Kenworth has released six new videos as part of their T680 Driver Academy series available on YouTube. The videos covered different topics, but all had one big takeaway: Driver Safety.

These videos will take you through the step by step process for each topic in order to ensure driver safety, reduce downtime, improve safety awareness, and much more! Important topics include the engine aftertreatment system and warning lamps, crankcase ventilation, driving during bad weather conditions, Over the Air software updates, and OEM recommendations for engine oil usage.

Aftertreatment Warning Lamps (2:52)

Awareness of warning lamps is key in order to better operate your vehicle. Warning lamps are used to help identify a problem with the vehicle and encourage you to address it as well. There are 5 main warning lamp signals:

  • High Exhaust Temperature (HEST)
  • Diesel Exhaust Fluid
  • Check Engine
  • Malfunction Indicator Light (MIL)
  • Emissions Systems

There can be serious consequences to ignoring these signals. Engine malfunction, towing, extensive repairs, down-time and more could be a result. Always pay close attention to these signals and act on them right away in order to avoid any future issues. Check out our video for more details on the aftertreatment of warning lamps.

Crankcase Ventilation (2:28)

Many Kenworth trucks manufactured after 2017 include a crankcase ventilation model. The OCV contains a filter that must be serviced at regular intervals. Failure to do so may result in truck down-time. As the driver you must let the technician know about the service interval schedule. In order to do this, check the operator’s manual that came with your truck. If you have multiple trucks with different years, models and vocations then identify your truck’s use through these categories:

  • Pickup & Delivery (Refuse)
  • Severe Duty (Vocational)
  • Line Haul > 20% idle time
  • Line Haul < 20% idle time

Driving in Inclement Weather (6:03)

We’ve all driven under poor driving conditions at some point in our lives. Especially under poor weather conditions. Whether its rain, snow, fog, ice, dust or something else we must be prepared for all conditions in order to ensure safety not only for ourselves, but for others on the road. As we all know bad weather can put our safety at risk which is why it is important to keep your truck’s maintenance current. Below are some of the step’s drivers should use to their advantage while driving under these conditions:

  • Wear seat belt
  • Do not skip pre-trip inspection
  • Ensure lights are working and ready to go
  • Check wiper blades for better vision
  • Select washer fluid based on your conditions
  • Avoid extended idling in colder temperatures
  • Keep a backup fuel filter
  • Replace/repair tires when needed
  • Adjust speed
  • Understand ABS and how it works to your advantage
  • Activate traction control for deep mud & snow

Some of these may seem obvious such as “buckle your seat belt” or “adjust speed”, but it’s important to reiterate them. Knowing how your ABS brake system works during these conditions is an advantage driver’s will experience in their Kenworth trucks. You will want to replace or repair any tires that are without sufficient treading. If you follow these steps, you will have a safer driving experience under these conditions and feel confident in reaching your destination safely.

Engine Aftertreatment (10:05)

Engines are the beating heart of the truck. Since 1957 PACCAR has been delivering top of the line engine technology to its customers. Technology is constantly evolving and so are the skills/knowledge needed to ensure quality performance from your vehicle. There are 3 main components in order to get the best reliability from your PACCAR engine:

  • Diesel Oxidation Catalyst (DOC)
  • Diesel Particulate Filter (DPF)
  • Selective Catalytic Reduction (SCR)

This video does a great job going in depth and explains everything you will need to know regarding your engine. Ignoring these engine light signals and issues could result in equipment damage.

Over-The-Air Software Updates (5:55)

In order to improve up-time and reduce time spent at the dealership, PACCAR engine and aftertreatment software updates are now available on our “Over-The-Air” app! The OTA app is a software update system that helps keep your trucks running safe and smooth. This allows us to optimize truck performance while increasing your up-time. In order to qualify for this system, your trucks must have an active PACCAR Solutions data subscription, and be powered by a MX engine built in 2017 or after. This app is used for:

  • Viewing software status of your trucks
  • Enabling your trucks to receive software updates
  • Guide you through the update process when ready for installation

This video helps take you through how to sign up, navigate and interpret the app. It is a very easy process.

Recommended Engine Oil (2:15)

Selecting the right engine oil can have a major impact on the longevity of your engine and for fuel economy. In most situations a high-quality SAE 10W-30 with an API rating of CK-4 or CJ-4 is the right oil for your Kenworth truck. Any engine oil brand that meets these ratings (they are usually posted on the front of the bottle) is a good product to use for your truck. Make sure to take a look at the charts provided in this video to see which type of engine oil works best under your specific temperatures.