october2023 - S8

DIAGNOSTIC TRENDS
Seasonal opportunities
Seasonal changes can influence diagnostic
needs, which can drive additional
sales opportunities for shops. " By
addressing specific concerns early on
with the use of diagnostic tools and
performing maintenance regularly,
fleets can help to ensure the safety of
vehicles on the road and can increase
vehicle longevity during colder
months, " said Jason Hedman, product
manager at Noregon.
Photo: Old Dominion Freight Line
Old Dominion relies on OEM engine software and diagnostic devices to troubleshoot
engine issues, but the most valuable tool is still a well-trained tech.
various component-based applications,
which can save time and encourage use,
Hedman said.
Shop owners and operators must also
consider the amount of space that some
tools require in order for technicians to
effectively use them. For example, some
calibrations require a lot of space.
" What we strongly recommend is for
shop owners to look at the space they do
have and determine how they can change
the configuration, " Autel's Peregrine said.
" It may be a flush mount alignment rack,
and then utilize the bay space to maneuver
the vehicle more efficiently in the
space they have. "
Planning ahead
Shop and fleet operators typically need
to plan ahead for major tool purchases.
TravelCenters of America is constantly
evaluating diagnostic tools, looking at
changes in vehicle technology and opportunities
to improve technician efficiency
and productivity. " We do take time each
year to forecast our tool and equipment
needs for the upcoming year to include
an allocation for diagnostic equipment
we will be testing, " Hogg said.
TA is currently looking at cordless
equipment in its service vehicles to help
with duty cycles of air compressors and
vehicle idling.
" We are always looking for equipment
that helps our technicians work safely with
ergonomic improvements, " Hogg said.
Hedman said operators need to stay
current on upcoming changes, such as
emissions requirements. " For companies
operating in California, it's important to
8 Fleet Diagnostics * October 2023
consider the new emission standards
and ensure fleets meet those requirements, "
he said.
One of the costs associated with emissions
inspections is the yearly payment
that companies must make. " Depending
on the size of the fleet, it may be worth investing
in a tool that allows organizations
to manage the inspections themselves,
simplifying the process and reducing the
cost of ongoing inspections, " Hedman said.
Moneo advised operators to consider
the changing needs of their fleet or shop
and the customization possibilities offered
by tools. While vehicle technology
is changing rapidly, he said there is nothing
to fear. " The important thing here is
to be ready and have a tool that does not
get obsolete in a couple of years. I know
certain tools, in order to have the latest
vehicles and capabilities included, offer
software updates every certain amount
of time for this reason, " he said.
As vehicles become more complex,
diagnostic applications are necessary
for a majority of issues, so shops may
need to re-evaluate their tool-to-technician
ratio and invest in more diagnostic
software licenses per shop to ensure all
technicians have the right tools at hand
to complete the job, Hedman said.
Hogg emphasized that despite the increase
in available data and diagnostic
tools, technicians must not lose sight of
the basics. " I have stated many times
that no tire is too smart to run without
air, so let's not forget that basic maintenance
and a good maintenance business
process is the heart and soul of the industry, "
he emphasized. ❚
Modern battery and electrical system
testing equipment helps technicians
better evaluate cranking and charging
systems on a tractor or truck, Homer
Hogg, VP of truck service at TA, said.
" It is advisable to conduct an assessment
of these systems before winter
brings cold weather and your vehicle's
engine will not crank, " he said.
In the colder months, fleets should
prioritize tasks like replacing air dryer
cartridges, ensuring the functionality
of the DEF heater, and checking the
operation of the HVAC system in their
trucks. Electrical failures also tend to
increase as temperatures drop. " States
often use road salt to melt the ice, yet
it is highly corrosive and contributes
to the wear and tear of the vehicle, "
Hedman said.
" Be sure to monitor oil and coolant levels,
as colder temperatures can often
cause a higher potential for fluid leaks, "
he added.
Cold weather can make engine oils
thicker, potentially affecting lubrication
and putting greater stress on components
when starting up.
" This is where a diagnostic tool comes
in handy. It connects to the truck's
onboard computers and provides
real-time data about the engine's condition
and temperature, " Miguel Moneo,
sales manager, Jaltest Diagnostics,
Cojali USA, said. " It's like having an
extra set of eyes that helps mechanics
understand how the cold is affect ing
the engine's health. "
Engines might also need more time
to warm up, which can lead to higher
fuel consumption and emissions.
" A diagnostic tool can monitor fuel
efficiency trends, alerting mechanics to
any issues caused by longer warm-up
times, " Moneo said.
-ML
october2023

Table of Contents for the Digital Edition of october2023
