On-Site Fleet Service - Blog Article

: 27 April 2018

When to Check Your Truck’s A/C

One of the worst things that can happen to a truck or bus driver is for their air conditioning to give out during the dog days of summer. This is especially true in New Jersey, where we see our fair share of blistering summer days and prolonged heat waves every year.

Why Isn’t My Truck A/C Working?

If your A/C doesn’t seem to be working – particularly if it’s the first time you’re using it after winter – the issue could be:

There is a refrigerant leak and the unit does not have enough refrigerant to work properly.
Dirt and road debris in condenser cooling fins blocking air flow thru condenser.
There is an electrical problem, such as a blown fuse or loose connection.
The compressor belt is broken.
The clutch is sticky from being in disuse.
The cab air filter is restricted causing poor air flow thru vents, and you simply didn’t realize it as much with heating as you now do with cooling.

The Importance of Preventative Maintenance

Some newer models of trucks have more sophisticated climate controls which are electronically controlled by a separate module and a some even have a “check A/C” light. Even if your fleet is equipped with this feature and it is not lit up, you should still seek an A/C checkup each spring. A little bit of preventative maintenance in April or May can go a long way toward avoiding a meltdown (not to mention the longer repair times) in June or July when everyone is in a rush to repair their A/C due to the extreme temperatures.

Get a Complete A/C Checkup Today

New Jersey truck drivers, bus drivers and fleet managers know they can trust On-Site Fleet Service to keep them cool in summer. We’ve been in business for 40 years and have grown to become the largest non-dealership truck and bus repair provider in the entire state. Our A/C preventative maintenance covers:

Checking system pressures and refrigerant levels
Checking for refrigerant leaks with dye if needed
Checking the compressor clutch for wear and proper operation
Checking the cab air filter for restriction
Complete A/C electrical system check
Checking the climate controls for proper operation
Checking the belts for wear and proper belt alignment
Checking the evaporator and condenser for proper air flow and cooling

Stop by one of our four convenient locations to make sure your A/C is in top shape for the summer ahead!

: 26 March 2018

On-Site Introduces Logan O’Brien Jeffries as Customer Service Representative

EAST BRUNSWICK, N.J. (March 20, 2018) – On-Site Fleet Service, the largest non-dealership diesel and school bus repair provider in New Jersey, has hired Logan O’Brien Jeffries as its new Customer Service Representative the company announced.

A South Jersey native with a proven track record in sales and customer experience at the corporate level, Jeffries will be responsible for new business and onboarding within On-Site’s Kenilworth and East Brunswick territories. He will also have a hand in account management.

“This company has such a strong foundation and reputation,” Jeffries said. “There is a lot of room for growth, and I’m proud to be a part of it. To work directly with the leadership team is also very exciting.”

Jeffries began his career as a sales representative with Spectracide, a division of Spectrum Brands. His responsibilities there included generating sales materials, maintaining customer relationships and ensuring the Spectracide brand was properly presented in stores. He then joined global consulting firm AEY, Inc., where he managed business-to-business sales for Verizon. Jeffries left AEY in November 2017 to accept the opportunity with On-Site.

“Logan brings the right combination of energy and professionalism to our team,” said Rob Fraga, Operations Manager at On-Site. “We know he is going to be a key contributor in helping us continue to expand our services across New Jersey.”

Jeffries holds a B.S. in business with a focus in marketing from Fairleigh Dickinson University. He previously attended Gettysburg College, where he was a NCAA Division III athlete on the school’s football team. While in college, Jeffries served as a volunteer for TryCan, a youth sports and tutoring organization for children with autism.

About On-Site Fleet Service

On-Site Fleet Service, Inc. has been in business for more than 39 years and has grown into the largest non-dealership offering professional diesel and school bus repair in the state of New Jersey.

On-Site is a second-generation family-owned and operated repair company providing maintenance programs for school buses along with medium and heavy-duty trucks, including computerized preventive maintenance, brakes, clutches, engines, transmission rebuilding and road service. To learn more, visit www.on-sitefleetservice.com.

: 02 October 2017

Is the Check Engine Light, ABS Light or Check Transmission Light illuminated on your dash?

On-Site Fleet Service now offers an alternative to waiting for an appointment with the Dealer. Electronic engine, transmission and Brake System Diagnostics.

Cummins Insite
International’s Service Maxx, Diamond Logic Builder
Detroit Diesel Diagnostic Link (Detroit and Mercedes)
Allison DOC
Mack PTT
Volvo PTT
Isuzu IDSS
GMC Tech2Win
Ford IDS
Bendix A-com, Merritor Wabco Toolbox, & International Hydraulic ABS
Mitsubishi MUTIII and Mitsubishi Fuso-Connect
Catapillar Electronic Technician (Cat ET)
Hino
Thomas Built Bus

Over 35 years of experience! Most locations open until Midnight! Why not send your truck to us??

On-Site Truck Repair Professionals have been in business for over 35 years and has grown into the largest non-dealership doing professional diesel truck repair in the state of New Jersey.
Call any of our four locations to get your repairs done right the first time!!

**Locations:**

East Brunswick	Paul Wondoloski	732-651-1010
Rutherford	Jack Nolan	201-438-6900
Kenilworth	Frank Scotti	908-686-5230
Lakewood	Dina Clickner	732-370-2009

: 10 January 2018

Winterizing Heavy-Duty Diesel Engines: The 4 Essentials

Heavy-duty diesel engines can power through virtually any weather, but winter poses a serious threat to their performance. In order to keep your fleet reliable in sub-freezing temperatures, it’s important to winterize your trucks and/or buses. This means taking steps to prevent fuel system, starting/charging system, air brake system and cooling system failures, rather than simply reacting to an issue once it arises. Here are the four main functions to address when winterizing:

1. Fuel

The paraffin in diesel fuel can create a buildup of crystals or wax in cold weather, clogging the fuel filter and potentially leading to lack of fueling. Many fleet managers use a “winter blend” of premium fuel formulated for cold weather. Winterized fuels usually include a de-icer, wax anti-gelling agent and cold-flow improver. You can buy all of these additives separately, but if you go this route, be sure to check your owner’s manual for levels and guidelines.

2. Air-Brakes / Air Dryer

When water gets into your air-brake system in the dead of winter due to condensation from when the hotter compressed air enters the cold plumbing, it will almost certainly turn to ice. This can cause frozen valves, air dryers and other air system components. The ice blocks air from reaching the brake chambers, which may cause wheels to lock or fail to stop when the brake is applied.

Winterizing your air-brake systems involves maintenance of your air dryer, constant draining of any condensation in the air system through the air tanks, and possibly the addition of air brake alcohol before and throughout winter to ensure the systems are free of ice. It is recommended these tasks be done by a professional who understands how these systems work.

3. Battery

Even in diesel engines, batteries drain relatively quickly in cold conditions. Ideally, you want to check your batteries right before the first forecast cold snap. If any batteries are toward the end of a standard 36- to 60-month cycle, replace them. For the ones that are well-charged, the best practices are a Load Test and double checking them for secure mounting and clean connections.

4. Cooling System

It might seem counterintuitive to tend to cooling systems ahead of cold weather, but diesel engines are taxing on these systems year-round. Poor cooling maintenance can lead to premature corrosion and frozen cooling systems, causing leaks and an array of other problems. You should also be mindful of additive levels and freeze points and check them on a regular basis to adjust your coolant accordingly.

Beyond the Owner’s Manual

Your owner’s manual will go a long way toward helping you prepare your fleet for winter, but there is no substitute for professional fleet winterization. The steps above represent the bare minimum for winterizing heavy-duty diesel engines; there are additional parts to consider, which is why many New Jersey school bus, municipal and private fleet owners call On-Site Fleet Service for complete winterization services. Learn more about our company, and call us at 732-651-1600 to speak with one of our certified mechanics.

: 16 June 2017

Learn about DEF

What is DEF made from?

DEF is a mixture of deionized water and a mixture of synthetic automotive grade urea. It's carefully regulated by the American Petroleum Institute.

Do I have to fill the DEF tank with each fill-up?

No, depending on how much you're hauling, the rate of DEF use is about 2.5 gallons for 800 or so miles of travel. Depending on what year and model truck you have, you could have a fuel-gauge-like readout, a digital indicator or a simple "low" light.

Where can you buy DEF?

As you might expect, truck stops are likely to carry several brands of DEF, sometimes in multi-gallon containers or available at the pump. Here are just a few places we've found that carry DEF: Walmart, TravelCenters of America, Flying J Truck Stops, Love's Travel Stops, Petro Stopping Centers, and Pilot Travel Centers. Plus, you can purchase it by the gallon at many auto parts stores like Napa Auto Parts and Advance Auto.

There are more cons than pros with a DEF-equipped truck.

The only cons we can find are that the trucks cost a bit more, DEF requires some room in your truck, and it adds a nominal amount of weight. The pros include more optimized combustion, better fuel efficiency, increased power, reduced maintenance, fewer regenerations, less wear on the engine, plus it yields harmless nitrogen and water into the atmosphere, and it's highly reliable.

NOx isn't a big deal in the first place.

NOx is an element in exhaust that has been blamed for acid rain, smog and raising the overall greenhouse gas levels of the planet. DEF, as part of a SCR (Selective Catalyst Reduction) system, turns NOx into harmless nitrogen gas and water (which is present in the air we breathe). Whether you believe these man-made chemicals have a role to play in climate change or not, NOx is something we don't need to spew into the environment.

Are there weather limitations consumers should be aware of?

The shelf life of DEF is directly related to the temperature in which it is stored in. Storage temperatures between 12 and 86 degrees Fahrenheit are recommended to maintain optimal shelf life of up to 2 years.DEF does freeze at temperatures below 12 degrees Fahrenheit, but a vehicles heating system will melt DEF so it is completely safe to operate these systems in freezing temperatures. At a constant 120 degrees it would take two years for the DEF to turn into ammonia and evaporate. You can stop worrying about evaporation of DEF.

DEF will kill my fuel mileage.

Quite the contrary. Because the manufacturer is able to tune the engine any way it wants to, and then allow the SCR and DEF to take care of the pollutants, most manufacturers have discovered better fuel mileage (compared to other smog-reduction systems). Truck manufacturers claim it improves fuel mileage by as much as 5 percent.

Is DEF prone to contamination?

Yes. SCR systems are extremely sensitive to chemical impurities in the urea solution. Just one teaspoon of salt can contaminate 5,000 gallons of DEF. Purity is critical to ensuring proper function.

Is DEF safe to handle?

DEF is non-hazardous and non-toxic, non-flammable and non-explosive. Urea is the active ingredient in DEF, and it is used in fertilizers, plastics, animal feed, pharmaceutical applications and some cleaning agents. DEF is less toxic than many other fluids in a truck, including diesel fuel, engine oil, brake fluid, antifreeze and windshield washing fluid.

Types of coolant

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