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Dec 5 24

Winterization Checklist from TRP Parts Pottstown

by twilliams
Truck Parts for Winter

Winter conditions can eventually wear down your truck, making it less safe in challenging weather like snow, sleet, hail, and ice. Driver safety is essential, so it’s important to keep your truck parts in top working condition to handle the season’s demands.

Get ahead of winter by servicing these key areas: Cooling System, Heating System, Air System, and more. Use this checklist, provided by TRP Parts, to stay ready for the colder months.

Cooling System

  • Fan Shroud
  • Fan Assembly & Idler Pulley
  • Engine Block Heater
    • Continuity test
  • Radiator
    • Check exterior condition
    • Check for visible leaks
  • Radiator Mounting
  • Hose Conditions & Connections
  • Surge Tank
  • Water Pump (check for visible leaks)
  • Coolant Level
    • Take Sample
    • Check for signs of oil and/or debris
  • Conventional Coolant
    • Be sure to mark if your coolant color is green, pink or purple, brown, other
  • Coolant
    • Check corrosion protection
    • Check freeze point – Use refractometer
    • Coolant freeze point between -25°F and -50°F, it is good
    • Coolant freeze point above -25°F or below -50°F, it must be replaced
  • Check SCA to Manufacturers Specifications
    • Is it OK, undercharged, or overcharged?
  • Extended Life Coolant
    • Check corrosion protection with ELC test kit. Does it have adequate protection or does it lack protection?
  • Pressure Test Cooling System
    • Check for leaks

Heating System

  • Heater Screens
    • Clean and clear of obstructions
  • Heater Controls & Fan Operation
  • Bunk Heater Controls & Fan Operation
  • Cab Floor Grommets & Door Weather-Stripping

Air System

  • Air Tanks
    • Drain water
  • Air Dryer
    • Service

Final Checkpoints

  • Engine Coolant
    • Replace with the right coolant for your truck, if applicable
  • Air Dryer Cartridge
    • Replace, if applicable
  • Air Compressor, Pulley, & Mounting Brackets
  • Visual Inspection of Starter & Connections
  • Alternator
    • Drive belt, mounting brackets
  • Steering Gear & Reservoir
    • Check for leaks
  • Surge Tank
  • Vibration Damper Condition
  • Hood Grill and Bug Screens
  • Hood Brackets

Winter Parts at TRP Pottstown

Find everything you need to winterize your Kenworth truck at TRP Parts Pottstown! For parts, service, and repairs, visit Coopersburg & Liberty Kenworth. Our network of locations offers it all: hundreds of quality parts, award-winning service departments, and state-of-the-art commercial body shops.

Contact our Coopersburg & Liberty Kenworth Service Department today to schedule your next winter maintenance appointment.

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Nov 14 24

Seat Belt Safety: Truck Drivers and Road Safety

by twilliams
Seat Belt Safety for Truck Drivers

In 2023, an estimated 40,990 people died in traffic accidents. (Source)

Seat belts are imperative to the safety of not only yourself, but of others. Whether you are in a car or semi-truck, buckling up keeps you safe and secure inside your vehicle. According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), “Seat belts saved an estimated 14,955 lives and could have saved an additional 2,549 people if they had been wearing seat belts, in 2017 alone.” (Source)

Safety Precautions

Just under 15% of drivers still do not wear any type of seat belt, whether across their lap or shoulder. Wearing a seat belt properly, across both areas, has been shown to effectively prevent drivers from being thrown or ejected during a crash. The risk of death is nearly 25 times higher for those who are ejected from their vehicle. Additionally, ejected drivers may face other dangers, such as being dragged or scraped along the ground, or even being crushed by their own truck or another vehicle.

Fastening your seat belt is essential for all drivers, but especially for truck drivers. It not only keeps you secure in your seat but also improves your ability to maintain control of your truck, particularly in sudden stops or emergency situations. Some truckers mistakenly believe the larger size of their cab provides protection, when in fact, the safety belt is what significantly reduces the risk of severe injury or death in the event of a crash or accident.

Road Safety Tips

Truck drivers can stay prepared by following these simple road safety tips:

Check for Blind Spots. A blind spot is considered the areas behind and in front of your vehicle that lack visibility. Check your mirrors every 8 to 10 seconds to stay aware of other vehicles entering your blind spots. Every 15 seconds, scan the road ahead for traffic hazards, construction zones, and other potential dangers. Anticipate hazards such as sudden stops, lane changes, or erratic behavior from other drivers.

Adjust Your Speed. Most large vehicles accelerate slower uphill and gain momentum quickly downhill. Large trucks need up to the length of two football fields to come to a safe stop. Speeding or failing to slow down, especially for curves or ramps, increase the risk of rollovers and crashes. Always account for longer stopping distances, maintain a safe following distance, take wide turns cautiously, signal appropriately, and obey speed limits.

Perform Pre-Trip Inspections. Ensure your pre-trip inspections are complete before hitting the road. Check that your tires are properly inflated, brakes are functioning, and all lights are working. Confirm levels for engine oil, coolant, brake fluid, and windshield washer fluids. Make sure your load is securely fastened and evenly balanced to prevent shifting and other dangers.

Statistics and Scenarios

A driver or passenger is four times as likely to be fatally injured when thrown from a vehicle. (Source) The chances of escape improve greatly by wearing a seat belt since it can keep you from being knocked unconscious or ejected through the windshield. It could also protect important parts of your body, like your head and spinal cord.

In a frontal collision at 30 mph, an unbelted person continues to move forward at that velocity, causing them to hit the windshield at about 30 mph. This is the same speed a person falling from the top of a three-story building would experience upon impact with the ground.

FMCSA for Seat Belt Safety

Federal Motor Carrier Safety Regulations require commercial motor vehicle drivers to wear safety belts. (49 CFR 392.16) (Source)

The Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) is working toward raising awareness for truck drivers wearing seat belts. Their Y I Buckle Up campaign supports commercial motor vehicle (CMV) drivers by encouraging seat belt use to protect drivers from crashes, being compliant with the law, and more.

“In 2020 alone, nearly half of all large truck occupants not wearing a seat belt in fatal crashes died. The call to action is simple: always wear your seat belt because they help save lives.” (Source)

Buckle Up!

November 14th is National Seat Belt Day. It is a day to recognize and raise awareness about the importance of fastening your seat belt, as a driver and as a passenger.

Even if you consider yourself a good driver, you cannot control other drivers on the road. At some point in time, you are likely to be involved in an accident caused by another driver, bad weather, mechanical failure, or other situation.

Wearing a seat belt, specifically across both your shoulder and lap, could save your life. According to Buckle Up America with the NHTSA, 91.9% of drivers used seat belts in 2023. That is 1 in 10 Americans who are participating in dangerous driving practices by not securing themselves with a safety belt. Drivers and passengers alike can prevent unnecessary deaths and accidents starting with individual action.

Put your safety, and the safety of others, first and always buckle up when driving or sitting passenger.

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Nov 7 24

The Importance of Financing Your Truck

by twilliams
Financing a Kenworth Truck

Long-term financing on a Kenworth truck can be a game-changer for both drivers and fleet owners.

It is a valuable option for truck drivers looking to invest in a dependable, high-performance vehicle without the burden of a large upfront payment. With flexible payment options, financing allows drivers to maintain cash flow for other daily expenses and unexpected costs. It also supports long-term growth for business and fleet owners. This article explores the key benefits of long-term financing and why it’s an essential strategy for many in the trucking industry.

Why Long-Term Financing is Important

1. Preserve Cash Flow

Financing allows a buyer to pay off the amount of a new truck over time instead of making a large, all-in payment. This preserves cash flow for other essential business needs like fuel, maintenance, and insurance. This approach helps ensure that you and your business have the funds needed for daily operations while allowing you to use your new truck right away.

2. Access to Newer Trucks

Financing offers the chance to invest in newer, more efficient models, such as the Kenworth T680 and T880, which might be out of reach with an upfront payment. These newer trucks deliver better fuel economy, reduced maintenance costs, and advanced technology features. Additionally, investing in new Kenworth trucks provides a safer, more comfortable driving experience, which can boost productivity and profitability.

3. Predictable Payments

Predictable monthly payments help with budgeting by providing a recurring monthly expense. Consistent payments help with financial planning by reducing the risk of erratic overspending. On top of that, this reliability helps build trust with lenders, which could open the door to better financing options and terms in the future.

4. Builds Credit

Consistently making loan payments on time helps build both personal and business credit. A strong credit history can lead to better terms on future loans, lower interest rates, and access to larger lines of credit. Want to know if your credit score will secure you a commercial vehicle loan? Find out now.

For first-time buyers or borrowers with a limited credit history, regular monthly financing will help build a positive payment history. For tips on how to finance with less-than-perfect credit, read this blog.

5. Reduces Upfront Costs

Securing financing for your truck eliminates the need for a substantial upfront payment. Depending on your personal financial situation, a buyer typically only needs to make a small down payment, which can be influenced by factors such as credit score, income level, loan terms, and the lender’s requirements. This option is particularly appealing for people that may not have a large amount of cash available for an outright purchase, or someone who wants to build their borrowing history.

6. Protection Against Inflation

Financing can protect buyers from the impacts of inflation. By locking in fixed monthly payments, you can avoid potential increases in truck prices and unforeseen interest rate hikes. As inflation rises, the value of fixed payments decreases in real terms, which means businesses are effectively paying less over time while benefiting from using the truck at today’s costs. This financial advantage is valuable, especially in uncertain economic environments where inflation may cause increased operating costs.

7. Builds History

Building a financing history is essential for drivers looking to buy a Kenworth truck because it can ensure their ability to secure a loan. Having a positive financing history helps secure better loan terms, higher credit limits, trust with a lender, simpler qualification process, as well as improve business credibility. Lenders are more likely to offer favorable terms, like lower interest rates and reduced down payments, to borrowers with a proven track record of timely payments. Not only does a strong financing history reflect positively on your business, but it can improve your business credit score which can develop trust with a lender.

Finance Your Next Truck!

Financing with Coopersburg & Liberty Kenworth can offer financial flexibility, improve cash flow management, and help acquire access to high-quality, reliable trucks that contribute to long-term growth. It’s a strategic choice for many buyers, allowing them to expand their operations without the upfront financial burden.

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Nov 7 24

Financing a Truck with Bad or No Credit

by twilliams

At Coopersburg & Liberty Kenworth, we offer credit-based financing on all of our trucks for sale. No matter the make, model, or year, any type of commercial truck can be costly. So much so that few people can afford to buy them with cash outright.

Where it can get tricky is when people come in to make a purchase, but their credit is… not so good. If you don’t have the money to purchase a truck in full or the credit to secure a commercial vehicle loan, we have a few tips on how to finance with less-than-perfect credit.

Financing with Poor Credit

First-Time Buyers or Borrowers

If you’re a first-time buyer, borrower, or have little credit history, start with building credit. You can build with anything that contributes positively to your credit score, such as credit cards, loans, and mortgages. If you don’t have a credit card, consider getting one for the sole purpose of building credit. Making small purchases and paying the balance in full each month will help to build your credit history. If you already have credit accounts, use them responsibly by keeping balances low and making on-time payments. Paying your bills on time is crucial. Late payments can severely damage your credit. This can be a gradual process, so stay consistent and you will see progress.

Clean Up Your Credit

Start by getting a free copy of your credit report. Look for any inaccuracies, such as incorrect account balances, accounts that aren’t yours, duplicate entries, as well as any errors that can be resolved quickly by the credit bureau. Avoid applying for too much new credit in a short period. Each application results in a hard inquiry, which can lower your score.

Reduce Debt

Focus on paying off credit cards and loans. Start with the highest interest rates or smallest balances. Paying off debts with the highest interest rates saves you money in the long run, since you will lower the accrued interest. Paying off the smallest balances minimize the total interest paid over time. The longer you carry loans, the more you’ll owe. While reducing payments and debts, it is important to try and avoid accumulating new balances.

Consider Collateral

Collateral is an asset that a borrower offers to a lender to secure a loan. It is a form of protection for the lender in case the borrower defaults on the loan. Typically, the lender requires the truck to be used as collateral when taking out a loan to purchase that truck. This means that if you fail to make your loan payments, the lender has the right to repossess it.

Take Advantage of Trade-Ins

Another option to reduce the overall amount of the loan is by trading in a vehicle. At Coopersburg & Liberty Kenworth, we’re happy to accept nearly any running, street-legal truck as a trade-in. It doesn’t have to be a Kenworth! We offer a wide selection of used trucks from various brands. Contact us or fill out our Trade-In form for more details.

Talk to an Expert

Our Financing Department is experienced in helping you find the perfect truck that fits your budget. Whether you’re a first-time buyer or looking to upgrade your fleet, we understand that financing is crucial in the decision-making process.

There’s no better source for financing advice than our Finance Manager, who is dedicated to working with all of our customers to explore all available options tailored to each individual’s needs. We offer a variety of financing solutions to ensure you get the most affordable deal possible. Plus, our team can assist you with credit challenges to help you navigate the process. Contact us or fill out our Financing Form to explore our financing options.

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Oct 31 24

Happy Haul-o-ween!: Halloween, Trucks, and Treats

by twilliams
Halloween Truck Driving

Happy Halloween! It’s that time of year we celebrate All Hallows Eve! But first… Behind every carved pumpkin, sugary treat, and creepy costume, there are the people making it all possible: truck drivers! From hauling pumpkins to delivering candy and costumes, truck drivers play a pivotal role in bringing the spirit of Halloween to life. Buckle up as we share some spine-tingling fun facts about how truckers keep the magic of spooky season rolling!

Sweet Tooth

Annually, Americans purchase and consume around 600 million pounds of Halloween candy. Nearly 90 million pounds of candy, including chocolate, candy corn, and more, are sold each year during Halloween week.

Halloween Trucking

A truck driver might drive hundreds, if not thousands, of miles to deliver candy from manufacturers to distribution centers and retail stores across the country. Some of the largest candy makers in the U.S. — such as Hershey, Mars, and Nestlé — rely heavily on trucking companies to ensure timely delivery.

Scarily Heavy Hauls

Standard commercial trucks and trailers with containers can carry as much as 45,000 pounds of cargo. Given this capacity, it would take around 15,000 truckloads to transport the 600 million pounds of Halloween candy purchased annually! In the months leading up to Halloween, more trucks are transporting large quantities of candy to meet the seasonal demand. To accommodate this increased volume, many trucking companies scale up their operations.

In addition to candy, truckers also haul massive loads of pumpkins leading up to Halloween. About 800 million pumpkins — which is 80% of the U.S. pumpkin crop — are transported around the country each year. These truck drivers deliver to grocery stores, farmers markets, pumpkin patches, and even pumpkin festivals.

Halloween Trucking Facts

Candy Corn Craze

Halloween sparks a national debate for one candy in particular: Candy Corn. People either love it or hate it. According to the National Confectioners Association, nearly 35 million pounds of candy corn, which is about 9 billion individual pieces, are produced then sold around the holiday.

While candy corn is popular worldwide, some regions of the U.S. have a stronger demand for it. For example, truck drivers deliver more candy corn to Midwest and Southern states, where people particularly favor it.

Fun Trucking Halloween Facts

Much of the candy we all enjoy, including candy corn, is sensitive to temperature. During transport, it must be kept at the right temperature to avoid melting or becoming misshapen. Truckers ensure the quality and freshness of candy during transportation by using climate-controlled trailers (a.k.a. Reefer Trailers). These trailers regulate the temperature and humidity, preventing the candy from melting, becoming stale, or being damaged by other conditions.

Truckers-And-Treats

The seasonal demand for candy corn and other Halloween treats provides a significant boost to the trucking industry. The surge in deliveries during this period often boosts business for trucking companies as well as more job opportunities for truck drivers.

Halloween is one of the busiest times of the year for truck drivers involved in retail distribution. They often work on tight schedules to guarantee that candy, costumes, and decorations arrive on time for the holiday rush.

80% of the general public and 90% of millennial moms and young parents say they can’t imagine Halloween without chocolate and candy, and that trick-or-treating is irreplaceable. (The Harris Poll)

Halloween Trucking

Without truck drivers, the Halloween supply chain would look like a zombie apocalypse — ferocious trick-or-treaters, potential candy shortages, and empty store shelves. Their deliveries are paramount to a successful Halloween season!

View all of our scary good monthly Parts and Service Sales, here!

Don’t let missing out on a Kenworth truck haunt you! View our inventory of 450+ New and Used trucks and trailers.

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