OBD Scan Tools and Code Readers: Everything You Need to Know
As truck manufacture and design develops, heavy-duty trucks have become more and more computerized. When working on post-2010 trucks, mechanics usually start by scanning for fault codes with a scan tool, or OBD scanner. But these tools aren’t just useful for mechanics. Whether you’re an owner-operator interested in DIY truck repairs, or a driver wanting […]
NOx Sensors: A Breakdown to Help You Avoid Breakdowns
What is a NOx Sensor? NOx sensors are exactly what they sound like—sensors that detect NOx (harmful nitrogen oxide particles) in your truck’s exhaust stream. They’re a small but important part of a diesel aftertreatment system. What does a NOx sensor do in a commercial truck? There are two NOx sensors in an HD truck’s […]
House Battery Bank vs Starter Battery
House Battery Bank vs Starter Battery Most personal vehicles only come with one battery, the starter, which starts the engine. Heavy-duty trucks have much larger starter batteries than non-commercial vehicles because it takes much larger engines to pull them. However, modern commercial trucks, fitted with electric APUs (auxiliary power units), often also have a house […]
Auxiliary Power and Electric APUs
Why Auxiliary Power? Most long-haul truck drivers spend 250-300 days and nights on the road every year, and sometimes more. That means living in your truck for 68–82% of the year. In that time your truck becomes your home—the place where you eat, sleep, work and wind down. To make this manageable, you deserve basic […]