Driving a heavy-duty truck with misaligned wheels puts safety, fuel economy, and tires at risk. This short guide breaks down the five telltale signs — uneven tire wear, pulling to one side, steering vibration, an off-center wheel, and squealing tires — so drivers and fleet managers can spot misalignment early and take action to avoid costly downtime and repairs.

When it comes to semi truck inspections, knowing where and how to get your vehicle inspected is crucial for staying safe and compliant on the road. Semi trucks face unique challenges due to their size, weight, and load demands, making regular DOT inspections essential. This guide covers key tips for local semi truck inspections, federal DOT inspection requirements, common safety checkpoints, and maintenance steps to keep your truck compliant, avoid violations, and ensure reliable performance.

The diesel particulate filter (DPF) plays a critical role in reducing harmful soot emissions from diesel engines — but over time, the filter can become clogged if the trapped soot isn’t removed. That’s where regeneration comes in. There are three common regeneration methods: passive regeneration, which naturally burns off soot during long highway drives when exhaust temperatures are high; active regeneration, where the engine’s control unit injects extra fuel to raise exhaust heat and burn off soot when regular driving isn’t enough; and manual (or forced) regeneration, a technician or driver-initiated cleaning for severely clogged filters. Understanding how each process works can help truck owners and drivers optimize DPF maintenance, prevent costly downtime, and stay compliant with emissions standards.

Poor truck handling isn’t just uncomfortable—it’s a safety risk. This guide breaks down the common causes of handling problems in medium- and heavy-duty trucks, including damaged shock absorbers, worn bushings, misalignment, seized brakes, and overheating power steering fluid. Each issue can affect stability, control, and tire wear, but regular maintenance and timely repairs can keep your truck road-ready.

Your turbocharger plays a critical role in your semi-truck’s performance. Off-brand options may save money upfront but often lead to poor fuel efficiency, breakdowns, and expensive repairs. A quality, name-brand turbo delivers reliable power, better fuel economy, and long-term value—keeping you on the road and out of the shop.

Discover what makes a semi-truck reliable—from torque and fuel efficiency to the best engines and brands like Caterpillar and Cummins. Learn how to extend your truck’s lifespan with smart driving and maintenance.