frequently asked questions

What jobs require towing, you may ask? Great question! Jobs that require equipment that can only be found inside brick-and-mortar shops are really the only jobs that require towing. Generally, intensive engine repair that requires manpower and engine lifts can only be done from a shop. The same goes for framework, anything that requires the removal of the body from the frame, and other large-scale repairs.

Contrary to popular belief, glow plugs do not perform the same function as spark plugs. Rather than providing a spark, glow plugs heat your engine to encourage combustion. In theory, depending on the temperature of your engine and the climate of where you are, you may not even need glow plugs to start your truck. Over time, glow plugs do wear down and need to be replaced. Most manufacturers recommend changing glow plugs every 100 thousand miles.

Your Diesel Particulate Filter (DPF) captures soot and other diesel particulate matter before it can enter our atmosphere. It’s mounted directly to your exhaust piping, meaning all of your exhaust must go through it before exiting the system.

Your Exhaust Gas Recirculation (EGR) system is responsible for cooling and recirculating a portion of your exhaust gas back into your combustion chamber. This drops your combustion temperature and decreases your engine’s nitrogen oxide production. The component that allows for this recirculation is your EGR valve. This valve controls the flow of exhaust gases and is generally regarded as one of the most important EGR components.

If your truck isn’t starting, you may have a problem with your electrical system. Something as simple as a partially charged battery can make it difficult for your truck to start. A battery that’s not fully charged may be one that needs to be replaced. If you’re sure your battery is in good health, you may want to get your alternator inspected. Alternators are responsible for using your engine’s power to charge your battery. If this fails, you won’t get any power.

Yes. Rather than using brake fluid like small passenger cars, semi-trucks used compressed air. Compressed air can bring a heavy truck to a stop far more easily than brake fluid can, and seeing as though heavy-duty trucks can weigh up to 100 thousand pounds; the air approach is a necessity. Every heavy-duty truck that uses air brakes will have a compressor, a dryer, several air tanks, and service chambers. Your compressor is responsible for filling your air tanks with compressed air, your dryer is responsible for removing moisture from that air, and your air tanks store it until needed. When the brake pedal is compressed, the air is sent from your air tanks to your service chambers, where the drum brake process begins.