by 18.6%.

    Even when fuel costs are removed, the marginal costs of trucking increased by 12%.

    Costs per mile varied dramatically from region to region, with the highest coming out of the Southeast, where the marginal cost per mile was $2.303. It led all other regions in driver wages and benefits costs. In the Southwest, costs averaged $2.238, followed by the Northeast at $2.207. The cost per mile in the Midwest averaged $2.195, and the West’s average was $2.157.

    Insurance costs were highest in the Southeast, where they were almost one cent per mile higher than the national average. Several of the most litigious states in the country are in the Southeast. The West had the highest fuel costs, and carriers in the Midwest spent the most per mile on truck and trailer payments as well as repair and maintenance. ATRI reported that insurance costs were highest in the Northeast, which contains both high crash rates and litigious states.

    Driver wages and benefits costs both increased in 2022. Combined driver wages and benefits reached 93 cents per mile in 2022 for large carriers, up from 81 cents. For small carriers, driver wages and benefits costs averaged 81 cents per mile in 2022, up from 74 cents.

    Also, many carriers offered bonuses to drivers in 2022. The average amount for safety bonuses decreased to $1,698 from $1,943 in 2021. However, starting bonuses averaged $2,373, up from $1,974, and retention bonuses increased to $1,272 from $1,055 in the last report.

    ATRI also found that fleets continue to work to fill backhaul or deadhead miles to increase operational efficiency. In 2022, 15.4% of non-tanker carriers’ mileage was deadhead, on average, which is a slight increase from 2021’s 14.7% but better than 2020’s 17.2%.

    Leases are one way for fleets to help control and manage expenses. Leases provide fixed, predictable monthly costs that fleets can use to plan in advance. Penske’s experts can work with potential customers on a cost-benefit analysis to identify the real ROI of a lease based on the fleet’s specific needs.

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    Prepare Now for the Spotted Lanternfly Quarantine

    The spotted lanternfly is in the United States, and populations of this pest can currently be found in 14 states up and down the East Coast. Affected states have varying rules and protocols to help stop the spread of this invasive species, which often occurs on trucks traveling across state lines. Many states have begun roadside inspections for the pest as they try to prevent its movement and the destruction of crops. Dana Rhodes, the Pennsylvania Department of Agriculture's chief plant regulatory official, said the insect isn't a strong flier, so it relies on people to move it where it is going to go, which is why state officials are targeting trucking.

    The pest was first spotted in Pennsylvania's Berks County in 2014, and now many states require employees at trucking companies and warehouses operating in quarantined areas to undergo training. Drivers display decals showing they have been trained, and trucks could be placed out of service if they have the pests on them. Enforcement continues to ramp up as more states combine forces to stop the invasive species.

    Drivers in areas where the spotted lanternfly is present will be asked to add one more line item to their pre- and post-trip inspections — looking for the pests, Rhodes said. She added that drivers should be particularly aware of the insects during fuel and rest stops. "The longer you sit in an area, the more chances you have of picking up a hitchhiker," she said. "They will fly into the cab with you. If you have the cargo doors open on your truck, they’re going to fly in the back. Make sure you aren’t carrying something with you when you move out."

    The spotted lanternflies aren’t active in winter and spring, but their egg masses are still living, and they will begin hatching in mid-May. They won't die off until late November. "If you find a bug, just kill it," Rhodes said.

    Egg masses look like a smear of mud and contain 30-50 eggs, and one egg mass is enough to start a new colony, Rhodes explained. If drivers see an egg mass, they should scrape it off in a downward motion and squish it as they do it.

    Rhodes advises drivers to make a note in their records if they find a lanternfly or egg mass and destroy it. She also recommended that drivers avoid parking under trees. "Parking in open areas is the best idea," she said.

    The Pennsylvania Department of Agriculture worked with Penn State University to develop an online training and permitting course. "It is mastery-based, so you're quizzed as you go," Rhodes said, adding that company managers can take part in the course. There is also a course created specifically for drivers and warehouse workers. "If you take the Pennsylvania training, you're good to go in all states."

    Enforcement of training requirements can vary by state. Pennsylvania has a team solely in charge of compliance and enforcement, Rhodes said. Fines can range from $300 to $20,000. However, the goal isn't to punish drivers for noncompliance.

    "We want you in compliance, and we want to help you get there," Rhodes said. "We want to assist people in being compliant before we issue fines and penalties, but there are times when they are necessary."

    Rhodes said states recognize that the best way to prevent the movement of the spotted lanternfly is to increase education and awareness of the pest, which feeds on 50-60 different species of plant material. "This is not a pleasant insect," she said.

    Find out if your state has a federal quarantine for the Spotted Lanternfly or any of the other 19 pests currently being monitored by visiting the U.S. Department of Agriculture's Pest Tracker.


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    Technology, Education Help Drivers Get the Most Out of Inspections

    Thorough pre- and post-trip inspections help drivers and carriers meet federal safety standards and improve safety — and the results of roadside inspections can hurt or help carriers' safety scores depending on what law enforcement finds.

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    Find and Keep Drivers with the Right Equipment, Technology and Programs

    Driver shortage issues have diminished as capacity has fluctuated. However, the fundamentals behind the driver shortage have not disappeared, and it remains a top industry concern. The right equipment and technology can appeal to drivers and give fleets a competitive advantage when building and retaining their pool of drivers.

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    Transportation Security Remains a Top Priority

    Safety and security are top of mind for those within the transportation industry. Penske takes a multipronged approach to address these issues, focusing on cybersecurity and the security of physical assets.

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    Ongoing Training Is Essential for Maintenance Technician Success and Equipment Uptime

    Maintenance of Class 8 vehicles is central to ensuring reliable, safe equipment, but maintaining, diagnosing and repairing equipment is a complex process. Ongoing training is essential for maintenance technicians to stay current on changes in equipment technology, increase their skills and grow their careers.

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    Use Trailer Leases To Increase Transportation Capacity or Storage

    The strategic utilization of trailers provides a scalable solution that helps fleets meet shifting transportation capacity or storage needs without the long-term commitment and expenses associated with adding trucks or leasing warehouse space.

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    Key Ways to Prevent the Most Frequent CSA Violations

    Under the Department of Transportation's Compliance Safety Accountability (CSA) program, the Safety Measurement System quantifies the on-road safety performance of carriers and drivers to identify candidates for interventions. The system relies heavily on data from roadside inspections, so every vehicle and driver violation counts. Fortunately, proper maintenance and driver training can prevent nearly all of the most frequent violations private fleets receive.

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    Lease vs. Rent: How To Choose

    Leases and rentals give fleets flexibility to adjust the number of vehicles they need without making long-term, up-front capital commitments, and there are similarities between the two. Both provide capacity without significant capital investments and give fleet operators flexibility in the number of vehicles they keep.

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    Take Steps To Prevent Wheel-End Problems

    Wheel-end components are essential to safety, and properly maintaining and inspecting wheel ends, which include the wheels, rims, hubs and tires on a commercial motor vehicle, is essential for over-the-road performance.

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    Regular Maintenance, Pre- and Post-Trip Inspections Protect Wheel Ends

    Inspectors often focus on wheel ends, which include the wheels, rims, hubs and tires on a commercial motor vehicle. Wheel-end components support the heavy loads carried by commercial motor vehicles (CMVs), maintain stability and control, and are critical for braking.

    Violations involving wheel-end components historically account for about one quarter of the vehicle out-of-service violations discovered during inspection blitzes, such as the Commercial Vehicle Safety Alliance’s International Roadcheck.

    “Wheel ends contain numerous moving parts, whether it is the brake system, the bearings or the hubs, that can leak, wear or seize due to lack of preventive maintenance. Wheel end systems require routine daily pre- and post-trip inspections, and a sound maintenance program is key to reducing breakdowns,” said Chris Hough, vice president of maintenance design and engineering for Penske Truck Leasing.

    Wheel-end failures may lead to a catastrophic crash. “When a wheel end component fails and you have a wheel run-off situation, major damage could result,” Hough said, adding that wheel-end fires often result from brake system air leaks that prevent the brakes from completely releasing.

    Completing pre- and post-trip inspections is one of the best things drivers can do to help prevent issues. “Check the wheel-end brake system for air leaks, lubricant leaks, proper adjustment, etc., and when defects are discovered, write them up and have them addressed by a qualified technician before you dispatch the unit,” Hough said.

    Wheel seals, lube levels, lug nuts and brake components are among items that should be inspected daily, Hough said. Drivers’ observations during the inspection are the first step in detecting a wheel-end problem.

    CVSA has said that drivers may also find abnormal or uneven tire wear, see or smell smoking or extremely hot hubcaps (too hot to touch), notice smoke from a wheel end, or feel wheel vibration, wobble or noise. Increased stopping distance or decreased braking power, abnormal side pull when braking, wheel lock-up and skidding are all signs that wheel ends may need maintenance or replacement.

    During the inspection of wheel ends on a commercial motor vehicle, inspectors will:

    • Check for cracks or unseated locking rings, studs or clamps
    • Check for bent, cracked or broken rims on the inside and outside wheel rims
    • Check for loose, broken, missing or damaged wheel fasteners and elongated stud holes
    • Check spoke wheels for cracks across spokes and in the web area or slippage in the clamp areas
    • Check the hub for lubricant leaks, missing caps or plugs
    • Check the inner wheel seal for leaks
    • Check the tire and valve stem for leaks
    • Check for improper inflation, cuts and bulges on all tires, including the inside tire on a dual set
    • Check for regrooved tires on steering axle
    • Check tread wear and measure major tread groove depth
    • Inspect the sidewall for improper repairs, such as tire plugs
    • Check for exposed fabric or cord
    • Check for tire contact with any part of the vehicle or another tire
    • Check for markings on the tire that would exclude its use on a steering axle
    • Check for debris between the tires
    • Check for tires touching one another or any part

    Hough added that drivers and technicians also need to be careful not to over-torque lug nuts; over-torquing will stretch the studs. “Once a wheel stud is stretched, the stud will never maintain the correct torque,” he said.

    The residual damage from over-torquing a lug nut could take months to develop, but eventually will cause problems. “A bolt/stud acts as a tension/clamping device when torqued properly. If over-torqued, it loses the ability to maintain the correct clamping force,” Hough said.

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    Driver Assistance Technology Continues to Improve

    The use of advanced driver assistance systems, also called ADAS, in commercial vehicles continues to increase as fleets and regulatory agencies work to improve safety, control costs and limit liability. ADAS applications include adaptive cruise control, automatic emergency braking, blind-spot detection and forward-collision warning systems. The technology can improve driver performance, reduce fatigue and enable customized coaching.

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