Customer-First Service Approach

Customer service is not a single element, but the combination of a multitude of smaller pieces in the right quantities merged to create the ultimate customer experience.

Fundamentally, the basis of any memorable customer experience is exceptional communication throughout the event and beyond. The ability and willingness to consistently transfer accurate information to a customer in a personalized fashion is the key to building trust and ultimately delivering an unforgettable experience. What types of scenarios have you seen and what does quality customer service look like to you?

In today’s world of constantly evolving technology, there are more avenues of communication than ever before. This should, at first glance, suggest that at this point in time we would be at the pinnacle of interpersonal communication. I would argue that the overwhelming amount of channels available to us has led to the very opposite effect. We as a culture have become further disconnected from the core methods of communication and connection that are the foundation of long-lasting relationships. This effect can be seen in personal and professional relationships alike.

The very tools that were designed to enable us to interact at a higher level have in fact reduced the number of personal interactions that we have, whether that is a phone conversation or talking in person. An email or text message can’t replace the smile that someone gives you when you walk up to them at the counter or the inflection in their voice on the phone that lets you know that they care.  These are the types of things that create an impression that won’t soon be forgotten.

Contrary to what the advances in modern communication suggest, at JX Truck Center we have identified a continued need for that personal interaction and a renewed focus on customer service. These are things that seem to have been lost or forgotten along the way in almost any customer service industry today, but continue to be paramount to an exceptional customer experience.

Building on this belief, we have developed a new training initiative to support the development of our communication and customer-first service approach. Let the service team at your local JX Truck Center showcase their customer service savvy and provide you with an experience that you’ll want to share. 

Author: Nick Laidlaw, Manager of Customer Uptime

The post Customer-First Service Approach appeared first on JX.

Understanding What Your Dashboard Warning Lights Mean

Have you ever had a warning light in your dash come on while driving and thought to yourself, I wonder what that light means? 

Today’s vehicles utilize complex networks for communication between systems. These networks include dozens of modules that are constantly sending information back and forth across miles of wiring. Any fault within a specific system or break in communication will result in a warning light of some kind. Familiarizing yourself with your vehicle and all of its dashboard warning lights can pay great dividends when you’re out on the road. Being able to identify which system may be experiencing a malfunction can help you make an informed decision as to whether you need to seek service immediately or schedule a diagnosis at your next regular maintenance interval.  

During your time behind the wheel, you may have noticed that the colors of the indicator lights vary. The color of the light can indicate the severity of the warning. Red lights usually indicate more serious issues that require immediate attention.  Yellow lights are generally less urgent but it is still crucial that they are addressed. Green and blue lights are used more so to indicate that a system or function is turned on (e.g. High beams or Engine fan), as opposed to malfunctioning. Below is a list of the usual suspects. 

The information for your vehicle is available in the owner’s and operator’s manuals. These can be found in your glovebox or they are also available online at Peterbilt.com in the Resources & Support section. Nothing ruins a great drive by looking down at your dashboard and seeing your check engine light. While it may be tempting to ignore, doing so will only cause you a bigger headache. The check engine light can indicate a problem with any number of things, and at JX Truck Center, we’re experts at figuring out exactly what’s going on. So don’t delay, call your local JX Truck Center today!

Author: Nick Laidlaw, Manager of Customer Uptime & Jerry Brickheimer, Assistant Service Director

The post Understanding What Your Dashboard Warning Lights Mean appeared first on JX.

Air Dryer Maintenance in the Winter Months

Moisture in your air system can be challenging at any time in the year, but in colder months, the ability for moisture to freeze within your air system can wreak havoc on braking systems and valves.

If water becomes trapped in your air system and freezes it can prevent valves from properly functioning, and to top it off, road treatments can corrode your purge valve. Air dryer maintenance in colder months is key to ensure your air systems are performing at their peak. 

With all of the options available from various manufacturers, how do you choose the right cartridge? Newer equipment with after-treatment systems typically uses an oil-coalescing cartridge. These cartridges are more sensitive to contaminants and contain filtration that removes oil aerosols. If you have an older truck, it is okay to use a traditional air dryer cartridge, but if your truck is newer, it is important to continue to use an oil-coalescing cartridge to protect your investment.

If you’re looking for a quality, cost-competitive option to maintain your air systems, the Alltrux line has options to serve most air drying systems. As an Alltrux authorized retailer, JX Truck Center can help provide a cost-competitive solution to help keep your air dryer performing at its peak throughout the winter. 

Author: Chelsea Hoffman, Assistant Parts Director

The post Air Dryer Maintenance in the Winter Months appeared first on JX.

9 Ways to Prepare Your Semi Truck for Cold Weather

The beautiful colors of Fall will quickly change to bare trees followed by ice and snow in the north country.

Here are 9 helpful tips to prepare your semi-truck and keep your truck running through the bitterly cold weather heading our way. If you’re driving a truck that’s not ready for negative temps and freezing roadways, you could end up in a bad situation. Taking some precautions today could save you later. Get your truck ready now by scheduling your winter maintenance services with your local JX Truck Center.  

1. Battery condition – Nothing drains and kills off a battery quicker than cold weather. Check the age of your batteries and see what kind of charge they have left. In general, it’s usually a good idea to replace batteries if they’re three years old and you know you’ll be driving in freezing temps.

2. Fuel system –  Be sure to replace the fuel filter and drain the water separator to avoid freezing when operating in cold weather.

3. Check your tires – Underinflated tires wear faster and hurt your gas mileage. Cold weather makes tire pressure even worse. Always check your tire pressure during your pre-trip inspection and adjust it as needed. 

4. Carry tire chains and know how to put them on – Tire chains can help give you traction in snow and are actually required by law in some areas.

5. Service your air drier – The air dryer keeps water from entering and freezing in your brake lines. Make sure it’s working correctly and change out the filter so it’s ready for winter.

6. Engine block heater – If you know you’ll be spending a lot of time in colder climates or your truck will be sitting for a period of time, get an engine block heater so your truck always starts. If you already have one, plug it in and make sure it’s working as it should.

7. Engine compartment – Make sure the belts are in good condition. Check the hoses and clamps for leaks and fix them if you find any. Make sure the antifreeze is full and at the optimal freeze point for the conditions you’ll be driving in. Keep extra antifreeze on your truck in case you need it.

8. Inspect your wiper blades – Replace windshield wipers if needed. Refill your windshield wiper fluid and keep it full. Carry extra windshield wiper fluid, a windshield scraper, and a snowbrush.

9. Service your fifth wheel – Grease can build up on the fifth wheel and attract dirt and debris. Degrease it so you can inspect for any potential problems. Lube moving parts with light oil and put fresh grease on the plate.

Carrying emergency supplies in your truck could save you in a pinch. Here is a list of items to always have in your truck to stay prepared:

• Cold weather clothes including an extra coat, snow boots, hats, gloves, socks, etc.
• Flashlight and extra batteries
• First-aid kit
• Reflective vest and flares
• Tool kit 
• A shovel, a bag of salt or sand to deal with snow, ice, or mud
• Extra oil and fuel filters
• Anti-gel fuel additives to add to tank before fueling up
• Non-perishable food and plenty of water

Bottom line: now is the time to prepare. The professional technicians at JX can inspect your truck before driving in winter conditions could save you some downtime this season. If you have any questions or need to make a maintenance appointment contact your local JX Truck Center. Our team is prepared to help!

Author: Jerry Brickheimer, Assistant Service Director

The post 9 Ways to Prepare Your Semi Truck for Cold Weather appeared first on JX.

Introducing: Alltrux Wheel Bearings

As an Authorized Alltrux Truck & Trailer Parts Dealer, we’re excited to announce the introduction of Alltrux bearings at JX Truck Center locations. 

The Alltrux wheel bearing line consists of a premium tapered roller bearing made of pristine, superior-grade raw materials. This tapered roller bearing has been designed to withstand the rigors of the road while rolling truer and more efficiently than before, much longer than the competition. The state-of-the-art manufacturing process and equipment used allows for maximum control over the internal geometry of the Alltrux wheel bearing. 

Alltrux wheel bearings are designed and manufactured to meet IS-7461, American National Standards Institute (ANSI), and American Bearing Manufacturers (ABMA) standards. They are available for use in truck, trailer, and bus applications and can be used to replace other ABMA standard bearings.

Features & Benefits:

• Precision alignment, true rolling motion
• Severe duty design and construction
• Fatigue resistant bearing components
• Fracture resistant under heavy shock-loads
• Reduced crack formation with surface damage
• Debris resistant surface
• Robust, ductile cage
• Tight cup, cone, and roller tolerances
• Hydrodynamic roller alignment lubrication
• Uniform stress distribution
• IS-7461, ANSI, and ABMA standard compliant
• The Alltrux Promise: 12-month “Hassle-Free Replacement”

Visit or call one of our parts professionals at any JX Truck Center location to learn more about Alltrux bearings, and find quality solutions for your truck repair needs.

Author: Chelsea Hoffman, Assistant Parts Director

The post Introducing: Alltrux Wheel Bearings appeared first on JX.

Commercial Truck Mobile Service Benefits

The work doesn’t stop just because your truck is in the shop. A broken truck costs you money on two fronts; the cost of the repairs, and the cost of the lost productivity. JX Truck Center can help you avoid this lost productivity with our mobile service teams. There are several benefits of commercial truck mobile service through JX Truck Center.

You do not have to tow your truck. One of the biggest benefits associated with using a mobile truck repair company is that you do not have to tow your truck, thus saving money and time.

Another benefit associated with using a mobile truck repair company is that you do not have to transfer the material you are hauling.

You can schedule vehicles when they are idle and benefit from increased vehicle uptime with lower and predictable maintenance costs. Drivers won’t lose hours of service and minimize logistical costs from having to take your vehicle to and from a service location.

Service When & Where You Need It

Mobile service helps save time by bringing tools and technicians to you. JX Truck Center mobile service teams are OEM certified technicians and will travel to your location. By employing the best technicians, we are able to help diagnose problems & perform truck repairs onsite. A few of the services we can provide you include:

JX currently offers mobile service at the following dealerships: JX Truck Center – Wausau, JX Truck Center – Kalamazoo, JX Truck Center – Indianapolis, JX Truck Center – Rockford, and JX Truck Center – Morton. Additional branches will be offering the service in the near future. Follow us on social media to stay up to date and don’t forget to sign up for our monthly emails!

If you have any questions or need to make a maintenance appointment contact your local JX Truck Center. Our team is prepared to help!

Author: Jerry Brickheimer, Assistant Service Director

The post Commercial Truck Mobile Service Benefits appeared first on JX.

12 Truck Maintenance Preparations for Warmer Weather

The sun is shining, days are getting longer, and the air is starting to feel warmer. Spring must be around the corner. Preparing your truck for the warmer seasons is just as important as preparing your truck for cold weather. Here are 12 truck maintenance preparations that you can do today to properly prepare your truck prior to summer usage. 

1. Check the tire pressure on a regular basis to ensure they are safe for use in hot conditions.
2. Top off all fluids.
3. Check and replace belts as needed.
4. Complete any recommended maintenance based on mileage.
5. Get the air conditioning inspected.
6. If you have a refrigeration unit, test the cooled compartments regularly.
7. To improve efficiency and prevent corrosion repairs remove leftover residues from the winter sand and salt.
8. Clean hard to reach areas such as the radiator and undercarriage as the buildups can damage systems.
9. Prepare yourself! Stay hydrated, wear protective clothing, sunscreen, and rest in cooled areas when necessary.
10. Separate your A/C condenser and air-to-air core from the radiator to help regulate the engine temperature.
11. Check to see if your air filter needs to be replaced as it has spent a season accumulating salt dust.
12. Check the battery and consider replacing it, or cleaning all the terminals of corrosion.

The warm weather beings a different challenge for truck drivers and these tips should help prepare your truck for summer usage. If you have any questions or need to make a maintenance appointment contact your local JX Truck Center. Our team is prepared to help!

We also have a variety of service specials that you can take advantage of and save on your next visit. And don’t forget to sign up for our monthly emails to be the first to receive new parts and service specials!

Author: Jerry Brickheimer – Manager Customer Uptime

The post 12 Truck Maintenance Preparations for Warmer Weather appeared first on JX.

The post Spotlight on the New Alltrux HVAC Product Line appeared first on JX.

Winter Truck Maintenance

Chill in the air means it’s time to prepare your truck for winter

The chill is in the air, the days are getting shorter and the temperatures are dropping.

Is your truck ready for winter? Here are a few important systems to check before the cold winter weather arrives to make sure that your truck performs at its best.

Electrical System

• Make sure that the charging and starting systems are in good working condition.
• Clean and protect the battery terminals.
• Double check that the battery cables are tight at the starter and alternator.
• Don’t forget to look over the belts and replace them (if needed) before a broken belt leaves you on the side of the road looking for a jump start.

Cooling System

• Check your hoses for rub spots; Squeeze the hoses and make sure they are not hard and brittle or spongy and soft.
• Check your antifreeze protection to assure your truck won’t freeze even when it is below freezing.

Emissions System

• In the winter, condensation can get into the sensors and stick to the carbon build up causing engine derates and downtime. We recommend cleaning boost pressure, intake temp, EGR differential and exhaust back pressure sensors.
• Replace your DEF filter if you haven’t already replaced it recently.

Winter weather is unpredictable so now is the time to prepare. Along with inspecting the electrical, cooling and emissions systems we also recommend the following winter truck maintenance to prepare for the cold months ahead:

• Check & clean fuel water separators
• Perform battery tests and grease connections with dielectric grease
• Check freeze levels of antifreeze
• Replace wiper blades as needed
• Check air dryer heating element and drain tanks frequently
• Ensure that fan clutch is operating properly
• Inspect and replace air filters as needed

Be sure to visit one of our service locations if you need any winterization services. You can also schedule or request your next appointment here. Sign up to receive monthly service specials to help keep your truck running like new!

The post Winter Truck Maintenance appeared first on JX.

Does your truck need a software update but you do not have the time to stop by your local JX Truck Center?

Well, we have GREAT news for you! If you have a 2017 or newer truck with a Paccar engine and an active SmartLinq Remote Diagnostics subscription, you can now perform a software update YOURSELF with Paccar‘s Over the Air app on your smart device. 

Here’s how:

1. Download the “Paccar OTA” app from the app store & log in
2. Enable your vehicle
3. Perform software updates when available

When a software update is available you will be notified on your remote diagnostics dashboard. You will then be able to download the update to your vehicle where the software is stored in the vehicles PMG.

Dashboard shot from the Paccar OTA app

The update will take approximately 30 minutes, so coordinate a convenient time with proper vehicle pre-conditions (engine off, key on, park brake set, truck battery charge, phone >20% charged) to initiate the update. Once it is complete you will have the updated Paccar MX software and aftertreatment software updated on your vehicle.

Being able to perform this update yourself comes in very handy. Although all of JX locations are open to help keep your truck running, the option to do it yourself can be very convenient. 

Author: Keith Shadof, Assistant Service Director

The post DIY Software Update with Paccar OTA appeared first on JX.