Penske Truck Leasing

Save Time and Increase Uptime With Mobile Maintenance

Keeping equipment running is essential for fleets, and mobile maintenance services can increase efficiency by performing on-site services, repairs and inspections at a fleet's location. Bringing the shop to the equipment can save time and make scheduling preventive maintenance and needed repairs easier. A robust maintenance program increases safety and reduces the risk of breakdowns or unscheduled repairs, which keeps equipment moving and boosts driver satisfaction.

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Summer-Specific Maintenance Tasks Keep Equipment Running

Temperatures are heating up across the country as summer approaches, and some components on Class 8 trucks need extra attention to prevent unscheduled downtime and maintenance expenses.

“Maintenance inspection points are primarily the same year-round, but there are certain maintenance items, especially the heating, ventilation and air conditioning (HVAC) system and tire pressures, that require extra attention during the summer,” said Chris Hough, vice president of maintenance design and engineering at Penske Truck Leasing.

Air Conditioning System Maintenance: Inspecting the HVAC system, including circulation air filters, and ensuring the AC system is cooling as designed, is essential for driver comfort and safety, Hough said. Naturally, the demand for HVAC systems increases in summer, and a qualified technician must regularly inspect HVAC systems.

Technicians must ensure the engine fan/clutch is activated and adequately engaged when the A/C system calls for more airflow across the condenser. In addition, the A/C system typically interfaces with a vehicle’s electronic systems and controllers. As a result, abnormal operating conditions within the A/C refrigerant subsystem could trigger fault codes that must be diagnosed and repaired before placing the unit back into service.

Additionally, cabin filters need to be inspected, cleaned and replaced regularly.

Truck Tire Maintenance: Proper summer tire pressures improve safety, tire life and fuel economy, and tires need special care when temperatures increase. “Maintaining correct tire pressure during the summer months will help reduce over-the-road tire failures,” Hough said.

Tires tend to run hotter and wear faster in warm weather, and the tire tread portion becomes softer in higher temperatures. That makes tires more susceptible to punctures from road debris.

Fleets and drivers can improve uptime and increase tire performance by checking tire inflation pressure with an accurate tire pressure gauge when the tires have cooled. Because tire pressure increases as temperatures rise, there is a risk of overinflated tires in the summer.

When air pressures are inaccurate, tires tend to flex, changing the shape of the tire’s footprint. That decreases fuel economy, creates irregular wear patterns and reduces tread life. Also, underinflated tires build up excessive heat, potentially causing premature failure.

Cooling and Electrical System Maintenance: During the summer, it’s critical to ensure a truck’s engine radiator, EGR coolers and transmission cooler are operating properly to maintain the correct engine and transmission temperatures. Inadequate or improper service of cooling and electrical systems can lead to heat-related failures during hot weather. Penske checks cooling systems during every preventive maintenance (PM) inspection.

Electronic component failures can be caused by damaged or missing heat guards, heat shields or heat deflectors, especially within those components found near the exhaust system after-treatment devices. Excessive heat can also make the plastic electrical connectors brittle or cause them to melt, leading to electrical malfunctions caused by poor connections at the electronic control units, sensors and solenoids that control various vehicle systems.

APU Maintenance: Auxiliary power units (APUs) also require special attention during the summer. Diesel-powered APUs have belts, lines, and AC compressors that require scheduled maintenance checks. An electric, battery-powered APU is integrated with the cab air conditioning and should be inspected to ensure it functions properly.

Refrigeration Unit Maintenance: Warm temperatures mean the reefer units on refrigerated trailers face higher demand. Carriers should inspect them regularly to ensure they run correctly as outdoor temperatures increase.

Battery Maintenance: Battery maintenance is not seasonal; a solid, year-round battery maintenance program will pay dividends.

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Software Updates are an Integral Part of Vehicle Maintenance

Software updates are a critical component of maintenance for Class 8 tractors. As with cellphones and laptops, software updates address bugs, provide security patches and improve features. Plus, some updates, such as those related to emissions, may be mandated by regulatory agencies, including the California Air Resources Board or the Environmental Protection Agency.

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2023's Top Roadside Violations and How To Avoid Them

Nearly 3 million roadside vehicle inspections took place in 2023, resulting in more than 4.5 million violations, including about 850,000 out-of-service violations. Violations can affect carriers’ Compliance Safety Accountability (CSA) scores and result in fines, unscheduled downtime and driver frustration.

Many of 2023’s top vehicle violations can be prevented with proper maintenance and pre- and post-trip inspections.

Lighting Violations

Lights are critical for safety and visibility but are among the most frequent roadside violations. Lighting-related violations made up three of the top ten roadside violations in 2023, with an inoperable required lamp being the No. 1 violation carriers experienced. Not far behind it were an inoperative turn signal and no or defective lighting devices or reflective material as required.

Minimizing the risk of a lighting violation can start with spec’ing LED lights, which typically have multiple diodes. Even if a portion of the diodes goes out, the light still illuminates and meets the requirement of a functioning light.

Drivers should also check all required lamps and turn signals as part of their pre- and post-trip inspections to ensure they are operative, properly mounted and not obscured in any way. During preventive maintenance (PM), technicians check all wiring, look for corrosion and ensure all lighting is in good working order.

Periodic Inspections

The second-most-common roadside equipment violation for the last fiscal year was operating a CMV without proof of a periodic inspection. Several forms of proof meet the requirement, including a decal/sticker with the name of the company that performed the inspection, along with its address and the month and year the inspection was performed. The form/document of the inspection with the same information for the decal/sticker also meets the requirement.

Brake Violations

The third-most-common roadside violation in 2023 was clamp or roto-type brakes out of adjustment. With automatic slack adjusters in vehicles, brakes are sometimes cited as being out of adjustment when they are on the verge of adjusting. To prevent that, drivers can apply the brakes several times at a high PSI level — 90 or better — when pulling into a scale.

Another way to prevent the violation is to spec air disc brakes, so brake stroke adjustment is no longer an issue.

Tire Issues

Tire-related violations comprised two of 2023’s top ten violations. One of the most critical steps in overall tire care is checking tire pressures, which can be done manually or with a tire inflation system. Tires should be inspected as part of every pre- and post-trip inspection and during PM. Additionally, tire pressure gauges should be checked periodically for accuracy and calibrated per the gauge manufacturer guidelines.

As part of its regular PM program, technicians monitor tread depth and replace tires before they hit the minimum tread depth required by the Department of Transportation. Technicians also check tires for irregular wear and ensure the vehicle is aligned properly.

Penske Truck Leasing can help customers select the right tire and tread designs for their application, operating environment and operational goals.

Other Vehicle Violations

Other top roadside violations include no/discharged/unsecured fire extinguisher, a tire that is flat and/or has an audible air leak, a tire tread depth lower than 2/32 of an inch, and windshield wipers that are inoperative/defective, which are all inspected as part of PM inspections.

Top 10 Vehicle Violations in 2023

Inoperable required lamp
Operating a CMV without proof of a periodic inspection
Clamp or roto-type brake out of adjustment
No/discharged/unsecured fire extinguisher
Inoperative turn signal
Tire: flat and/or audible air leak
Windshield wipers: inoperative/defective
No or defective lighting devices or reflective material as required
CMVs manufactured after 10/19/94 that have an automatic airbrake adjustment system that fails to compensate for wear
Tire: tread depth less than 2/32 of an inch measured in a major tread groove

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Proper Maintenance, Treated Fuel Improve Uptime in Winter Months

Snow, ice and freezing temperatures can increase the risk of downtime for all vehicles if the equipment and fuel that power them aren’t properly maintained. Breakdowns can result in delayed drivers, missed deliveries and poor customer service.

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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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Maintaining Filters Is an Essential Part of Service

Regular preventive maintenance drives uptime for Class 8 tractors, and filters play a crucial role in ensuring the engine and critical components operate at peak performance, reducing wear and tear on the engine and improving fuel efficiency.

“At times, filter replacement may be overlooked. It is important to know what filters each of your vehicles are equipped with, what the recommended replacement intervals are, and where filters are located,” said Chris Hough, vice president of maintenance design and engineering for Penske Truck Leasing.

As part of its PM service, Penske maintenance technicians change filters based on either meter readings or day intervals. Filters are also changed if there is an indication that they need to be changed ahead of schedule, Hough said.

Filters requiring maintenance include:

Fuel Filter: Fuel filters, including modular filters some engine manufacturers use, remove impurities, water and contaminants from the fuel before it reaches the engine. “It is extremely important that you utilize high-quality replacement filters and maintain fuel systems correctly. If fuel systems are neglected, you could end up with major fuel system issues,” Hough said.

Diesel Exhaust Fluid Filters: DEF systems have a filter that filters the diesel exhaust fluid (DEF). These filters need to be changed at regular intervals to optimize the emission system performance.

Engine Air Filter: The engine air filter ensures clean air enters the engine’s intake system. A clogged or dirty air filter can restrict airflow, leading to reduced engine performance, decreased fuel efficiency and increased emissions issues. “Penske power units are equipped with LED vacuum indicators. These indicators will change from green to yellow and then red if the vacuum pressure exceeds a preset parameter, indicating that the filter has reached its capacity and needs to be changed,” Hough said.

Oil Filter: The oil filter is designed to filter the oil and remove contaminants to ensure only purified oil is circulated through the engine. “Like with the fuel filters, you want to utilize high-quality oil filters to maximize the oil performance,” Hough said.

Power Steering Filter: Power steering filters also need to be changed on a regularly scheduled interval to minimize power steering system issues.

HVAC Filter: HVAC filters clean the air before it enters the cab to remove dust, pollen and other particles. Inspecting these filters and replacing as needed during each PM is critical to the HVAC system performance. Most sleeper berths also have an HVAC filter that filters recirculated air. These filters should be inspected and replaced as needed during each PM. HVAC filters are crucial for maintaining a comfortable and healthy environment for drivers.

Air Dryer Filters: Air dryer filters remove moisture and contamination from the air supply produced by the vehicle’s air compressor. “Again, utilizing quality replacement filters will pay dividends. Many lower-quality air dryer filters on the market today do not utilize desiccant. Without the desiccant feature, moisture will bypass the air dryer and wreak havoc on the air system,” Hough said.

Replacing filters as needed improves engine performance, reduces the risk of roadside breakdown, and can ultimately reduce operating costs.

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Proper Reefer Maintenance Can Extend Trailer Life

Refrigerated trailers are among the equipment affected by supply chain shortages and manufacturer backlogs, which means maintenance on transportation refrigeration units and trailer bodies is taking on even more importance to ensure equipment keeps products cold and meets quality and safety expectations.

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Get Roadside Assistance 24/7

No one wants to experience a roadside breakdown, but machinery can fail, even at the most inopportune time. When motor carriers and drivers find themselves needing emergency breakdown services, speed is critical.

Penske’s 24/7 Roadside Assistance has 12,000+ emergency providers to respond to drivers’ needs day or night. Plus, the call center is staffed by experienced, in-house Penske personnel who have detailed knowledge of trucks and understand the specific problems drivers may be experiencing.

Vehicles are repaired within a short amount of time, and if more lengthy repairs are necessary, Penske provides a rental or substitute vehicle.

Pre- and Post-Trip Inspections Are Essential

The ultimate goal is to prevent a roadside event from occurring in the first place, and drivers play an essential role in reducing over-the-road breakdowns. Thorough pre-and post-trip inspections can ensure trucks are in good working condition before they hit the highway.

Drivers should look for leaks, damage, operable lights, properly secured cargo, sagging equipment and anything else that seems out of place. Common problems drivers may find include damaged lights, cracked windshields, faded placards, and chaffed light cords and hoses. Drivers should also pay particular attention to tire pressure. If drivers have any concerns about tire pressure, they can stop at a Penske location so technicians can inspect their tires.

Additionally, when drivers fuel at a Penske location, the customer service representatives who fuel the truck also walk around the truck and check the vehicle to ensure headlights and taillights are working and mudflaps are in good condition, which can prevent issues on the road.

Timely PMs Help Drive Uptime

Penske focuses on preventive maintenance (PM) to help increase vehicle uptime and strives to have trucks go from one PM event to the next PM event without ever having to come back. Penske Truck Leasing follows a rigorous maintenance schedule for customers that includes using advanced system analytics to identify potential failures before they occur.

With dynamic preventive maintenance, technicians can adjust inspections based on failure rates and a vehicle’s history. Penske Truck Leasing captures and analyzes maintenance and vehicle data throughout its entire fleet, creating a thorough base of knowledge that allows technicians to customize maintenance.

Access Help

If a roadside breakdown occurs, help is just a call or a click away. Drivers and carriers can call 1-800-526-0798 or take advantage of digital fleet tools that offer instant visibility.

With Fleet Insight™, Penske’s secure website for fleet data, and the Fleet Insight™ mobile app, carriers can submit 24/7 roadside assistance requests and view real-time updates. They can track breakdown and repair details, see detailed charges for easy verification, identify and address recurring issues, and predict downtime more accurately.

With the Penske Driver™ app, drivers can submit and get real-time updates on roadside assistance requests and remain updated on the status of service, avoiding future phone calls. They can also use the app to check in for service at Penske locations and find rental, leasing, service, parking and fueling locations.

If drivers experience a roadside event (such as a breakdown or maintenance issue) within 40 miles of a Penske location, they can contact the location directly rather than contacting 24/7 Roadside Assistance— saving a step in the process and speeding up service. Locations are equipped with technicians and roadside assistance vehicles to serve drivers faster.

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Penske Uses Telematics Data to Improve Uptime and Reduce Driver Frustration

When drawing on telematics information for maintenance, the ultimate goal is to increase vehicle uptime by speeding up, or even preventing, repairs.

“If the vehicle is down for any type of maintenance, that means it is not delivering product,” said Gregg Mangione, executive vice president of maintenance, Penske Truck Leasing. “At their core, fleets want uptime.”

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The Trucking Industry is Experiencing Increased Maintenance Costs

Inflation, supply chain issues and increased labor expenses are driving up the cost of maintenance for Class 8 tractors.

“The entire industry has experienced cost increases, and we are no different,” said Chris Hough, vice president of maintenance design and engineering for Penske Truck Leasing.

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Lighting Violations

Periodic Inspections

Brake Violations

Tire Issues

Other Vehicle Violations

Conducting Winter Maintenance

Treating Diesel Fuel

Removing Snow and Ice

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

Here are Five Ways Maintenance Affects Safety

Timely Maintenance Reduces Safety Risks

Contract Maintenance With Extended Maintenance Hours

On-Site Maintenance

Mobile Maintenance

Managed Maintenance

24/7 Roadside Assistance

Pre- and Post-Trip Inspections Are Essential

Timely PMs Help Drive Uptime

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