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Aug 22 24

CVSA Brake Safety Week: August 25-31 | Key Tips for Commercial Vehicle Brake Maintenance

by twilliams
CVSA Brake Safety Week inspection of Commercial Vehicle Brakes

Importance of Brake Safety Week

The Commercial Vehicle Safety Alliance (CVSA) has scheduled Brake Safety Week for August 25 – 31.

According to the CVSA’s official website, “Brake Safety Week is a commercial motor vehicle and driver inspection and regulatory compliance enforcement initiative, a brake-safety awareness and outreach opportunity, and a brake-related inspection and violation data-collection project.” (Source)

This year’s focus is on the condition of brake linings and pads. The importance of this week is to emphasize properly-maintained brake systems. Any issue with these components could lead to vehicle violations and negatively impact a motor carrier’s safety rating.

Operation Airbrake: Enhancing Road Safety

Known as Operation Airbrake, this campaign is dedicated to improving commercial vehicle brake safety across North America. “The goal is to reduce the number of highway crashes caused by faulty braking systems on commercial motor vehicles by conducting roadside inspection and educating drivers, mechanics, owner-operators and others on the importance of proper brake inspection, maintenance, and operation.” (Source)

The CVSA notes that the largest percentage of vehicle infractions during roadside inspections are from brake-related violations. Improperly installed or poorly maintained brake systems can decrease a truck’s braking capacity and increase braking distance. This could pose a serious safety risk to all drivers on the road.

Commercial motor vehicle inspectors assess brake system components and issue violations for trucks that don’t pass inspections.

There is a hefty price tag that comes with being handed an out-of-service order. Violators will be fined and forced to tow their vehicle. The total combined cost of the fine, towing, and repairs can be extremely expensive. In order to avoid those exorbitant costs, make sure your truck is up-to-date on DOT standards. At your next service appointment, ask for the full DOT standard inspection to make sure there is no chance of failing the next brake safety check.

10 Brake Lining and Pad Tips

Here are some tips from CVSA-certified inspectors to help ensure your brake linings and pads have no issues during a roadside inspection.

  1. Inspect visible portions of the brake linings and pads as part of your pre- and post-trip inspections.
  2. Identify signs of missing lining, such as grooves in the drum from rivet contact.
  3. Look at the shoe-to-drum clearance and ensure there is adequate lining on the shoe.
  4. Examine any signs of leaks or other components that may be contaminating the lining/pad surface.
  5. Ensure there are no missing lining blocks/pads.
  6. Check for visible cracks or voids in the lining block.
  7. Check for any exposed rivets or lining blocks that look loose on the shoe.
  8. On disc brakes, pay particular attention to the condition of the rotor, such as heavily rusted rotors across the entire friction surface on either side or metal-to-metal contact.
  9. Make sure all repairs are consistent with the brake manufacturer’s requirements and guidelines.
  10. Note any issues in your driver vehicle inspection reports and report them to the motor carrier to have the defective linings/pads repaired. (Source: Operation Airbrake)

By following these tips, you can ensure your vehicle is compliant with CVSA standards and avoid costly violations. Stay safe on the road and keep your brake systems in top conditions.

Contact our Service Departments to schedule a brake inspection or your next maintenance appointment: Coopersburg Kenworth, Liberty Kenworth of South Jersey, and Liberty Kenworth of Bristol.

Learn more about what we offer: New Trucks, Used Trucks, Just Listed Trucks, Parts Department, Body Shop, Financing, Contact Us.

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Aug 8 24

Brake Violations to Avoid for Commercial Trucks

by twilliams
Avoid Brake Violations

The Commercial Vehicle Safety Alliance (CVSA) Brake Safety Week is quickly approaching.

Brake Safety Week 2024

This year’s focus of Brake Safety Week is the condition of your truck’s brake linings and pads. One of the most common roadside violations in commercial trucks involves the brake systems.

Commercial truck brake violations pose significant dangers to drivers and pedestrians. They can also lead to hefty fines and out-of-service orders. In 2023, on an annual unannounced Brake Safety Day, CVSA inspectors wrote violations for 11.3% of vehicles checked for brake-related issues. These inspections were conducted throughout Canada, Mexico, and the United States. (Source)

Of that 2023 inspection, just over 475 of the trucks checked had 20% brake violations. A vehicle is declared out of service when 20% or more of its service brakes had an out-of-service condition. The inspectors documented two other conditions: broken or inoperative systems and mismatched or inoperative steering axle brakes. (Source)

Commercial Vehicle Safety Alliance Lining/Pad Violations for 2023
Commercial Vehicle Safety Alliance – Lining/Pad Violations (2023)

Avoid Commercial Truck Brake Violations

To prevent such violations, it is important to routinely inspect and maintain your truck’s braking system. Typical maintenance on your truck’s brake system includes the wheels, brake linings and pads, brake shoes and drums, hoses and tubing, lining blocks, disc brakes, and rotors.

Brake system issues can include wear, fluid or air leaks, cracks, corrosion, contamination, faulty, inoperative, or broken parts and systems.

Address any issues promptly and regularly service your truck. Coopersburg & Liberty Kenworth has amazing Award-Winning Service Departments at three of our locations: Coopersburg Kenworth, Liberty Kenworth of South Jersey, and Liberty Kenworth of Bristol.

Brake Inspection and Repair Services

Our service experts can tackle any job from major and minor repairs, factory recall repairs to preventative and seasonal maintenance, body repairs, and more. Our certified technicians will save you time and money by working efficiently to get you back on the road.

Before hitting the road, conduct your own pre-trip inspection to ensure your vehicle is safe to drive. Test for leaks, cracks or breaking parts, loose fittings, and anything else that may seem unusual. The CVSA has a brake inspection checklist as a resource to guarantee your brakes are in prime condition.

The CVSA has scheduled Brake Safety Week August 25 – 31.

Read our other blogs on topics relating to the CVSA.

Contact our Service Departments to schedule a brake inspection or your next maintenance appointment: Coopersburg Kenworth, Liberty Kenworth of South Jersey, and Liberty Kenworth of Bristol.

Learn more about what we offer: New Trucks, Used Trucks, Just Listed Trucks, Parts Department, Body Shop, Financing, Contact Us.

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Jul 25 24

What are Vocational Trucks?

by twilliams
Vocational Kenworth Trucks
Photo Credit: Kenworth Work Trucks

Vocational Trucks vs. Semi-Trucks

A vocational truck is a durable, sturdy vehicle designed to efficiently handle specialized tasks. Unlike the average semi-truck, which mostly carries general freight, vocational trucks are built for specific jobs. More precisely, industries that commonly use them are construction, transportation, and maintenance services.

Able to handle a wide variety of heavy-duty operations, uses for work trucks include:

  • Pick-Up, Delivery, and Distribution
  • Garbage Collection
  • Concrete Mixing
  • Tree Trimming
  • Construction
  • Utility Services
  • Snow Plowing
  • Street Sweeping
  • And More

These trucks can be customized with different configurations and attachments to suit the requirements of each job. Their prices vary based on truck type, body style, engine specs, and truck make/model.

Popular Vocational Trucks

Vocational truck types at Coopersburg & Liberty Kenworth include:

Whatever your business or need for a vocational truck, you are guaranteed to find something on our lots at Coopersburg Kenworth and Liberty Kenworth of South Jersey. Our inventory boasts over 100 units of new and used vocational trucks… and more are coming!

Needs and Roles

Vocational trucks serve critical roles across a variety of industries because of their features and capabilities. Some of the primary needs include:

  • Heavy-Duty Performance: Ensures reliability and durability when carrying heavy loads in rugged terrains and demanding environments.
  • Versatility and Flexibility: Adapts to diverse tasks within industries for optimized operational use.
  • Safety and Compliance: Equipped with safety features and adheres to regulatory standards to ensure safe operations.
  • Reliability: Delivers consistent performance under challenging conditions.

Popular Kenworth Vocational Models

  • T880: Known for it’s versatility and durability, the T880 is suitable for a wide range of vocational applications including dump trucks, mixers, refuse trucks, and heavy haul.
  • T800: A proven workhorse, the T800 is reliable and versatile. They are highly customizable and built with a strong and durable frame to handle tough jobs.
  • W990: The W990 combines classic Kenworth styling with power and performance for heavy-duty applications. It’s modern design maximizes efficiency.

Work trucks make up a huge part of the trucking industry. Their build provides solutions that enhance productivity, safety, and efficiency.

Kenworth: Your Choice of Truck

Kenworth vocational trucks stand out as the ideal choice because of their unparalleled durability, power and performance, versatile customization options, advanced technological features, and superior driver comfort.

For drivers who desire these features in their work vehicle, our Kenworth vocational trucks offer a unique combination of these essential needs, making them a smart investment for a successful career on the road.

Vocational Trucks at Coopersburg & Liberty Kenworth

Coopersburg & Liberty Kenworth is seeing an influx of 2024 and 2025 Kenworth Vocational trucks entering our lots this summer. Our dealerships have more than 450 trucks in stock as of July 2024! This is our LARGEST amount of inventory to date! Much of that inventory comes from work trucks such as Roll Off, Hooklift, Refuse, and Dump trucks.

Contact our sales team at any of our dealership locations to learn more about our extensive vocational vehicle inventory.

View our New, Used, and Just Listed Truck Inventory on our homepage!

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Jul 7 24

Operation Safe Driver Week: July 7-13 | Committed to Road Safety

by twilliams
Safe Driving Practices for Operation Safe Driver Week

The CVSA’s Operation Safe Driver Week is “a safe-driving enforcement and outreach initiative aimed at improving driving behaviors through educational and traffic-enforcement strategies and driver interactions with law enforcement.” (Source)

This year’s focus will be addressing reckless, careless, or dangerous truckload driving. Risky and unsafe driving practices include: speeding, distracted driving, tailgating, impaired driving, and more.

Reckless driving occurs when a driver operates a vehicle with blatant disregard for the safety of individuals or property. Careless or Dangerous driving involves inadequate attention to road safety. It also involves lack of care, attention, and consideration for fellow motorists and pedestrians. Consequently, authorities will pull over offenders and may issue warnings or citations.

Improving Our Roadways

The CVSA states that, “Operation Safe Driver Week aims to improve the safety of our roadways through proactive driver safety outreach and education, and by addressing unsafe driving behaviors through responsive traffic enforcement when drivers are identified engaging in dangerous driving behaviors on our roadways.” (Source)

According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, there were 42,795 fatal traffic crashes in the United States in 2022. The administration also states that while high-visibility communication and outreach are essential to these safety programs, they will not improve unless authorities vigorously enforce them.

Limited Distracted Driving

It is important to practice safe and focused driving behaviors every time you get behind the wheel. There are a few things you can do to limit the distractions around you when on the road:

  • Pay close attention to your surroundings using your mirrors
  • Practice safety by securing cargo that may move around while in motion
  • Keep to the speed limit
  • Cut out distractions such as texting, loud music, etcetera
  • Follow the “2-second rule” to set a safe following distance from the vehicle ahead of you
  • Build extra time into your driving trip in case of unexpected delays such as traffic, accidents, stops for food, drink, or bathroom breaks

At Coopersburg & Liberty Kenworth, we share the CVSA’s commitment to ensuring the safety of every driver on the road. Join us in supporting Operating Safe Driver by evaluating your own driving habits. Make a positive impact by staying focused and following all road rules. Together, we can create safer roads for everyone.

Learn more about our locations, here: Coopersburg Kenworth, Liberty Kenworth of Swedesboro, TRP Pottstown, and Liberty Kenworth of Bristol.

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Jun 20 24

Summer Truck Maintenance Musts

by twilliams
Summer Truck Maintenance

Summer is fast approaching but the warm weather is already here. As the seasons change, especially when the temperatures rise, it is important to keep your truck serviced. The Coopersburg & Liberty Kenworth Service Department has the truck maintenance musts you need to follow going into the summer.

SUMMER TRUCK MAINTENANCE MUSTS

Must Inspect: Tires

Driving in extreme temperatures on the road can cause plenty of issues to your tires. Heat can cause the air in your tires to expand, which can result in over inflation. Inspect your tires during precheck, when the tires are temperate and follow the tire or manufacturer’s recommended PSI levels. Continuously check the tread levels and depth to ensure they are in good condition. Replace or repair your tires if there are any signs of damage such as cracks, sidewall damage, uneven tread, or anything that does not seem typical. Rotate your tires, if necessary. Ensure your suspension is properly aligned.

Must Maintain: Air Conditioning and Cooling Systems

Making sure your air conditioning system works is paramount when entering the summer season. Inspect belts, hoses, fittings, and the blower motor for signs of damage. Signs that you may need to replace any parts of your air conditioning or cooling systems include: bulges, tears or leaks, cracks, punctures, seepage, or any other type of damage that does not look normal.

Contaminants such as road debris, dirt, bugs, and salt can clog the cabin air filters. Cleaning or replacing the cabin air filters at the beginning of the season will keep the air in your cab fresh. Depending on the vehicle and environment, change the filter every 12,000 to 15,000 miles.

There are two other important pieces of maintenance to prep for summer. Change the engine air filter and the air dryer cartridge. The engine air filter should be replaced twice a year, but that can depend on how frequently you service your truck and the environment in which your truck runs. The air dryer cartridge should be replaced at minimum of once a year. This filter pulls moisture out of the air system which works extra hard during the warmer months.

Must Change: Fluids

Topping off or changing the oil and other fluids will help improve the effectiveness and function of your truck. These fluids include windshield wiper fluid, coolant, engine oil, transmission fluid, and power steering fluid. The recommended oil change interval varies from 10,000 to 35,000 miles, based on idle time. The higher the idle time, the more frequently you should change the oil. Your truck chassis should also be greased at least once a month. Taking these precautions will help protect the engine as well as prevent costly repairs that may be needed down the road.

Purchase fluids and other parts at any of our Parts Store locations.

Must Clean: Battery

Extreme heat can cause weakened or low voltage in your truck battery. It could even cause the battery to drain and die. To prevent this, keep the battery clean of any dirt or engine grease. Corrosion, cracks, swelling or damage clearly indicate that you will need to clean your batteries or get them replaced. If any of your batteries are reading lower than 12.7 Volts, that is a problem. Periodically, check that the battery mounting is secure. In addition, check that the battery cables are tight and free of corrosion. Test the alternator to ensure it’s charging the battery correctly. If your truck’s motor is slow to turn over, that is another early sign that the batteries may need to be replaced. A clean battery contributes to a well-running truck!

Must Schedule: Your Summer Truck Maintenance Service Appointment at Coopersburg & Liberty Kenworth

Our top-notch service experts at Coopersburg Kenworth and Liberty Kenworth of South Jersey work hard to get you back on the road. Services include major and minor repairs, factory recall repairs, preventative and seasonal maintenance, body repairs, and more.

If you’re a heavy-duty truck owner-operator in the Northeast, we are your one-stop-shop for sales, service and parts. Don’t wait until it’s too late, book your next service appointment online or by calling us today!

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