Bendix Blog Archive

Why the REPAIR Act Matters for Trucking

Congress is considering legislation to ensure that the right to repair vehicles is available to anyone qualified to repair them. For trucking, this right is essential. Why? Let's find out.

FMCSA’s “Large Truck and Bus Crash Facts” 2021: Crashes Are Up. So, What Are We Going to Do About It?

More vehicles, more traffic, more potential opportunities for collisions? Let's dive into the data.

Since We've Discussed the Donut Hole, Let's Talk About the Donut

The why, what, and how of the AEB (Automatic Emergency Braking) Notice of proposed rulemaking (NPRM) – part 1.

Pairing Your Advanced Safety Systems with the Right Brakes

From antilock brakes to full stability to collision mitigation technologies, today’s commercial vehicle driver assistance systems are engineered to help commercial vehicle drivers do their job more safely.

Closing The Donut Hole – FMVSS 128 – The Heavy Vehicle Automatic Emergency Braking (AEB) Mandate

Rulemaking Means AEB Will Be Required On A Wide Swath Of Trucks And Buses.

Less Brake Drag = Better Fuel Efficiency

Very often, fleets don't realize they have brake drag caused by over-adjusted slack adjusters. They think the amount of friction and drum wear they see is normal.

NTSB Most Wanted List Redux

It’s hard to believe that it’s been almost two years since the last National Transportation Safety Board’s (NTSB) “Most Wanted List (MWL) was published. A lot has happened, so let's revist it and refresh our memories regarding what’s on the list and potential impacts for our industry.

The Key to Safer Roads? Look in the Driver Seat.

The ATA National Truck Driving Championships reinforce a crucial fact – safe drivers and safe driving practices are absolutely essential.

Anatomy of a Safe & Reliable Reman Caliper

As air disc brake adoption continues to increase so does the number of fleets and owner-operators searching for cost-effective aftermarket replacement parts that deliver safety, performance and service life.

Snow, Ice and Slush...Oh My! (Part 2)

What to expect from your collision mitigation system (CMS) in the winter (part 2).

Sealed Chambers Mean Longer Service Life

Prevent the corrosion that continues the expensive cycle of spring brake replacement.

By the Numbers - A Look at the Large Truck & Bus Crash Facts (2019): Part 4 - What Do We Do About the Numbers?

The most recent report showed there were almost a half million crashes involving large trucks in 2018. So what can we do to reduce that number?

Snow, Ice and Slush...Oh My! (Part 1)

What to expect from your collisions mitigation system (CMS) in the winter.

By the Numbers - A Look at the Large Truck & Bus Crash Facts (2019): Part 3 - More Info on Collisions

Collisions, especially with other vehicles, are the big cause of crashes, more so than rollovers and jackknifes. In this part, we’ll do a little deeper dive on different types of collisions.

By the Numbers - A Look at the Large Truck & Bus Crash Facts (2019): Part 2 - Crashes & Crash Severity

The FMCSA's Large Truck & Bus Crash Facts report breaks crashes down into three categories - fatalities, injuries and property damage-only.

By the Numbers - A Look at the Large Truck & Bus Crash Facts (2019): Part 1 - The Large Truck Universe

The FMCSA's most recent Large Truck & Bus Crash Facts report finds that the number of crashes involving large trucks continued to climb in 2019.

Air Disc Brakes Deliver Big Value on Trailers

For many fleets, spec’ing brakes on the trailer may be somewhat of an afterthought. But what difference would it make to choose air disc brakes for trailers?

Staying Safe and Compliant through Wheel-End Inspection and Maintenance

With regular inspections, basic preventive maintenance, and the right decisions in the garage, fleets and owner-operators can avert brake-related issues that can cause major headaches.

What's in a Word? Avoidance vs Mitigation.

In the final part of our NTSB "Most Wanted List" blog series, we take a closer look at difference between "Avoidance" and "Mitigation."

It's a Lovely List...Why the Heck Should I Care?

In part 2 of our blog series, we look at the "so what" of the NTSB's 2021-2022 Most Wanted List.

NTSB’s Latest Recommendations for Improving Transportation Safety

The NTSB's 2021-2022 "Most Wanted List" offers the latest recommendations for improving traffic safety.

The Friction Couple: Keep Bendix Pads and Rotors Together

To maximize ADB advantages over the life of the brake, it’s important to understand the Bendix ADB friction couple – the pairing of the brake pads and rotor – and how it impacts performance and ROI.

Steering Systems and ADAS Integration - Increased Safety and Another Step Toward Highly Automated Driving

Upgrade In-Service Vehicles with The Latest Safety Systems

Did you know there’s a way to enhance your fleet’s in-service vehicle safety and stay up-to-date with the latest Bendix safety systems? The solution lies in the Bendix® Upgrade Program.

Why the Grinch Isn't Fond of Christmas...or Collision Mitigation Technology

Collision mitigation system alerts. Oh, the noise! Oh, the Noise! Noise! Noise! Noise! Ever felt like the Grinch when you’re on the road? Maybe the thought of stopping those alerts has crossed your mind?

Air Disc Brakes and the Copper-Free Brake Initiative

The B-Level Phase of the Environmental Protection Agency’s (EPA) Copper-Free Brake Initiative takes effect Jan. 1, 2021. Make sure your friction meets the requirements.

Celebrating Our Nation's Truck Drivers

“Essential.” Hardly a day goes by now when we don’t hear that word to describe someone or something.

Driver Insight - Bendix® Wingman® Fusion™

Combining camera, radar, and a vehicle’s brake system, Fusion is designed to help drivers mitigate rear-end collisions. And making sure the men and women behind the wheel are supported with the most current and useful information is among our highest priorities.

ADAS and the Pathway to Highly Automated Driving

It’s always a good day when we get to spend time talking with Mark Willis and the team at “Road Dog Trucking” and their SiriusXM audience. Recently, Dan Ronan hosted us for a great hour of chatting about advanced driver assistance systems (ADAS) and the pathway to highly automated and autonomous commercial vehicles.

Bendix and R.H. Sheppard - Together as One

The Bendix family got bigger recently – and we’re excited about what it means for our customers, our employees and communities, and our pursuit of safer commercial vehicles and highways across North America.

Driver Insight - BlindSpotter® Side Object Detection System

Blind spots are called that for a reason – everyone on the road knows that. (Or they should!) And where big rigs are concerned, they’re worthy of real attention.

A Bundle of Benefits.

There are significant advantages to bundling components from the same supplier—especially when it comes to brake systems.

Downtime, Uptime, Any Time is a Good Time to “Sharpen the Saw.”

Coronavirus-driven shelter-in-place time has prompted me to consider the idea of “sharpening the saw."

At Bendix Demos, Safety is on Full Display

Having been in the trucking industry for nearly 35 years, Denise Rondini has seen a demo or two. Here Denise takes you inside a day on the track with the Bendix Demo Team.

Insights from Heavy Duty Aftermarket Week 2019

Between the new product announcements, one-on-one conversations, seminars, and other discussions, HDAW is always a busy, informative, and valuable time.

IAA 2018 and Four Commercial Vehicle Megatrends

There is never any shortage of interesting news, speculation, and trendspotting at the IAA Commercial Vehicles show in Hanover, Germany – and this year’s exhibition was no different.

Taking Care of Your Air During Cold Weather

With vehicles using compressed air for more non-braking functions these days, keeping the pneumatic system's air clean and dry have taken on greater importance.

Braking Systems: Looking Down the Road

For evidence of how quickly things are advancing in the world of commercial vehicle braking and safety systems, here’s a quick look at a few not-too-distant mileposts in the rearview mirror..

National School Bus Safety Week: Making Buses Safer, Together

Parents and kids across North America deserve to feel safe when it comes to bus riding, which is why Bendix continues to work to help put drivers and passengers in safer buses every day.

TMC SuperTech: Why We Do What We Do

Every year, I look forward to TMC SuperTech--the American Trucking Association's Technology & Maintenance Council's National Technician Skills Competition.

Maintenance Tips to Help Avoid CVSA Violations

Even if your vehicle isn't one of the thousands selected for inspection during CVSA Brake Safety Week, you should be prepared.

Your Friction Questions Answered

When it comes to replacing friction, today’s market is crowded with options – whether you’ve got air disc or drum brakes on your tractor or trailer.

How Long Will My Air Disc Brake Pads Last?

One of the most common questions we hear from fleets and drivers who are considering air disc brakes is “How long will my pads last?” And it’s understandable...

Three Simple Rules for Choosing the Right Air Dryer Cartridge

The job of an air dryer replacement cartridge is clear-cut. But choosing the right one? Not so much.

Think ‘sealed’ for more spring brake service life.

Frequent replacement of spring brakes is not normal.

Calculating the Value of Air Disc Brakes

The new Bendix Air Disc Brake Value Calculator makes calcuating the ROI of air disc brakes as easy as ever!

When Will We Have Autonomous Trucks? When One Passes "The Test."

How will we know when we're ready for truly autonomous trucks on our roadways? Well not until they pass this test...

Deleting Standard Safety Technologies. Is It Really Worth It?

Eliminating standard safety technoliges from your truck spec can save hundred of dollars...but does it really save in the end?

Less May Not Be More (Part 2) - A Little Deeper Dive Into the New "Automated Driving Systems (ADS): A Vision for Safety 2.0" Policy

What's New with the “Automated Driving Systems (ADS): A Vision for Safety 2.0.”

Who is Responsible for Ensuring Safety in the Automated Age?

In September of 2016 NHTSA introduced the "Federal Automated Vehicles Policy" to help speed up the development and implementation of automated vehicles on our roadways.

Driverless Trucks – When? How? Why?

The automotive and trucking industry has seen a boom in the development and testing of automated and autonomous technologies.

By the Numbers (Part 2) UPDATED

Of course, the data only shows the numbers, not the reasons why. Much as I'd like to delve into this aspect, there's really a need for more methodical research in this area.

Why Tire Temperature Matters

Checking your tire pressure? Temperature matters, too, so remember: Measuring psi when things are cool is the rule.

The Dangers of Dual-Tire Pressure Imbalance

Everybody knows how important it is to keep your truck’s tires inflated to the right pressure: safety, stopping distance, fuel efficiency, operating costs, and tire life are all directly rela

The Vernacular of Autonomy – A Primer

Autonomous vehicles or automated vehicles? Believe it or not, there is a difference. And, for the most part, nearly everyone is using autonomous in the wrong way.

Tips to Avoid CSA Violations

Keep your air system and brakes operating their best with these inspection and maintenance tips.

By the Numbers (Part 1) – UPDATED with 2015 Numbers

Part one of this blog takes a look inside the numbers released in the FMCSA’s “Large Truck and Bus Crash Facts” report.

Test Drive Your Technology

One of the neat things I get to do in my role at Bendix is manage the talented group that makes up our customer solutions demo team...

What you need to know about friction temperature ratings.

Select the right friction—for performance, service life and safety—by understanding heat transfer in braking

Everyday DIY: Taking Care of the Air

You like saving money, right? Well did you know that a properly maintained air treatment system can help save thousands of dollars in costly service and vehicle downtime?

Designing Disc Brakes for Trailers

How Bendix built on the industry leading ADB22X™ to design an air disc brake specifically for trailers...

Everyday DIY: Wheel-End Maintenance

Here are some simple steps vehicle owners can take to maximize uptime...

Equipping Your Wheel-Ends Against Rust Jacking

Rust jacking affects two key drum brake components – shoes and friction – so both should be optimized to resist it...

Foundations for the Future – Available Today

Just as ABS is the foundation for a lot of great braking system improvements, such as stability control, DAS technologies are the building blocks for the next generation – the future...

A common definition of remanufacturing – What it means

As interest in remanufacturing continues to grow, there’s also an increased focus on establishing a common definition of just what “reman” means...

Replacement Parts: Knowledge is Power

Back in the day, when you bought replacement parts for commercial vehicles, you had two, maybe three choices – and they were pretty well understood...

Air System Care: Discussing Desiccants

Regardless of the season, water in your truck’s air brake system is never good – but water in the winter creates unique challenges, as cold temperatures create the possibility for freeze-ups

Why truckers are still needed

Why are drivers going to be around for longer than the technologically roaring 2020s? A few reasons come to mind...

Why the Future Doesn’t Happen Overnight

Today, there’s a lot of talk about automated/autonomous vehicle technologies and, if you were to believe the pundits (and those beholden to venture capitalists), we’ll be riding around in dri

Thoughts on Future Autonomy – A Starting Point?

Like many of you, I’ve been thinking a lot about autonomous trucks, cars, and some of the implications of these rapidly advancing technologies for our industry.

Reman vs. Rebuild – What They Mean and Why It Matters

Although the terms “remanufacturing” and “rebuilding” seem similar, they differ greatly when we’re talking about vehicle parts.

Maintaining Driver Assistance Systems: Why Covering the Basics Takes Care of the Advanced Technologies

How do you maintain an advanced driver assistance system on a tractor or truck?

Advancing the 4-Is to the 5-Is

The 4-Is of active safety and future autonomy--information, intelligence, intervention and insight will help systems advance from active safety technologies through driver assistance systems

Check Your Spec

Why check your spec? Simple. Because you may not be getting what you think you’re getting...

The good mandate—ESC (Electronic Stability Control)

In 2014, over 15,000 heavy vehicles were involved in rollover and jackknife crashes. That’s an average of 41 heavy trucks and busses rolling over or jackknifing every day. ESC will help redu

Automated, Autonomous, Platooning – Oh My! The AV Q & A.

Who is leading the way in automation developments? What do you foresee as the primary first use for any autonomous truck ...

Driver Assistance is NOT Driver Replacement

More and more driver “assistance” systems are being sold – or at least interpreted – as driver “replacement” systems. This post discusses why it’s important for the driver to...

Why Five?

In the Federal Automated Vehicles Policy the NHTSA has defined 5 levels of automation, In case you were wondering about those 5 levels...

Getting to Safe Autonomous Vehicle Applications – NHTSAs “Federal Automated Vehicles Policy”

This blog takes a look at the “guidelines” released by the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration...

Not the Only Luddite in the Room

Autonomous, or driverless, vehicles are a long ways away. And more than just one person thinks so.

How We Got to Where We Are…

Driver assistance systems, they didn’t just appear overnight, right? This post discusses how antilock braking systems – or ABS – started us on the path to where we are today.