Truck Parts and Service | Heavy Duty Trucking, Aftermarket, Service Info
Issue link: http://read.dmtmag.com/i/272272
16 Service Bay M aintaining heavy-duty equip- ment is a tough job. But during a winter like this one, where the Polar vortex and arctic temperatures have covered most of North America for months, it can feel downright impossible. Snow, wind, freezing rain, road chemicals and frigid temperatures all have adverse effects on heavy-duty components. This is especially true for commercial trailers, where nearly all components are completely exposed to winter elements. To keep a trailer operating at peak performance levels during a winter like this, fl eets and owner-operators must be diligent in inspecting equipment for breakdowns and spec'ing the right after- market parts. That's where your business comes in. Distributors and independent service shops prepared to serve customers dur- ing this punishing weather have a signifi - cant advantage in the marketplace. "[Weather] extremes one way or another can have an effect throughout a trailer," says Jeff Driver, vice president of sales and marketing for Vanguard National Parts. "In the winter we don't necessarily see more repairs — but there are a lot more breakdowns." Arguably the biggest hindrance to commercial trailers during winter months is corrosion. "In the winter it doesn't take long" for corrosion to become a major problem, says Tom Draper, marketing manager at Grote Industries. Corrosion occurs when water and road chemicals seep into a component and begin compromising the integrity of the product. Though most com- monly identifi ed in electrical systems and brakes, corrosion can cause problems throughout a commercial trailer, says Draper. "Salt water and electricity creates kind of a perfect storm for corrosion," adds Dennis Damman, national fl eet sales manager at Phillips Industries. Today's aftermarket suppliers offer a T R U C K P A R T S & S E R V I C E | M a r c h 2 0 1 4 By Lucas Deal, Editor lucasdeal@randallreilly.com [Weather] extremes one way or another can have an effect throughout a trailer. – Jeff Driver, vice president of sales and marketing for Vanguard National Parts Selling in a winter wonderland When temps fall, aftermarket trailer part sales go up