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Home Under The Hood

Under the hood

Tips, News, Industry insights and more, all available Under the Hood at Parts for Trucks

Tips & Troubleshooting
Can Poor-Quality DEF Damage Your SCR System?
Is your DEF damaging your truck and causing it to spend more time in the shop? It could be contamination. That Contamination could be plugging injectors, causing sensors to fail and more. Is your DEF up to spec?
Tips & Troubleshooting
Most Common DEF System Failures in Diesel Trucks
Issues, symptoms and replacement for the most common issues found on trucks with DEF system failures.
Tips & Troubleshooting
How Much DEF Does a Diesel Truck Use?
Ever wonder how much DEF you are consuming? Is it too high? Too low? What factors affect DEF usage and what can you do if something is wrong?
Tips & Troubleshooting
How Long Does DEF Last? Shelf Life and Storage Tips
Storing DEF? Don't let it spoil before you use it all. We'll cover important things to consider when purchasing DEF in bulk.
Tips & Troubleshooting
DEF Warning Lights Explained: What Your Truck Is Telling You
Did a DEF warning light just illuminate on your dashboard? Knowing what it means and how to handle it (or not) is critical to the longevity of your aftertreatment system.
Tips & Troubleshooting
Does DEF Freeze? What Happens to Diesel Exhaust Fluid in Cold Weather
DEF freezes at –11°C. Freezing doesn’t harm DEF, but knowing what to do when it does freeze is important.
Tips & Troubleshooting
DEF Explained: What Diesel Exhaust Fluid Is and Why Your Truck Needs It
DEF keeps modern diesel trucks compliant and running at full power by reducing NOx emissions. Proper handling, storage, and maintenance prevent frozen fluid issues, contamination, warnings, and costly SCR failures.
Tips & Troubleshooting
How the Alternator Keeps Your Vehicle Running
The alternator is your vehicle’s hidden powerhouse, converting engine motion into electricity to keep your battery charged and every system running smoothly. From headlights to climate control, it powers it all. Modern designs are more efficient, durable, and vital than ever, driving today’s vehicles
Tips & Troubleshooting
Stop with Confidence
Engineered for maximum performance and durability, the FS and FR series deliver consistent braking power across the toughest conditions. FMVSS 121 approved and built for heavy-duty applications, these premium friction materials provide exceptional wear life, drum compatibility, and reliability — keeping your fleet safe, efficient, and always in control.
Tips & Troubleshooting
Stop Guessing, Start Testing: A Starter Motor Diagnostics Guide
Starting system failures are misdiagnosed, leading to unnecessary parts replacement. Check your Starter before replacing other parts.
Tips & Troubleshooting
The Holy Grail of Brake Maintenance
BrakeMate streamlines heavy vehicle brake maintenance by lifting assemblies safely, reducing strain, boosting efficiency, and supporting multiple brake tasks.
Tips & Troubleshooting
Understanding Commercial Vehicle Classifications and Identification
Understanding how heavy duty vehicles are classified is essential for ensuring proper care and maximizing performance.
Tips & Troubleshooting
Your Oil Looks Clean—But This Filter Mistake Could Destroy Your Engine
Your engine oil might look clean—but that doesn’t mean your engine is safe. In heavy-duty trucks, oil filters are silent protectors, and when they fail, they rarely show obvious signs—until it’s too late.
Tips & Troubleshooting
Don’t Tow Without Knowing This: Trailer Brake Systems Explained
Trailer brakes improve safety and control. This video explains surge, electric, and electric over hydraulic systems to help choose the right one.
Tips & Troubleshooting
Keeping Your Work Truck Clean and Organized
Your work truck is more than just transportation—it’s your mobile office and tool shed. Discover why keeping it clean and organized boosts safety, productivity, and peace of mind, plus get quick tips and gear recommendations to stay on track.
Tips & Troubleshooting
Wheels vs. Rims: Clearing Up the Confusion for Heavy-Duty Trucks
When it comes to maintaining and upgrading commercial vehicles, understanding the differences between wheels and rims is essential. In this guide, we'll explore the differences.
Tips & Troubleshooting
The Right Way to Trim Tire Repair Plugs
Properly trimming tire repair plugs ensures durable repairs. Experts recommend cutting the plug flush with the tread to prevent weakening from road wear.
Tips & Troubleshooting
Truck Parts Breakdown: When to Repair vs. When to Replace
To repair or replace, that is the question.
Tips & Troubleshooting
Ensuring Safe Wheel Fastening Practices: A Comprehensive Guide
Ensuring safe wheel fastening is crucial for vehicle safety. Proper procedures prevent loose or over-tightened wheels, ensuring reliability and safety.
Tips & Troubleshooting
Striking a Balance: The Essential Guide to Properly Loading a Light Trailer
Hauling a light trailer is more than just hooking up and driving away. You have to make sure you’ve loaded it correctly.
Tips & Troubleshooting
Back to Basics: ABS
Confused about ABS? Learn about how they work, what they do and unravel the codes, explaining the basics of systems
Tips & Troubleshooting
The Role of Restriction Gauges in Heavy-Duty Engines
An article covering the role of restriction gauges in heavy-duty engines.
Tips & Troubleshooting
Installing Markings on Stainless Steel
A tech tips article outlining the factors to consider when dealing with adhesion issues on stainless steel.
Tips & Troubleshooting
How to Check your Battery Condition
Do you know how to check the condition of your batteries?
Tips & Troubleshooting
It Might Not Be Your Battery
A blog post discussing how batteries often get blamed if a vehicle doesn't start, as well as exploring what the issue may really be.
Tips & Troubleshooting
A Charged Topic
A blog article exploring the relationship betweeen alternators and batteries.
Tips & Troubleshooting
Order Matters: Hooking Up For A Battery Boost
A Tech Tips article on how to jump-start your vehicle with a step-by-step guide.
Tips & Troubleshooting
Foolproof Advice for Wheel Bearing Installation
A Tech Tips article on how to protect your bearings from dirt and moisture.
Tips & Troubleshooting
Mastering Wheel Maintenance
A blog post on the topic of wheel maintenance.
Tips & Troubleshooting
Smooth Ride Guaranteed
A blog article on how to resolve vibrating driveshafts.
Tips & Troubleshooting
Tech Tips - Driveline Lubrication
A Tech Tips article on the maintenance steps needed to reduce driveline problems.
Tips & Troubleshooting
Brake Maintenance Tech Tips
A Tech Tips article on what to do and what to look out for when you take your vehicle in for a brake maintenance check.
Tips & Troubleshooting
What Does 5W-30 Stand for Anyway?
An article on what the differences between different types of oil, and what the codes and numbers on the products really mean.
Tips & Troubleshooting
Tech Tips - Air Suspension and U-Joint Life
A Tech Tips article on extending the life of your air suspension and u-joint.
Tips & Troubleshooting
Alternator Service
Electrical problems? Don't be too quick to blame it on a defective alternator.
Tips & Troubleshooting
Common Causes of Fuel Filter Plugging
A blog post on the common causes of fuel filter plugging.
Tips & Troubleshooting
Corrosion - Lighting's Worst Enemy
A blog post on the topic of lighting and the common maintenance issues, especially corrosion.
Tips & Troubleshooting
Air Spring Preventative Maintenance Checklist
A blog post exploring an air spring preventative maintenance checklist.
Tips & Troubleshooting
Air Dryer Maintenance | Tech Tips
A blog post on why air dryers systems are important to your vehicle, and how a driver can "manually" do a maintenance check.
Tips & Troubleshooting
Charging System Troubleshooting | Tech Tips
A blog post on charging system troubleshooting. The post has a list of possible issues and their causes.
Tips & Troubleshooting
Don't Shoot!
A blog post on how the use of pressurized oil guns to prefill lube filters can cause damage.
Tips & Troubleshooting
Do More With Dual Pressure Hydraulics
The two types of dual pressure hydraulics. Below the video is a transcript of the video.