news Archives | Dragon Diesel Mechanical LLC

An 18-wheeler depends on multiple braking components working together to slow and stop a vehicle that can weigh tens of thousands of pounds. When brakes are unevenly adjusted, braking forces may not be distributed consistently across the tractor and trailer, potentially affecting stopping performance, component wear, vehicle stability, and overall operation. Dragon Diesel Mechanical in...

Tire pressure plays an important role in the operation of heavy-duty trucks, affecting tire temperature, tread wear, fuel consumption, handling and the likelihood of tire damage. When a commercial truck tire operates below its recommended inflation pressure, changes in the tire’s shape and movement can create additional stress throughout the casing. Underinflation occurs when the...

Air brake systems depend on a network of hoses, fittings, valves and connections to deliver compressed air throughout commercial trucks and other heavy-duty vehicles. Because braking performance depends on maintaining proper air pressure, deterioration or damage involving even a relatively small component can affect operation of the larger braking system. Air brake hoses operate under...

There are plenty of things on an 18-wheeler that can be slightly uneven without causing much excitement. The coffee in the cup holder. The paperwork stacked on the passenger seat. The amount of bug splatter on the windshield. Brake adjustment isn’t one of them. As the owner of Dragon Diesel Mechanical in Baton Rouge, Louisiana,...

There are basically two ways to find out that something on an 18-wheeler needs attention. The first is during a scheduled maintenance inspection while the truck is sitting safely at the shop. The second is on the shoulder of I-10 with a loaded trailer, a driver staring at the engine, and everybody suddenly becoming very...