Chapter 1 PowerPoint

Define these Technical Terms using the textbook:

1. Air Brakes

2. Axle

3. Differential

4. Driveshaft

5. Fifth Wheel

6. Gross Vehicle Weight

7. Landing Gear Assembly

8. Original Equipment Manufacturer (OEM)

9. Powertrain

10. Torque

Answer these discussion questions using the textbook:

1. List 5 major heavy truck OEM's.

Read the chapter summary below:

■ The number of trucks on the road is increasing but the number of qualified truck technicians is decreasing.

■ Trucks are classified by their gross vehicle weight (GVW), the weight of the vehicle and maximum load, and by the number of axles they have. Heavy duty trucks have a GVW of more than 26,001 pounds (11,794 kg) or more.

■ The major systems in on-highway trucks are: engines, electrical systems, clutches, transmissions, driveshafts, axles, steering, suspension systems, wheels and tires, brakes, vehicles retarders, chassis frame, fifth wheel, heating and air conditioning, and accessories.

■ Heavy-duty truck technicians are employed by fleet operations, fleet shops, dealership shops, independent truck service shops, specialty service shops, and other types of truck shops like truck leasing shops and refuse haulers.

■ Job classifications in the heavy-duty truck industry include the service technician, who maintains and repairs all systems; the specialty technician, who maintains and repairs a single system; the service writer, who deals directly with the drivers and communicates directly with service technicians; the parts manager and parts department employees, who maintain the inventory of parts needed for maintenance and repair; the shop supervisor, who is in charge of the service technicians; and the service manager, who oversees the entire operation of a large dealership, fleet, or independent shop.

■ A successful heavy-duty truck technician must be able to maintain good customer relations and working relations, use effective communications skills, maintain a safe work environment, perform preventive maintenance, use tools and equipment properly, troubleshoot, correct problems by repairing or replacing, and upgrade skills and knowledge continuously.

■ Training for heavy-duty truck technicians is offered by vocational/technical schools, community colleges, fleet training programs, and manufacturer training programs.

■ Heavy-duty truck technicians with at least 2 years experience of hands-on experience can obtain certifications from the National Institute for Automotive Service Excellence (ASE) by passing written exams.

■ Technicians should consider joining a professional association such as the Technology and Maintenance Council (TMC) to maintain technical currency.

■ SuperTech is a national truck technician rodeo held at the TMC annual fall meeting during which technicians compete for grand champion status.