Tech Talk
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Podcast Overview
<p>Executive Director of ATA’s Technology and Maintenance Council Robert Braswell and special guests discuss the latest in tech and design and answer questions about truck maintenance. Informative and impartial, Tech Talk takes no sides and endorses no products. It simply talks the tech relevant today. </p>
Language
🇺🇲
Publishing Since
6/12/2025
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Recent Episodes
February 3, 2026
Cold Weather Truck Maintenance: Batteries, Fuel, Brakes & Winterfronts | Tech Talk with TMC
On this episode of Tech Talk with TMC on Road Gang Radio, guest host Robert Braswell, Executive Director of the ATA Technology & Maintenance Council (TMC), is joined by longtime TMC contributor and Silver Spark Plug recipient Derry Stewart of DWS Fleet Management for an in-depth discussion on cold weather truck operation and maintenance.With extreme cold impacting much of the country, Robert and Derry break down the critical systems that fail first in winter and what drivers, owner-operators, and fleets can do to stay moving and stay safe. From batteries and fuel to winterfronts, cooling systems, and brakes, this episode focuses on preventive maintenance—not roadside reactions.Topics include:Why winter breakdowns are often caused by summer damageBattery maintenance, voltage loss, and electrical connectionsWhy batteries matter more than oil in cold weatherFuel condensation, water contamination, and filter freeze-upsWhen and how to blend diesel with keroseneAdditives, isopropyl alcohol, and moisture controlFuel heaters: in-tank, coolant-based, and electrical optionsWinterfront design mistakes that damage cooling systemsThermostats, radiator caps, and engine operating temperatureCoolant ratios and freeze protection best practicesAir system freezing, brake drag, and alcohol useWhat to carry in the cab for cold-weather emergenciesThis episode emphasizes planning ahead, disciplined maintenance, and understanding how cold weather truly affects modern trucks. A must-listen for anyone operating in freezing conditions.Tech Talk with TMC airs regularly on Road Gang Radio and features experts from the Technology & Maintenance Council sharing real-world, consensus-based guidance for the trucking industry.Learn more about TMC:https://tmc.trucking.orgThanks 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!
January 27, 2026
Tech Talk with TMC: Wheel End & Spindle Inspection Explained
On this episode of Tech Talk with TMC on Road Gang Radio, host Robert Braswell is joined by Roger Maye, National Service Manager for Consolidated Metco (KMET), to break down one of the most critical—and often overlooked—areas of truck maintenance: wheel ends and spindle inspection.The conversation centers on TMC’s newly proposed Recommended Practice RP 665: Spindle Inspection Guidelines, which is currently out for ballot. Roger explains why spindle wear frequently goes unnoticed during seal or bearing service, how cone race rotation causes hidden damage, and why technicians must inspect every component once a wheel end is disassembled—not just the part that failed.Key topics include:What actually makes up a wheel end (beyond just the wheel itself)Why spindle shoulders, journals, and mounting hardware matterHow cone race rotation leads to spindle wear and seal failuresProper spindle measurement techniques and acceptable wear limitsGo/no-go gauges, micrometers, and inspection best practicesHow excessive end play contributes to tire wear, bearing failure, and ABS faultsCommon mistakes during seal replacement and hub reassemblyWhat drivers can catch during pre-trip inspections before failures occurWhy clean, correctly filled lubrication is critical to wheel end healthRobert and Roger also explain how TMC Recommended Practices are built through industry consensus, why they are valuable to fleets, owner-operators, and technicians alike, and how RP 665 fits alongside established wheel end RPs like RP 644A.This episode is essential listening for technicians, fleet managers, owner-operators, and drivers who want to prevent wheel end failures, reduce downtime, and improve safety through proper inspection and preventive maintenance.Learn more about the Technology & Maintenance Council (TMC):https://tmc.trucking.org 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!
January 20, 2026
Tech Talk with TMC: Cold Weather Air Brake Maintenance Facts & Myths
On this episode of Tech Talk with TMC, host Robert Braswell welcomes Brian Screeton, Manager of Technical Training Services at Bendix Commercial Vehicle Systems, for an in-depth Tech Talk with TMC discussion focused on air brake system maintenance in cold weather.As winter conditions put added stress on pneumatic systems, Robert and Brian break down the facts and falsehoods of air system maintenance, including common misconceptions that can actually increase moisture and contamination. The conversation explains why clean, dry air is critical for safe braking, how air dryers and desiccant cartridges really work, and why draining air tanks every day may do more harm than good.Brian shares expert insight on:Proper air tank draining intervals based on duty cycleHow over-draining can overload air dryers and reduce effectivenessWhy airline antifreeze is not a preventive solution and can damage valves and sealsCold-weather startup tips to prevent frozen air systemsIdentifying contamination from water, oil, rust, and improper repairsBest practices for glad hands, seals, tractor protection valves, and fittingsWhy excessive Teflon tape and sealant can cause internal valve failuresThe discussion also highlights the importance of application-specific maintenance, working with vendors to spec the right air dryer, and following TMC Recommended Practices to extend component life and improve safety.This episode is essential listening for drivers, owner-operators, technicians, and fleet maintenance professionals who want to avoid winter breakdowns and keep air brake systems operating safely and reliably.Learn more about the Technology & Maintenance Council athttps://tmc.trucking.orgLearn more about Bendix Commercial Vehicle Systems athttps://www.bendix.comThanks 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!
30 total episodes available
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Frequently asked questions
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- What is Tech Talk?
<p>Executive Director of ATA’s Technology and Maintenance Council Robert Braswell and special guests discuss the latest in tech and design and answer questions about truck maintenance. Informative and impartial, Tech Talk takes no sides and endorses no products. It simply talks the tech relevant today. </p> - How often does this podcast release new episodes?
This podcast updates daily.
- Where can I listen to this podcast?
This podcast is available on 4 platforms including Apple Podcasts, Spotify, and more. You can also use the RSS feed directly.
- Does this podcast accept guests?
Yes, this podcast regularly features guests.
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