708-467-7181     16425 Van Dam Rd., South Holland, IL 60473

 

  Buying a used Class 8 truck or other commercial rig is a smart way for owner-operators to save a lot of money in the early days of their business. While newer models are great for mileage and compliance, they often carry the unfortunate downside of a six-figure price tag. Your truck is the most important investment you'll make in your business, so it's wise to talk to us with key considerations in mind. We advise to call our main office and our experts will be able to help you.

Some things to consider why looking for the used semi truck:

Transmission

Most operators learned to drive on a truck with a manual transmission. A manual transmission is more convenient for the driver, but there are automatic transmission semi trucks available. If you're in the small category of people who have learned on an automatic, you will want to stick with that kind of transmission.

If you opt for a manual transmission, there are more variables to consider. Find out how many speeds the transmission offers. The higher the speed, the more versatility you'll have when driving. If you're new to driving a semi truck, you may not want to choose a higher number of gears. The options afforded by the higher speed count is nice, but it can be difficult to operate if you're not used to a lower-speed transmission already. Also, unless you're hauling very heavy loads through the mountains, you probably won't need the higher speeds.

 

Why Should You Have Your DPF/DOC Cleaned?

When left uncleaned, soot and ash will collect and could damage or destroy you filter. While soot and ash burn off as quickly as it accumulates when driving under load, it tends to accumulate and stay when idling or driving through slow-moving traffic.
A few key indicators that it is time for a professional cleaning are a loss in engine performance or an increase in frequency in regeneration cycles. With regular DPF cleanings you could see:

    Increased fuel efficiency
    Extended filter life
    Higher resale value if you decide to sell your truck at some point

A dirty filter may not sound like it could cause a lot of damage if left unattended, you’d be surprised by how costly it could be. This makes cleaning a necessary part of maintenance. When you factor in that replacements cost about $3,000, if not more, plus the cost of unexpected downtime, neglecting this relatively simple process could greatly affect your bottom line.
If you think your diesel is in need of DPF maintenance, visit our service department now. Our body shop and mobile truck service technicians are available to help you in Illinois.

 

The Importance Of Cleaning Diesel Filters

When was the last time you had your diesel particulate filter (DPF) or diesel oxidation catalyst (DOC) cleaned? If the answer is, “I don’t know” and your truck is newer than a 2007 model, it is time to visit a repair shop. If your diesel engine is newer than 2007, here are a few things you should know to extend your filter life and increase your fuel efficiency.
What Does a Diesel Particulate Filter or Diesel Oxidation Catalyst Do Exactly?
Before we go into detail on why you need to clean your DPF and DOC, we need to discuss how these engine components work together. The DOC protects the DPF. Vapor can interfere with the DPF’s ability to trap and remove particulate matter, so manufacturers route the exhaust through the DOC first, then into the DPF. The DOC forces the exhaust over a honeycomb ceramic structure coated with catalyst which chemically changes carbon monoxide and hydrocarbons to carbon dioxide and water. Then the exhaust gases go through the DPF where it is forced through porous channel walls, trapping and holding the remaining ash and soot.
When Is It Time To have Your DPF or DOC Cleaned? A good rule of thumb is to go in for a cleaning about every 200,000 miles or less depending on your duty style. It is possible to burn off this excess ash and soot on your own using either passive or active regeneration. Passive generation uses the normal exhaust temperatures and nitrogen dioxide to oxidize the build up and active regeneration requires much higher temperatures. Even with these different cleaning cycles, it is still important to take your truck to get serviced.