On this episode of Tech Talk with TMC on Road Gang Radio, guest host Robert Braswell, Executive Director of the ATA Technology & Maintenance Council (TMC), is joined by longtime TMC contributor and Silver Spark Plug recipient Derry Stewart of DWS Fleet Management for an in-depth discussion on cold weather truck operation and maintenance.

With extreme cold impacting much of the country, Robert and Derry break down the critical systems that fail first in winter and what drivers, owner-operators, and fleets can do to stay moving and stay safe. From batteries and fuel to winterfronts, cooling systems, and brakes, this episode focuses on preventive maintenance—not roadside reactions.

Topics include:

Why winter breakdowns are often caused by summer damage

Battery maintenance, voltage loss, and electrical connections

Why batteries matter more than oil in cold weather

Fuel condensation, water contamination, and filter freeze-ups

When and how to blend diesel with kerosene

Additives, isopropyl alcohol, and moisture control

Fuel heaters: in-tank, coolant-based, and electrical options

Winterfront design mistakes that damage cooling systems

Thermostats, radiator caps, and engine operating temperature

Coolant ratios and freeze protection best practices

Air system freezing, brake drag, and alcohol use

What to carry in the cab for cold-weather emergencies

This episode emphasizes planning ahead, disciplined maintenance, and understanding how cold weather truly affects modern trucks. A must-listen for anyone operating in freezing conditions.

Tech Talk with TMC airs regularly on Road Gang Radio and features experts from the Technology & Maintenance Council sharing real-world, consensus-based guidance for the trucking industry.

Learn more about TMC:

https://tmc.trucking.org

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On this episode of Tech Talk with TMC on Road Gang Radio, host Robert Braswell is joined by Roger Maye, National Service Manager for Consolidated Metco (KMET), to break down one of the most critical—and often overlooked—areas of truck maintenance: wheel ends and spindle inspection.

The conversation centers on TMC’s newly proposed Recommended Practice RP 665: Spindle Inspection Guidelines, which is currently out for ballot. Roger explains why spindle wear frequently goes unnoticed during seal or bearing service, how cone race rotation causes hidden damage, and why technicians must inspect every component once a wheel end is disassembled—not just the part that failed.

Key topics include:

What actually makes up a wheel end (beyond just the wheel itself)

Why spindle shoulders, journals, and mounting hardware matter

How cone race rotation leads to spindle wear and seal failures

Proper spindle measurement techniques and acceptable wear limits

Go/no-go gauges, micrometers, and inspection best practices

How excessive end play contributes to tire wear, bearing failure, and ABS faults

Common mistakes during seal replacement and hub reassembly

What drivers can catch during pre-trip inspections before failures occur

Why clean, correctly filled lubrication is critical to wheel end health

Robert and Roger also explain how TMC Recommended Practices are built through industry consensus, why they are valuable to fleets, owner-operators, and technicians alike, and how RP 665 fits alongside established wheel end RPs like RP 644A.

This episode is essential listening for technicians, fleet managers, owner-operators, and drivers who want to prevent wheel end failures, reduce downtime, and improve safety through proper inspection and preventive maintenance.

Learn more about the Technology & Maintenance Council (TMC):

https://tmc.trucking.org

Thanks for tuning in! You can catch our shows and segments anytime on your favorite podcast app or listen live on YouTube, Facebook, iHeart, and RadioNemo.com!

On this episode of Tech Talk with TMC, host Robert Braswell welcomes Brian Screeton, Manager of Technical Training Services at Bendix Commercial Vehicle Systems, for an in-depth Tech Talk with TMC discussion focused on air brake system maintenance in cold weather.

As winter conditions put added stress on pneumatic systems, Robert and Brian break down the facts and falsehoods of air system maintenance, including common misconceptions that can actually increase moisture and contamination. The conversation explains why clean, dry air is critical for safe braking, how air dryers and desiccant cartridges really work, and why draining air tanks every day may do more harm than good.

Brian shares expert insight on:

Proper air tank draining intervals based on duty cycle

How over-draining can overload air dryers and reduce effectiveness

Why airline antifreeze is not a preventive solution and can damage valves and seals

Cold-weather startup tips to prevent frozen air systems

Identifying contamination from water, oil, rust, and improper repairs

Best practices for glad hands, seals, tractor protection valves, and fittings

Why excessive Teflon tape and sealant can cause internal valve failures

The discussion also highlights the importance of application-specific maintenance, working with vendors to spec the right air dryer, and following TMC Recommended Practices to extend component life and improve safety.

This episode is essential listening for drivers, owner-operators, technicians, and fleet maintenance professionals who want to avoid winter breakdowns and keep air brake systems operating safely and reliably.

Learn more about the Technology & Maintenance Council at

https://tmc.trucking.org

Learn more about Bendix Commercial Vehicle Systems at

https://www.bendix.com

Thanks for tuning in! You can catch our shows and segments anytime on your favorite podcast app or listen live on YouTube, Facebook, iHeart, and RadioNemo.com!