On this episode of Maintenance Matters on Road Gang Radio, host Jimmy Mac is joined by Kevin Lindsey of TravelCenters of America for a practical, no-nonsense conversation about driving safely on icy winter roads and the maintenance details drivers often overlook.

Kevin and Jimmy break down why icy conditions demand more than just slowing down—and why tires, pressure, tread depth, and even the air inside your tires can make the difference between staying upright or losing control. The discussion covers real-world scenarios drivers face when moving from warm climates into freezing conditions, and what to check before hitting slick roads.

Topics include:

Why driving on ice should be avoided whenever possible

The importance of drive tires over steer tires in winter traction

Why uneven tire pressure on duals reduces grip on ice

How cold temperatures lower tire pressure and stiffen rubber

What happens when moisture inside tires freezes

Why “rock-hard” tires lose traction in winter conditions

How to safely break ice loose before rolling

Why gentle throttle input matters on icy starts

When chaining makes sense—and when it doesn’t

How over-inflating tires in cold weather creates new risks

Simple checks drivers can do to evaluate traction before committing to bad roads

Kevin explains how traction really works on heavy trucks, why the rear axles provide stability, and how even small maintenance decisions can have serious consequences in winter weather. This episode is essential listening for drivers, owner-operators, and fleet managers navigating cold-weather operations.

Maintenance Matters airs weekly on Road Gang Radio and is brought to you by TravelCenters of America.

Learn more about TravelCenters of America:

https://www.ta-petro.com

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!

Cold weather can quietly do serious damage to diesel engines if drivers don’t understand what’s happening under the hood. In this episode of Maintenance Matters on Road Gang Radio, Kevin Lindsey of TravelCenters of America joins Jimmy Mac to break down what winter really does to your engine — from cold starts and oil viscosity to electrical connections, batteries, belts, and air intake issues.

Kevin explains why diesel engines need extra care in freezing temperatures, how contraction and windchill effects inside the engine can create hidden problems, and what drivers should not do when starting a truck on a cold morning. The conversation also covers preventative maintenance strategies, battery testing, belt tension, lubrication, and why taking your time during startup can reduce long-term wear.

If you drive, manage, or maintain diesel equipment in winter conditions, this episode offers practical insight to help you mitigate damage, extend component life, and stay on the road during the coldest months of the year.

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!

On this episode of Road Gang Radio, host Jimmy Mac is joined by Kevin Lindsey, head of maintenance for TravelCenters of America (TA Petro), for an in-depth Maintenance Matters discussion focused on cold weather truck operation and preventive maintenance.

As temperatures drop nationwide, Jimmy and Kevin break down why cold weather exposes hidden maintenance issues, from fifth-wheel lubrication problems and frozen air lines to battery failures and starting-system strain. Kevin explains why starters demand the most electrical energy on a truck, how summer heat can quietly damage batteries long before winter arrives, and why corrosion, dirt, and neglect can lead to parasitic drains and hard starts.

The conversation reinforces the importance of consistent pre-trips, cleanliness, and listening to your truck’s “natural harmonics” before pulling away. Kevin shares practical guidance on warm-up time, oil viscosity, engine manufacturer recommendations, and why rushing a cold engine can accelerate wear—especially during startup, when most internal engine wear occurs.

This episode is packed with real-world advice for drivers, owner-operators, technicians, and fleet managers, helping trucks start easier, last longer, and avoid preventable downtime during the coldest months of the year.