Maintenance Matters

Driving on Ice: Winter Tire Safety, Traction & What Drivers Miss | Maintenance Matters

On this episode of Maintenance Matters on Road Gang Radio, host Jimmy Mac is joined by Kevin Lindsey of TravelCenters of America for a practical, no-nonsense conversation about driving safely on icy winter roads and the maintenance details drivers often overlook. Kevin and Jimmy break down why icy conditions demand more than just slowing down—and why tires, pressure, tread depth, and even the air inside your tires can make the difference between staying upright or losing control. The discussion covers real-world scenarios drivers face when moving from warm climates into freezing conditions, and what to check before hitting slick roads. Topics include: Why driving on ice should be avoided whenever possible The importance of drive tires over steer tires in winter traction Why uneven tire pressure on duals reduces grip on ice How cold temperatures lower tire pressure and stiffen rubber What happens when moisture inside tires freezes Why “rock-hard” tires lose traction in winter conditions How to safely break ice loose before rolling Why gentle throttle input matters on icy starts When chaining makes sense—and when it doesn’t How over-inflating tires in cold weather creates new risks Simple checks drivers can do to evaluate traction before committing to bad roads Kevin explains how traction really works on heavy trucks, why the rear axles provide stability, and how even small maintenance decisions can have serious consequences in winter weather. This episode is essential listening for drivers, owner-operators, and fleet managers navigating cold-weather operations. Maintenance Matters airs weekly on Road Gang Radio and is brought to you by TravelCenters of America. Learn more about TravelCenters of America: https://www.ta-petro.com Thanks for tuning in! You can catch our shows and segments anytime on your favorite podcast app or listen live on YouTube, Facebook, iHeart, and RadioNemo.com!

Cold Weather Diesel Maintenance: How Winter Wears Down Your Engine | Maintenance Matters

Cold weather can quietly do serious damage to diesel engines if drivers don’t understand what’s happening under the hood. In this episode of Maintenance Matters on Road Gang Radio, Kevin Lindsey of TravelCenters of America joins Jimmy Mac to break down what winter really does to your engine — from cold starts and oil viscosity to electrical connections, batteries, belts, and air intake issues. Kevin explains why diesel engines need extra care in freezing temperatures, how contraction and windchill effects inside the engine can create hidden problems, and what drivers should not do when starting a truck on a cold morning. The conversation also covers preventative maintenance strategies, battery testing, belt tension, lubrication, and why taking your time during startup can reduce long-term wear. If you drive, manage, or maintain diesel equipment in winter conditions, this episode offers practical insight to help you mitigate damage, extend component life, and stay on the road during the coldest months of the year. Thanks for tuning in! You can catch our shows and segments anytime on your favorite podcast app or listen live on YouTube, Facebook, iHeart, and RadioNemo.com!

Maintenance Matters: Cold Weather Truck Starts, Batteries & Pre-Trip Mistakes

On this episode of Road Gang Radio, host Jimmy Mac is joined by Kevin Lindsey, head of maintenance for TravelCenters of America (TA Petro), for an in-depth Maintenance Matters discussion focused on cold weather truck operation and preventive maintenance. As temperatures drop nationwide, Jimmy and Kevin break down why cold weather exposes hidden maintenance issues, from fifth-wheel lubrication problems and frozen air lines to battery failures and starting-system strain. Kevin explains why starters demand the most electrical energy on a truck, how summer heat can quietly damage batteries long before winter arrives, and why corrosion, dirt, and neglect can lead to parasitic drains and hard starts. The conversation reinforces the importance of consistent pre-trips, cleanliness, and listening to your truck’s “natural harmonics” before pulling away. Kevin shares practical guidance on warm-up time, oil viscosity, engine manufacturer recommendations, and why rushing a cold engine can accelerate wear—especially during startup, when most internal engine wear occurs. This episode is packed with real-world advice for drivers, owner-operators, technicians, and fleet managers, helping trucks start easier, last longer, and avoid preventable downtime during the coldest months of the year.

Maintenance Matters: Building a Healthy Trucking & Shop Culture | Kevin Lindsey on Road Gang Radio

On this episode of Road Gang Radio, host Jimmy Mac is joined by Kevin Lindsey, Manager of Technical Service for TravelCenters of America, for a wide-ranging conversation about culture, leadership, and communication inside truck maintenance shops. The discussion explores what a healthy trucking culture really looks like, starting at the top and extending through service advisors, technicians, and drivers. Kevin explains how consistent leadership, clear guidelines, and strong communication help keep more than 300 TA locations aligned while still allowing people to be themselves on the job. They also dive into common maintenance misunderstandings, including why performing a regen doesn’t “fix” aftertreatment problems, the importance of root cause analysis, and how asking the right questions can save drivers time, money, and frustration. Along the way, Jimmy and Kevin draw parallels between trucking, customer service, and leadership lessons from sports and everyday life. This Maintenance Matters episode is a must-listen for drivers, technicians, shop managers, and anyone interested in building strong teams, improving communication, and keeping trucks—and people—moving.

Maintenance Matters: How TA Keeps 300 Truck Shops Running Nationwide | Road Gang Radio

On this episode of Road Gang Radio, host Jimmy Mac sits down with Kevin Lindsey, Manager of Technical Service for TravelCenters of America, for an in-depth conversation on truck maintenance, data-driven diagnostics, and keeping nearly 300 service locations operating consistently across the country. Kevin breaks down what his role really looks like behind the scenes, how TA uses data analytics to identify nationwide and regional maintenance trends, and why aftertreatment systems continue to be one of the biggest challenges in trucking. The discussion also covers EPA regulations, troubleshooting modern emissions systems, and how TA works to ensure drivers receive the same clear maintenance message no matter where they stop. The conversation wraps with practical advice for drivers heading into 2026, including the importance of DVIRs, scheduled maintenance, communication with service providers, and why getting to know your truck can save time, money, and downtime. This episode of Maintenance Matters is packed with real-world insight for owner-operators, fleet drivers, and anyone involved in truck maintenance and operations.