Tech Talk with TMC

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 damageBattery maintenance, voltage loss, and electrical connectionsWhy batteries matter more than oil in cold weatherFuel condensation, water contamination, and filter freeze-upsWhen and how to blend diesel with keroseneAdditives, isopropyl alcohol, and moisture controlFuel heaters: in-tank, coolant-based, and electrical optionsWinterfront design mistakes that damage cooling systemsThermostats, radiator caps, and engine operating temperatureCoolant ratios and freeze protection best practicesAir system freezing, brake drag, and alcohol useWhat to carry in the cab for cold-weather emergenciesThis 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.orgThanks 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 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 matterHow cone race rotation leads to spindle wear and seal failuresProper spindle measurement techniques and acceptable wear limitsGo/no-go gauges, micrometers, and inspection best practicesHow excessive end play contributes to tire wear, bearing failure, and ABS faultsCommon mistakes during seal replacement and hub reassemblyWhat drivers can catch during pre-trip inspections before failures occurWhy clean, correctly filled lubrication is critical to wheel end healthRobert 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 cycleHow over-draining can overload air dryers and reduce effectivenessWhy airline antifreeze is not a preventive solution and can damage valves and sealsCold-weather startup tips to prevent frozen air systemsIdentifying contamination from water, oil, rust, and improper repairsBest practices for glad hands, seals, tractor protection valves, and fittingsWhy excessive Teflon tape and sealant can cause internal valve failuresThe 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 athttps://tmc.trucking.orgLearn more about Bendix Commercial Vehicle Systems athttps://www.bendix.comThanks 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!

This week, Robert Braswell, Executive Director of the American Trucking Associations’ Technology & Maintenance Council (TMC) is joined by Fred Kelley, America’s R&D Director for the Prysmian Group (Prestonite brand), for another in-depth edition of Tech Talk with TMC.The conversation focuses on electrical wiring, maintenance, and repair standards in today’s trucks, including why proper wire selection matters, how SAE and TMC standards were developed, and what fleets, technicians, and owner-operators need to know to avoid electrical failures and roadside breakdowns—especially during harsh winter conditions.Robert and Fred break down the differences between battery cables and primary wiring, explain why cross-linked insulation is critical, and discuss recommended SAE wire types such as SGX, SGR, GXL, TXL, and SXL. They also cover voltage drop, corrosion, preventive maintenance, and why using improper wiring during repairs can lead to major reliability and safety issues.The episode wraps with a look ahead at the TMC 2026 Annual Meeting in Nashville, including upcoming task force discussions related to ABS power supply and electrical recommended practices.Listeners also had the opportunity to call in with questions during this live Tech Talk with TMC discussion, making this episode a must-listen for technicians, fleet managers, and anyone responsible for keeping trucks on the road.Learn more about the Technology & Maintenance Council athttps://tmc.trucking.org

This week on Tech Talk with TMC, co-host Robert Braswell, Executive Director of ATA’s Technology & Maintenance Council (TMC), joins Mark Zachos to discuss practical strategies to protect yourself and your fleet from cybersecurity threats. Robert shares insights on the latest trends in trucking technology, maintenance management, and cyber risks affecting the industry today.Listeners call in with their questions, and Robert provides guidance on best practices, including how to secure vehicle systems, protect company data, and respond to potential cyberattacks. This episode is essential for anyone in trucking, fleet management, or transportation who wants to stay ahead of evolving cybersecurity challenges.Learn more about TMC at https://tmc.trucking.org/See upcoming Tech Talk topics: https://tmc.trucking.org/blog/tech-ta...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!

Jimmy Mac and Robert Braswell return for another edition of Tech Talk with TMC. Robert serves as Executive Director of ATA’s Technology and Maintenance Council, and he brings his insight to a conversation focused on retreads, why they matter, and why fleets and drivers should feel confident using them.Robert and Dan Shy explain what today’s retread technology delivers for safety, performance, and cost control. They outline how quality standards have changed, what fleets should expect from a strong retread program, and how retreads support more efficient maintenance planning.The conversation highlights how retreads lower operating costs at a time when every maintenance decision affects profitability. They also explain how retreads help fleets reduce waste and stretch tire life through smart management practices.Learn more about TMC programs and resources at https://tmc.trucking.org/View the full list of Tech Talk topics at https://tmc.trucking.org/blog/tech-ta...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!

Jimmy Mac and Robert Braswell return for a new edition of Tech Talk with TMC. Robert, Executive Director of ATA’s Technology and Maintenance Council, is joined by Jack Poster for a clear look at current parts and labor trends that affect every maintenance operation. They share what fleets are facing right now, how shops can plan for changing demand, and why staying informed helps reduce downtime and control costs. They also take calls from listeners and answer practical questions from the field.Learn more about TMC programs and resources at https://tmc.trucking.org/View the full list of Tech Talk topics at https://tmc.trucking.org/blog/tech-ta...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!

Jimmy Mac and Robert Braswell, Executive Director of ATA’s Technology & Maintenance Council, welcome TMCSuperTech 2025 Grand Champion Matthew Sloan for a full recap of this year’s competition on Tech Talk with TMC. Together, they review event highlights, share insights from the field, and take calls from listeners across the trucking community.Robert and Matthew discuss what it takes to win TMCSuperTech, how technology is shaping the future of truck maintenance, and what lessons shops can apply to improve their own operations.You can learn more about the Technology & Maintenance Council at https://tmc.trucking.org/See past show topics at https://tmc.trucking.org/blog/tech-ta...Tech Talk with TMC streams weekly on RadioNemo, bringing maintenance professionals and fleet experts together to share best practices and solve real-world challenges on the road.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 week’s edition of Tech Talk with TMC, host Jimmy Mac and co-host Robert Braswell, Executive Director of ATA’s Technology and Maintenance Council, are joined by Pat Meisenholder for an in-depth discussion on tire maintenance and specifications. They explore what fleets and drivers need to know to stay ahead of tire wear, ensure proper inflation, and keep trucks operating safely and efficiently.The conversation covers practical insights from the field, including how specifications impact performance, the importance of regular inspections, and the latest industry standards that every maintenance manager should be aware of. Listeners also call in to share their own maintenance challenges and questions, making this a truly interactive and informative session.Learn more about TMC and access their full list of show topics at:https://tmc.trucking.org/https://tmc.trucking.org/blog/tech-ta...Tech Talk with TMC delivers expert-driven conversations that help drivers, technicians, and fleet operators stay up to date on the latest trends, tools, and technology shaping the trucking industry. Tune in to hear how knowledge and community make maintenance matter.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!

“Tech Talk with TMC” is getting into spooky season! ????This week, Robert Braswell — Executive Director of ATA’s Technology and Maintenance Council — and co-host Todd Cotier dive into the scariest things to avoid in vehicle maintenance. From haunting hydraulic issues to ghostly gremlins in your diagnostics, they uncover the real-life nightmares that can cost fleets time and money.Learn from the experts as they break down how to keep your trucks running smoothly and safely through every season.Learn more about TMC: https://tmc.trucking.org/Browse Tech Talk topics: https://tmc.trucking.org/blog/tech-ta...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!