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.