FleetWatch Online - Headlines092006

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February 2007

Crossing of death . . .

A concerned reader has written to FleetWatch urging us to warn operators of a dangerous intersection in Pretoria East known as the ‘Crossing of Death’.

Brake and Tyre Watch . . .

We thought we had seen it all in terms of unroadworthy vehicles at our first BrakeWatch exercise held at City Deep. Our second, at Middelburg, opened our eyes even further with 24 out of 35 vehicles tested served with Discontinuation of Service notices.

Tyre woes . . .

FleetWatch’s BrakeWatch initiative now has a new partner, TyreWatch, launched at the Middelburg test centre in late 2006. Bridgestone South Africa partners with FleetWatch in this new initiative and its technical team not only trained traffic officials on tyre matters but found mind-boggling truck tyre faults on the day. Here are lessons for all.

Empowering the Cops . . .

After one day of training, we saw empowerment in action when a revitalised and more confident traffic force went out to do their job more effectively.

Special report – Diesel and lubrication

Diet Right or Die . . .

While top athletes have access to specialist advice and technologies to help them run at peak levels, commercial trucking in South Africa is yet to put down on paper a definitive ‘Diesel Diet Plan’ to enhance truck performance and boost bottom line performance - until now, that is. A Special Report compiled by Paul Collings.

Lorry Lurgy . . .

At a recent conference, several diesel and truck engine experts shed light on the subject of how and why modern diesel engines fail - and how to prevent such failures. Rob Handfield – Jones reports.

Lube Logic . . .

Patrick Swan of Aswan explains the role lubricating oil plays in the efficient running of a diesel engine. He also shares his views on how operators should go about ensuring lubricity does not become an expensive issue.

Quality at Source . . .

Despite the Euro 2 spec on local diesel, electronically injected diesel engines continue to fail due to contaminants in fuel. What does Sasol, SA’s leading diesel manufacturer, do to ensure clean diesel throughout the supply chain?

Filter Finesse . . .

As injector tolerances get finer and slack housekeeping habits continue, the need for sophisticated filter technology increases. Donaldson Filtration Systems sheds light on the subject.

Clean Diesel habits. . .

As a leading manufacturer and supplier of diesel to SA's transport sector, Engen has stated that it will invest "over R2-billion in the next five years in the Durban Refinery to further improve the quality of our fuels

Wholesome Oil . . .

Lubricants play a major role in helping reduce fuel consumption and engine wear. Paul Collings speaks to two suppliers of truck oil solutions designed to help save money and improve overall operational efficiency.

Nipped in the bud. . .

It is estimated that as much as 14% of commercially used diesel goes unaccounted for and that this is largely due to theft.

Digital Diesel Diet Control . . .

Electronics and digital communications technology have revolutionized the commercial transport industry, giving fleet owners tools that help improve efficiency and cut costs.

Eat your greens. . .

The hunt for alternative truck fuels is on and right now, there are transporters out there who run there rigs using a blend of plant oil and conventional diesel.

Biodiesel takes root. . .

After visiting the IAA Truck Show held in Hannover, Germany, last year, FleetWatch editor, Patrick O'Leary returned with news that leading truck OEMs were gearing up rapidly for the adoption of biodiesel. Here is his report...

Greening oil saves the environment. . .
The automotive industry around the world is engaged in ongoing research and development to produce vehicles that minimize damage to our environment, particularly the reduction of harmful exhaust emissions.

Down Memory Lane . . .

To mark FleetWatch correspondent Max Braun’s 50th anniversary in the trucking industry, FleetWatch asked him to write about a truck company that has been in business in South Africa for as long as he has, tracing its path, progress and impact. It’s a great walk down memory lane.