---
title: Blue Ink Tech Blog | Maintenance
description: Maintenance | The Blue Ink Tech blog covers various topics important to the trucking industry from Dash cams, truck weights , ELD to fleet management
---

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## Blue Ink Tech Blog

Less Paperwork, More Driving

# Blue Ink Tech Blog

## [How To Read DTC Codes And Understand What They Mean in Trucking](https://blog.blueinktech.com/blog/how-to-read-dtc-codes-and-understand-what-they-mean)

A check engine light comes on while a truck is hundreds of miles from the shop. The driver knows something is wrong, but the warning light alone does not tell the fleet whether the truck needs to .

[Jamen Krynicki](https://blog.blueinktech.com/blog/author/jamen-krynicki)  August 25, 2026

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## [Engine Hours Vs. Miles: The Right Diesel Service Plan 2026](https://blog.blueinktech.com/blog/engine-hours-vs.-miles-the-right-diesel-service-plan-2026)

[Jamen Krynicki](https://blog.blueinktech.com/blog/author/jamen-krynicki)  July 15, 2026

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## [Trucking Fleet Maintenance: Checklist, Schedule, KPIs](https://blog.blueinktech.com/blog/trucking-fleet-maintenance-checklist-schedule-kpis)

Trucking fleet maintenance is one of those things that feels “fine” right up until it isn’t.

[Jamen Krynicki](https://blog.blueinktech.com/blog/author/jamen-krynicki)  January 20, 2026

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## [What Is An Air-Ride Suspension? Truck And Trailer Guide](https://blog.blueinktech.com/blog/what-is-an-air-ride-suspension-truck-and-trailer-guide)

Most modern trucks and trailers run air suspensions for one simple reason: they make the job easier. Air-ride smooths out the road, keeps ride height consistent under changing loads, and reduces the .

[Jamen Krynicki](https://blog.blueinktech.com/blog/author/jamen-krynicki)  January 13, 2026

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## [Tips to Maintain a Diesel Engine for a Trucking Fleet](https://blog.blueinktech.com/blog/tips-to-maintain-a-diesel-engine-for-a-trucking-fleet)

Diesel engines are built for hard work. They move freight across states, power delivery routes, and keep essential industries running. But even the strongest engine won’t last long without consistent .

[Mike Riegel](https://blog.blueinktech.com/blog/author/mike-riegel)  December 16, 2025

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## [What is a Jake Brake in Trucking?](https://blog.blueinktech.com/blog/what-is-a-jake-brake-in-trucking)

Every driver who’s spent time in a diesel truck has heard the signature bark of a Jake Brake. It’s loud, powerful, and one of the most important safety tools on a heavy-duty vehicle. But many drivers .

[Mike Riegel](https://blog.blueinktech.com/blog/author/mike-riegel)  December 16, 2025

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## [Understanding Runaway Trucks and the Role of Runaway Truck Ramps](https://blog.blueinktech.com/blog/understanding-runaway-trucks-and-the-role-of-runaway-truck-ramps)

## What Makes a Truck Run Away?

A "runaway" truck typically refers to a heavy-duty truck that is unable to slow down or stop due to a malfunctioning or overstressed braking system. There are several .

[Mike Riegel](https://blog.blueinktech.com/blog/author/mike-riegel)  May 19, 2023

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## [How to change a tire on your semi truck and trailer](https://blog.blueinktech.com/blog/how-to-change-a-tire-on-your-semi-truck-and-trailer)

If you drive an semi truck, you know how important it is to maintain and replace your tires regularly. Driving with damaged or worn-out tires can lead to accidents, costly repairs, fines and delays .

[Mike Riegel](https://blog.blueinktech.com/blog/author/mike-riegel)  May 16, 2023

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## [How to replace damaged air lines on your truck and trailer](https://blog.blueinktech.com/blog/how-to-replace-damaged-air-lines-on-your-truck-and-trailer)

Air lines are a critical component of many commercial vehicles, including trailers with air brakes and air suspensions. These components help [properly balance your loads](https://blog.blueinktech.com/blog/properly-balancing-your-truck-and-trailer-loads) and provide reliable and .

[Mike Riegel](https://blog.blueinktech.com/blog/author/mike-riegel)  May 9, 2023

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## [How to Change an Air Bag on an Air Suspension for a Tractor Trailer](https://blog.blueinktech.com/blog/how-to-change-an-air-bag-on-an-air-suspension-for-a-tractor-trailer)

Air suspension systems in tractor trailers play a critical role in ensuring a smooth and comfortable ride, while also protecting the cargo from damage. One key component of the air suspension system .

[Mike Riegel](https://blog.blueinktech.com/blog/author/mike-riegel)  May 9, 2023

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## [Developing a preventative maintenance program for your trucking fleet](https://blog.blueinktech.com/blog/developing-a-preventative-maintenance-program-for-your-trucking-fleet)

In the trucking industry, minimizing downtime and ensuring safe and reliable performance of your fleet is crucial. One of the most effective ways to achieve these goals is by implementing a .

[Mike Riegel](https://blog.blueinktech.com/blog/author/mike-riegel)  April 20, 2023

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## [What are the minimum periodic inspection standards set by the FMCSA?](https://blog.blueinktech.com/blog/what-are-the-minimum-periodic-inspection-standards-set-by-the-fmcsa)

The Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) is responsible for regulating the trucking industry to ensure the safety of commercial motor vehicles (CMVs) on the road. One of the key .

[Mike Riegel](https://blog.blueinktech.com/blog/author/mike-riegel)  April 3, 2023

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## [How important is monitoring your truck's boost pressure?](https://blog.blueinktech.com/blog/how-important-is-monitoring-your-trucks-boost-pressure)

Semi trucks need a huge amount of torque to move their 80,000 lb+ loads. Being able to move these loads across the country, up mountains and off-road in fields requires a lot of force. Many times, .

[Mike Riegel](https://blog.blueinktech.com/blog/author/mike-riegel)  January 18, 2023

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## [Preventing water from getting in the air lines of a truck and trailer](https://blog.blueinktech.com/blog/preventing-water-from-getting-in-the-air-lines-of-a-truck-and-trailer)

Moisture is the enemy to any piece of mechanical equipment and can cause a mess of problems. Water can make hoses and gaskets brittle, impact oil and lubricants, and the list goes on. Making sure .

[Mike Riegel](https://blog.blueinktech.com/blog/author/mike-riegel)  January 10, 2023

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## [DTC codes, fault codes, and why your truck's check engine light is on](https://blog.blueinktech.com/blog/dtc-codes-fault-codes-and-why-your-trucks-check-engine-light-is-on)

If you have ever driven a vehicle in your lifetime then you have seen a check engine light on the dashboard. This is one of the worst lights in any vehicle because there are so many different things .

[Mike Riegel](https://blog.blueinktech.com/blog/author/mike-riegel)  December 15, 2022

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## [5 Mistakes that put New Carriers Out of Business](https://blog.blueinktech.com/blog/5-mistakes-that-put-new-carriers-out-of-business)

Trucking is one of the most competitive industries to be in. There are over 4.5 million trucks on the road in the US and they are all looking for loads to haul. With the amount of available trucks .

[Mike Riegel](https://blog.blueinktech.com/blog/author/mike-riegel)  November 21, 2022

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## [The Vehicle Maintenance Violations Basic](https://blog.blueinktech.com/blog/the-vehicle-maintenance-basic)

The Vehicle Maintenance [Behavior Analysis](https://blog.blueinktech.com/blog/what-are-the-7-csa-basics)[and Safety Improvement Category (BASIC)](https://blog.blueinktech.com/blog/what-are-the-7-csa-basics) is one of seven categories that the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) uses to determine how a motor .

[Mike Riegel](https://blog.blueinktech.com/blog/author/mike-riegel)  October 29, 2022

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## [7 ways to extend the life of your fleet vehicles](https://blog.blueinktech.com/blog/7-tips-for-extending-the-life-of-your-fleet-vehicles)

You want to get the most out of your fleet vehicles, avoid unscheduled downtime, and keep them as long as possible. Here are some tips on how to lengthen the longevity of your vehicles and [avoiding .](https://blog.blueinktech.com/blog/maintain-your-truck-achieve-more)

[Jacquelyn Pack](https://blog.blueinktech.com/blog/author/jacquelyn-pack)  October 6, 2022

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## [The Importance of Air Compressor Maintenance](https://blog.blueinktech.com/blog/the-importance-of-air-compressor-maintenance)

Carl noticed something after he got a set of Air Scale on his truck. His readings were inaccurate and then, eventually, both Air Scale stopped working. 

[Tiffney Lopez](https://blog.blueinktech.com/blog/author/tiffney-lopez)  November 11, 2021

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## [Vehicle Maintenance Issues that Generate DOT Fines](https://blog.blueinktech.com/blog/maintain-your-truck-achieve-more)

Vehicle maintenance task is one of the largest expenses in the trucking industry. It is also the most heavily enforced out of the [7 FMCSA BASICs](https://blog.blueinktech.com/blog/what-are-the-7-csa-basics). The operational costs to owner-operators as well as .

[Tiffney Lopez](https://blog.blueinktech.com/blog/author/tiffney-lopez)  July 26, 2021

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