The Fleet Business Authority
Issue link: http://heavydutytrucking.epubxp.com/i/221397
HOTLINE Trucking's Most Respected Business Report Daimler targets aftermarket CENTER Demystifying the World of Antifreeze / Coolant Q How does antifreeze/ coolant (AFC) protect an engine from cavitation corrosion? By Colin Dilley, PhD Director of Technology A While Quality AFC will provide effective inhibition of corrosion for most of the cooling system metals through a wide range of temperature extremes, high-heat-rejecting surfaces such as wet sleeve liners are high-heat Å\_HYLHZ^OLYLIVPSPUNJHUIL generated. As bubbles form and collapse, they send a shock wave to the surface that can cause very localized damage, which appears as a circular pit on the surface of the metal. This damage can cause a leak resulting in a loss of the engine if it is not stopped or the part replaced in time. The corroded surface can generate products that are transported to other areas of the cooling system, leading to other serious problems including the over-heating and loss of an engine. If you want to run at optimum performance and protect ALL engine metals from corrosion, pitting and rusting, it is imperative a quality AFC, such as Prestone Command® Extended Life Coolant, is utilized at the appropriate change interval. D aimler Trucks North America is taking steps to meet a goal of "undisputed leadership" in the aftermarket parts and service business, including revamping inventory and parts delivery and using technology to speed diagnosis and repairs. The company plans to broaden its retail approach, including having more parts available at dealerships, and will revamp its retail inventory management system. Todd Biggs, director, aftermarket parts and service marketing, acknowledged that historically truck dealers have not done a good job meeting the needs of the second and third truck owner. "The first owner gets 50% of his parts from the dealer, but after six years customers are not going back to dealers for parts because they are in value mode. The Alliance all-makes parts brand is part of Daimler's strategy to improve its aftermarket parts and service business. The company's Alliance Truck Parts brand is part of this strategy. Detroit also will implement the new Detroit Connect all-makes telematics system, leverage the company's Detroit remanufacturing operation and raise the network performance of its dealers and distributors. – Denise Rondini, Aftermarket Editor By the numbers... 80 % The percentage of motor carriers that have experienced a productivity loss since the new hours-of-service rules went into effect, according to recent study by the American Transportation Research Institute. Nearly half said they require more drivers to haul the same amount of freight. The amount the American Trucking Associations' advanced seasonally adjusted tonnage index rose in October, the largest year-over-year rise since December 2011. However, month-tomonth tonnage fell 2.8% to a reading of 124, the first decline since July. $1million The amount Gaines Motor Lines of N.C must pay to compensate four former truck drivers who were fired in violation of federal whistleblower laws, in an order from the Occupational Safety and Health Administration. It also must fork out more than $1 million in back pay, interest, and compensatory and punitive damages. ANYWHERE. ANYTIME. ANY ENGINE.™ This monthly column is brought to you by Prestone Command®. Got a Question? Visit www.prestonecommand.com, call 1-888-282-8960 Circle 250 on Reader Action Card 26 HDT • DECEMBER 2013 www.truckinginfo.com