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

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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.

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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.

On this episode of Road Gang Radio, host Jimmy Mac is joined by Kevin Lindsey, Manager of Technical Service for TravelCenters of America, for a wide-ranging conversation about culture, leadership, and communication inside truck maintenance shops.

The discussion explores what a healthy trucking culture really looks like, starting at the top and extending through service advisors, technicians, and drivers. Kevin explains how consistent leadership, clear guidelines, and strong communication help keep more than 300 TA locations aligned while still allowing people to be themselves on the job.

They also dive into common maintenance misunderstandings, including why performing a regen doesn’t “fix” aftertreatment problems, the importance of root cause analysis, and how asking the right questions can save drivers time, money, and frustration. Along the way, Jimmy and Kevin draw parallels between trucking, customer service, and leadership lessons from sports and everyday life.

This Maintenance Matters episode is a must-listen for drivers, technicians, shop managers, and anyone interested in building strong teams, improving communication, and keeping trucks—and people—moving.

On this episode of Road Gang Radio, host Jimmy Mac sits down with Kevin Lindsey, Manager of Technical Service for TravelCenters of America, for an in-depth conversation on truck maintenance, data-driven diagnostics, and keeping nearly 300 service locations operating consistently across the country.

Kevin breaks down what his role really looks like behind the scenes, how TA uses data analytics to identify nationwide and regional maintenance trends, and why aftertreatment systems continue to be one of the biggest challenges in trucking. The discussion also covers EPA regulations, troubleshooting modern emissions systems, and how TA works to ensure drivers receive the same clear maintenance message no matter where they stop.

The conversation wraps with practical advice for drivers heading into 2026, including the importance of DVIRs, scheduled maintenance, communication with service providers, and why getting to know your truck can save time, money, and downtime.

This episode of Maintenance Matters is packed with real-world insight for owner-operators, fleet drivers, and anyone involved in truck maintenance and operations.

Jimmy Mac sits down with Kevin Lindsey from TravelCenters of America for a clear look at air dryers and tank checks. Kevin explains why your air filter should be one of the first things you review during any inspection. He also walks through how modern engines react to changes in airflow and how that can lead to injector strain, drivetrain vibration, and higher repair costs.

Kevin breaks down how an air dryer handles moisture, heat, and contaminants. He explains why temperature levels matter and why the purge valve often shows normal residue. He also talks about the difference between a leak, a seep, and a weep, and why moisture around certain seals does not always signal a problem.

Jimmy and Kevin wrap up by moving into tank checks. They connect the steps that lead from filters to compressors to dryers to tanks, and how each step affects brake performance.

Watch more conversations like this on Nemo Nation. Follow the network at / radionemoonline . 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!

Jimmy Mac sits down with Kevin Lindsey, Manager of Technical Service for TravelCenters of America. Kevin explains why airbrake care can protect your truck and your safety. He highlights the role of filters, how often you should change them, and signs you should watch for during daily checks.

You also hear simple steps you can take in your routine to keep your system clean. Kevin breaks down common problems, what causes them, and how fast you can catch issues before they turn into repairs.

Learn more at http://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!

This week on Maintenance Matters, Jimmy Mac hosts Kevin Lindsey of TA Petro along with Byron Kelchner and Eric Arnold from Castrol. They discuss what your engine oil can reveal about performance, wear, and overall engine health. Learn what to look for when checking your oil, how it moves through and protects your engine, and the tools and tests that catch problems before they start. Every drop of oil tells a story, and understanding it can keep your fleet running stronger for longer.

Connect with Castrol: https://www.castrol.com

Follow Nemo Nation: / radionemoonline

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!