Service experiences: like most things in life, they are not always the same. Some are exemplary, most range from quite good to satisfactory, others are bad – and then there are these ones. Imagine dropping your prized six-figure possession off at a service center for a few minor fixes, only to get it back with more issues than you started with, including, bizarrely, a completely wiped odometer. That’s what one unlucky Tesla Cybertruck owner had to endure, as detailed in a head-scratching thread.

More: Tesla’s Recall Service Left This Cybertruck With A Burn Mark And Panel Gap

In the words of the owner, “My CyberBeast went in for a spa day and came back a newborn, with a lazy eye and a missing limb.” That’s the almost unbelievable title to a new thread over at CybertruckOwners. In it, one member describes one of the strangest service experiences we’ve heard about in a while. Not only did Tesla’s service not address all of the issues this Cybertruck had, they gave it back to the customer after wiping the odometer. This wasn’t a rollback. This was more of a ‘never was.’

Notably, this is a Cyberbeast we’re talking about. The most expensive version at over $100,000, and one would like to hope, most carefully crafted cars Tesla makes. The owner dropped it off for a handful of minor things. He wanted a new light bar installed, he asked Tesla to nudge a few panel gaps so that they’d line up better, and the service team needed to address an on-again-off-again ABS alert.

Service Day Turns Into a Nightmare

According to his post, Tesla promised to have it all done by Thursday of that week. When that fell through, the service team moved his pickup day to Friday, and sure enough, by 5:30 p.m., it was ready… or so he thought. When he arrived, a few things weren’t quite right. The truck didn’t remember his phone, trim was hanging down under the glove box, and the odometer read zero.

As he puts it, “My 26 k-mile CyberBeast is now a CyberBaby. Shot a video while the “count” rolled from 0 → 1 as I left the lot. App and service menu agree — factory-fresh, just ignore the 5 months of road-trip Dorito dust.” To make this even clearer, it wasn’t a glitch. Based on whatever happened while the truck was in service, every source of information about his mileage agreed.

Video Cybertruckownersclub

Just to hammer the point home, the owner even included a video showing the odometer moving from 0 to 1 mile as he drove away. However, that wasn’t even the worst of it. The light bar installation? Well, let’s just say it looked like it had been done by someone who didn’t quite understand what the word symmetry means. There was a half-inch gap on one side and none on the other. And (because, why not?) there was a loose bolt in the tailgate and a trim panel that wasn’t even properly attached.

Also: Some Cybertrucks Getting Bricked After Tesla’s Latest Software Updates

At this point, he’s still trying to figure out what the proper solution is. Many on the forum believe Tesla missed a step, or several, near the end of service. Regardless, it’s not a good look for a company already working hard to improve its public image. 

Credit: CheddaTruck

Sometimes your car just breaks. Other times, it breaks, sits for two months, gets stolen, wrecked, and leaves you holding the bag. This is the story of how one Hyundai Ioniq 5 owner’s unlucky repair turned into a cautionary tale about EV parts, dealership security, and what happens when everything goes wrong at once.

On March 16, nearly two months ago, Massachusetts resident Ethan Blount’s Hyundai Ioniq 5 abruptly stopped working. The culprit was the ICCU, a part already known for causing problems in the Ioniq 5 lineup. It failed, leaving Blount stranded, and he had the car towed to his local dealership.

More: Huge Study Shows EVs More Reliable Than ICE Cars With One Surprising Common Issue

At the time, he had no idea it would be the last time he’d see the vehicle in one piece. On May 2, the car was stolen from the dealership. When police eventually located it and gave chase, the situation ended with the Hyundai totaled and Blount left underwater.

A Part With a Pattern of Failure

But let’s rewind. The ICCU (Integrated Charging Control Unit) plays a central role in the Ioniq 5’s electrical system. It manages the bi-directional charging between the 12V battery and the main high-voltage battery, which is responsible for powering essential systems, external devices, and even other EVs.

When it fails, the result is a completely immobilized vehicle. Dozens of Ioniq 5 owners have reported similar failures. In Blount’s case, the delay in repair came down to a parts shortage, with replacements on back order. So his EV sat, unusable and unguarded, for almost two months.

He tells The Autopian that he knew about the ICCU and suspected it immediately when he heard a loud pop. “I got only a mile or so before power started dropping precipitously, and pulled off the main road just in time. I contacted Hyundai and they dispatched a tow truck, taking my car to the nearest dealer,” says Ethan.

A Strange Notification, Then Silence

Then, on May 1, he received a notification via his Hyundai mobile app that the car was left on and idling. Good news, he thought, since it couldn’t do that without being fixed. The next day, everything fell apart. The dealer called and confirmed that the car was fixed but, strangely, they couldn’t find it.

Ethan whipped out his phone and tracked the car. It was in Boston, nowhere near the dealership. He called the police who tried to move in and secure the car, but clearly that didn’t work. The occupants sped off in it, ultimately lost control a short time later, hit a fire hydrant, and then smashed into a church. The impact was such that the Ioniq 5 was seriously damaged. The airbags all deployed, and the front is completely smashed in.

More: Kia EV6 Owner Fed Up After Multiple 12V Battery Failures

Boston police arrested three people at the scene, but they’ve left Blount in a tough spot. “Due to the rapid depreciation of the car I’m worried about what I will be offered by my insurance company since they declared it totaled today,” he said. “I fear I could end up still owing money and not even owning a car.”

In a positive turn though, Hyundai reached out to him two days ago, promising to help. Perhaps this entire saga will end up with the happy ending Blount clearly wants.

Credit: Ethan Blount

SMITHVILLE, Mo. – Six Durham School Services’ maintenance teams in Missouri have been bestowed the Patrol’s Total Fleet Excellence Award by the Missouri State Highway Patrol (MSHP) for their commitment to safety. The teams awarded were Central, Kearney, Lawson, Savannah, Smithville, and Pleasant Hill. Notably, the Smithville team has earned this award for the first time after beginning its transportation service to the community just last fall.

Every year, the Missouri State Highway Patrol conducts school bus inspections for every school bus fleet in the state as part of their annual program, which covers a thorough list of inspection areas that includes brakes, crossing control arm, seats, tires, and more. Upon completion of the inspection, if over 90% of the fleet passes the inspection with zero out-of-service defects, they are awarded the Total Fleet Excellence Award, which includes an award sticker that can be displayed on the buses and a certificate.

“Through the incredibly dedicated efforts of our team members, these respective locations were able to receive the Total Fleet Excellence Award from the MSHP in recognition of their commitment to safety,” said Philip McPherson, Regional Maintenance Manager, Durham School Services. “The award, sense of achievement, and prestige that comes with it is much deserved, and I couldn’t be more proud of each team. Congrats to our Central, Kearney, Lawson, Savannah, Smithville, and Pleasant Hill fleet teams and thank you for giving it your all behind the scenes to ensure that students are able to get to school safely, on time, and ready to learn.”

About Durham School Services: As an industry-leading student transportation provider, Durham School Services is dedicated to the safety of our students and People. For more than 100 years, we have been committed to Excellence and upholding our mission of getting students to school safely, on time, and ready to learn. Through this mission and a grassroots approach to our operations, Durham School Services has earned recognition as a trusted transportation provider among our Customers and the Communities we serve.

The post Durham School Services Maintenance Teams in Missouri Receive Patrol’s Total Fleet Excellence Award appeared first on School Transportation News.

Buying into the latest automotive trend can feel like stepping into the future, until that future leaves you stranded at the service center. Sometimes the cutting edge cuts a little too deep. That’s exactly what went down with one Lucid owner who picked up an Air Pure AWD in 2023. Less than a year later, he’s moving on to an Acura. The car itself? Solid. The ownership experience? Not so much.

More: Rivian Owner’s Quality And Service Nightmares Expose The Pain Of Being A ‘Beta Tester’

“When you buy a Lucid, you’re not just getting a stylish, fun-to-drive EV – you’re buying into an experience. And sadly, that experience has been… underwhelming.” Those are the words of a now-former Lucid driver in what he openly admits is a bit of a rant, posted online.

Lucid “Can’t Tell Its Right Hand From Its Left”

Posted to Reddit, this story details one owner’s experience with what it’s like to own a car from a young automaker. They report leasing the vehicle in 2023, and that it spent two out of twelve months in the shop. Reported issues include malfunctioning windows, a stuck frunk, buzzing speakers, trim problems, unreliable phone connectivity, and what the owner describes as a company that is “completely lost, unable to tell its right hand from its left.”

It gives the impression that different departments aren’t communicating, and some representatives don’t bother reviewing customer notes before reaching out. According to the post, one Lucid employee said a lease buyout was possible, while another insisted it wasn’t. After inquiring about the buyout, the owner was then contacted – ironically – not with answers, but with a sales pitch for another Lucid.

Good Car, Awkward Company

All companies screw up from time to time, but this owner reports that they haven’t received a single call or message to ask about why they wanted out of their lease. To this (now former) owner, Lucid is missing one big thing: “They’re not just selling a car – they’re selling a luxury experience. And right now, they’re only delivering half of that,” they say.

On the plus side, that last comment hints at the silver lining here. Lucid might still be trying to figure out the service and customer experience side of the business, but they have built a very good EV. “The car itself? Terrific. A blast to drive,” the owner said said. Interestingly, the Lucid will be replaced by an Acura ZDX. So, why did they chose this particular car?

More: Service Nightmares Leave Lucid Owner Considering Ditching $100K EV

“The ZDX feels like a refined, luxury version of [a Honda Prologue]”, they explained. “No, it’s not as thrilling as the Lucid, but I’ll take reliability, a responsive local dealer, guaranteed loaners, and half the insurance cost any day. Plus, the lease is in the mid-$300s with zero down.”

Ultimately, this seems like a pretty typical example of what can happen when you buy a car from a startup EV company. Sure, issues like these can crop up with any brand, but they tend to hit early adopters of newer automakers more often.

LOS ANGELES, Calif. — InCharge Energy, the leading provider of end-to-end commercial electric vehicle (EV) charging solutions, today announced the launch of its suite of InService maintenance and repair plans and OnDemand service, designed to make electrification even easier for business customers across North America by providing expert service support for nearly any EV charging equipment. InCharge’s industry-leading focus on EV charger-focused service support is designed to address the growing number of businesses with one or more brands of EV chargers on premises with no support in place for maintaining or extending the life of the equipment.

InService solutions provide commercial charging operators across North America with access to highly trained service technicians, predictable payments, and rapid response time, with the industry’s most customizable service and maintenance packages that let customers pay for parts and labor their way. Customers choose the plan that meets their goals and budget, with options that range fully comprehensive coverage to OnDemand repair or maintenance for unexpected issues. This best-in-class service support is designed to ensure customers can maximize operational efficiency for multiple brands of chargers across one or multiple sites, as InCharge’s expert technicians are specifically trained to optimize and extend the life of commercial EV charging equipment.

“When your business invests in a major piece of equipment or an appliance, typically you would also select a robust service agreement for those occasions when it needs maintenance or repair,” said Rich Mohr, CEO of InCharge Energy. “The same is true for EV charging equipment. By choosing an InService plan to support their EV chargers, customers can protect their investment over time to ensure that their equipment continues to run smoothly. InCharge successfully maintains more than 15,000 charging ports networked to our InControl software platform each day, so businesses know they can rely on us to provide the service support they need – even if they have chargers from multiple manufacturers.”

Service and maintenance options – or OnDemand repair – supported by InControl Charger Management & Maintenance Software

InService gives customers the operational confidence they need to run a successful EV charging program. Customers can request easy-to-understand OnDemand service anytime, with 24/ 7 customer support at 833-772-4638 and parts and labor pricing.

InService plans include Extended Warranty, Preventative Maintenance (with one or two visits per year), and more comprehensive InService plan variations, with the possibility of further tailoring the support to customer needs. The first offering, InService Standard includes preventative maintenance plus labor coverage and discounted parts. InService Dedicated also provides dedicated expert technicians to support a customer’s operations. Fully comprehensive and customizable, InService Premium also includes active monitoring and remote diagnostics powered by InControl Charge Maintenance and Management Software (CMMS), which works alongside any CMS already in place, enabling users to easily request service and facilitating remote identification and repair of up to 75% of EV charger issues.

InService offerings also encompass incremental engineering support or related specialty services, including parts warehousing and supply chain, site assessment, or site restoration services, with the company’s Los Angeles “LASSO” facility providing additional lighting and electrical services and Weights & Measures certification for California-based customers. InCharge Energy’s customizable financial solutions help businesses electrify faster and more affordably, on their terms.

About InCharge Energy
InCharge Energy provides reliable, cost-effective charging and service solutions for North American businesses and organizations of all sizes. Its EV charger service and maintenance offerings, available in every state and province, are designed to support multiple brands of charging equipment. The company also offers a range of customizable financial solutions to meet every business objective and budget, accelerating the path to fleet electrification for auto manufacturers and dealerships, K-12 school districts and higher education, commercial real estate, state and local agencies, and more.

The InCharge team of service experts works remotely to keep chargers operational and dispatches on-staff, highly trained technicians across the continent to facilitate rapid issue resolution. The company’s open-API, OCPP 2.0.1 certified InControl is the first commercial charging software to be widely adopted across North America to control costs, manage charging results, and easily request charger service. This AI-powered charger maintenance platform is purpose-built to keep EVs on the roads, empowering businesses with key insights to easily optimize daily operations and minimize total cost of ownership (TCO).

Headquartered in Los Angeles, InCharge has operating facilities in Richmond, Virginia, and Montreal, Quebec. Learn more about InCharge Energy and its services at www.inchargeus.com. You can also follow InCharge on LinkedIn.

The post InCharge Energy announces launch of InService maintenance and repair plans to service most EV charger brands at 2025 Advanced Clean Transportation (ACT) Expo in Anaheim, CA appeared first on School Transportation News.

ANAHEIM, Calif. – International Motors, LLC * (“International”) will showcase its digitally enabled solutions dedicated to the customer experience at ACT Expo 2025 in Anaheim, California April 28 – May 1.

“At International, we’re investing in innovative solutions to create an exceptional customer experience” said Debbie Shust, vice president, Customer Insights & Experience, International. “It’s not just about delivering vehicles—it’s about delivering confidence. In a dynamic environment, we simplify the journey, support long-term success, and show up as a true partner every step of the way.”

Fleet Decarbonization

International offers end-to-end consulting services to support customers in reaching their fleet decarbonization goals. These services include electric readiness assessments, infrastructure planning, grant support, and onboarding assistance. Customers can begin their journey by visiting their local International dealer to tailor a decarbonization strategy that is best suited for their business.

With more than 10 million real-world miles, International’s battery-electric vehicles have been meeting customer demands in practical scenarios, assisting customers in their decarbonization journeys.

With the announcement of the International eRH Series, an all-electric Class 8 regional haul tractor, the company expands its electric vehicle lineup to meet demands of the heavy-duty market. The eRH joins the International eMV Series and the IC Bus Electric CE Series in the International electric vehicle lineup.

Recognizing that fleet decarbonization happens at different paces for customers, International also provides advanced diesel solutions For example, the LT with the S13 Integrated Powertrain delivers at least 5% more in fuel economy than any competitor in the on-highway aero category.** The S13 Integrated is also certified for use with R100 renewable diesel.

Electric Maintenance Solutions

International provides planned maintenance service contracts to ensure that customers’ operating, maintenance, and service needs are met and supported by our expansive dealer network. These contracts ensure that battery-electric trucks and buses are seamlessly integrated and maintained through proactive service planning.

This white-glove experience is tailored to enhance uptime via scheduled maintenance intervals, solutions like proactive parts planning, advanced technician scheduling, and a new digital ecosystem designed to predict service and maintenance needs aimed at driving efficiency across International and IC Bus dealerships.

The new digital ecosystem provides greater visibility into fleets’ health-based vehicle data allowing customers and dealers to schedule planned maintenance appointments three to four weeks ahead of time. During this already planned downtime, fleets and dealers can also proactively identify other needed repairs and campaigns.

International Service Contracts include planned maintenance and can also include powertrain coverage, chassis coverage, and optional towing coverage. International Service Contracts are available for either five or six years on every new battery-electric truck. Electric bus terms for service contracts vary.

International Financial Payment Program for Bundled Solutions

Beyond financing for traditional diesel trucks, International Financial is also a partner for electric-powered trucks and chargers. This partnership extends past the hardware needed to operate in the battery-electric vehicle ecosystem with a Payment Program that enables customers to access International Service Contracts seamlessly. Importantly, the Payment Program allows our customers to opt for planned maintenance over the term of the contract, with no associated financing cost.

The Payment Program for International Service Contracts is available for electric vehicles whether or not the vehicle is financed through International Financial. Visit the International Financial EV page for more information.

International is dedicated to providing innovative solutions that propel our customers forward. By minimizing downtime and enhancing operational efficiency, we ensure our customers can spend their time and attention focusing on continuous growth and success of their core business. To learn more about these customer solutions, visit the International booth (#5640) at ACT Expo April 28 – May 1 at the Anaheim Convention Center or explore International.com.

About International:
Based in Lisle, Illinois, International Motors, LLC* creates solutions that deliver greater uptime and productivity to our customers throughout the full operation of our commercial vehicles. We build International trucks and engines and IC Bus school and commercial buses that are as tough and as smart as the people who drive them. We also develop Fleetrite aftermarket parts. In everything we do, our vision is to accelerate the impact of sustainable mobility to create the cleaner, safer world we all deserve. As of 2021, we joined Scania, MAN and Volkswagen Truck & Bus in TRATON GROUP, a global champion of the truck and transport services industry. To learn more, visit www.International.com.

The post International Exhibits Solutions to Simplify the Customer Experience at ACT Expo 2025 appeared first on School Transportation News.

One of the benefits of owning an electric vehicles is reduced maintenance compared to ICE-powered cars. That’s the theory, at least. In practice, one owner has found his Kia EV6 to be less of a technological marvel and more of a recurring electrical problem. His 2024 model has chewed through multiple 12-volt batteries in just a year, prompting him to file a lemon law claim.

While the EV6 has been broadly praised as being an excellent EV, it’s not without fault. Over the years, there are have been several reports of battery failures. We’re not talking about the expensive high-voltage battery pack that powers the motors, but rather the 12-volt battery. According to one Facebook group user, he has gone through three of four of these batteries and says he’s initiated a lemon law claim.

Read: First Look At 2025 Kia EV6 GT With Ioniq 5 N Power And Simulated Gearbox

Most Kia EV6s delivered in the United States come standard with traditional lead-acid 12-volt batteries, rather than AGM (Absorbed Glass Mat) batteries, which are generally considered to be far more superior. AGM batteries use a fiberglass mat to hold the electrolyte, offering better cycling performance and longer lifespan.

The most recent battery installed in this particular EV6 appears to have been one of the lower-grade OEM lead-acid units, and it clearly failed well ahead of schedule.

A photo he shared on the EV6 owner’s Facebook page shows acid leaking from the failed battery and corroding the tray beneath it. According to the owner, his EV6 Wind RWD has only about 4,500 miles on the odometer after one year of ownership and yet it’s already gone through multiple 12-volt batteries.

More: Rivian Owner’s DIY Taillight Repair Saves Thousands And Teaches Us A Lesson

The general consensus among other EV6 owners appears to be that the original 12-volt batteries from Kia aren’t up to par, and it’s better to just install an AGM and move on. What’s puzzling is that the dealership handling this particular case hasn’t done so, especially since, according to users on the Kia EV Forums, the Korean carmaker began equipping EV6s with AGM batteries from the factory as of late 2024.

How many times have we seen Rivian owners grumble about spending a small – or sometimes large -fortune on seemingly minor repairs after a fender bender or mishap? Dominic Wilkerson uses his Rivian R1T like the off-road-ready truck that it is. As such, he’s had a mishap or two on the trails.

In one recent incident, he accidentally damaged his rear tail light and tailgate. Rather than take it to Rivian for an expensive repair, he decided to tackle the job himself. The result? The total cost came in under $1,000, and the truck looks almost as good as new.

More: Can You Believe This Rivian R1T Damage Repair Cost $21,000?

As Wilkerson points out, many Rivian owners (rightly) live in constant fear that any kind of damage, no matter how minor, will result in a total loss. And, honestly, those folks aren’t totally out of their minds. Rear-end damage to a Rivian can be both expensive and complicated to fix, as we’ve seen time and time again. But Wilkerson wasn’t about to roll over and accept that fate. He took matters into his own hands.

The Repair Process: Not As Hard As It Sounds

First, he needed a tail light, which he sourced from Rivian’s Seattle service center for $700. In the video below, he demonstrates exactly what it takes to replace the part. In short, it’s a simple procedure that most gearheads and shadetree mechanics can accomplish. The really tricky part of the entire process was fixing the dents he’d put in his tailgate.

As it turns out, though, he’s familiar with paintless dent repair. No, he didn’t tackle the job himself, but rather he sourced a high-quality PDR professional to do the work. For just $200, the technician managed to pull out the big dents in his tailgate and even straighten some imperfections in the middle of it.

While Wilkerson admits that it’s not technically perfect, it’s the kind of fix that most people wouldn’t notice from 10 feet away. His attitude about it now is that, while he might eventually get the rest fixed, part of him appreciates the “battle scars” that show his truck is actually used for what it was made for.

Why Not Use Insurance?

Now, some readers might be asking why Wilkerson didn’t just file an insurance claim. Well, he addressed that too. “By the time I go through the whole process, I’d be without my vehicle for weeks,” he explained. And that’s a very valid concern. Given the notoriously long repair wait times at Rivian service centers, it’s not surprising that many owners would rather avoid the hassle entirely.

Review: The 2025 Rivian R1S Is An Imperfect But Promising Look At The Future

On top of that, insurance companies are totaling more vehicles than ever before. A recent study says that there’s a 42 percent chance of damage leading to a total loss than there was just a few years ago. While Wilkerson’s incident might not have led to that outcome, doing it the way he did assured that it wasn’t even possible.

Damaged tail light and big dent fixed by DIY and PDR for under $1000
byu/Domphotog inRivian

Lead image Dominic Wilkerson

BIRMINGHAM, Ala. – Fleetio, a leading fleet optimization software platform, today announced the acquisition of Auto Integrate, the premier maintenance authorization platform, in a landmark deal establishing Fleetio as a preferred solution for fleet maintenance. The company announced simultaneously the successful closing of over $450 million to finance the acquisition, valuing the combined business at over $1.5 billion. The round was co-led by existing Fleetio investor Elephant and new investor Growth Equity at Goldman Sachs Alternatives.

This strategic union creates a platform designed with customer-centricity to serve fleet operators of all sizes across North America. The combined entity will service over 8 million vehicles and process more than 13 million repair orders per year through its network of 110,000+ repair shops across the United States, Canada, and Mexico.

“This acquisition is transformative for our ability to equip customers with the simplest and most efficient solution for fleet maintenance and management,” said Jon Meachin, CEO of Fleetio. “By bringing together Fleetio’s comprehensive fleet optimization capabilities with Auto Integrate’s specialized maintenance authorization network, we’re creating a truly customer-focused, end-to-end solution that addresses the most critical pain points fleet operators face today.”

“From day one, our focus has been on one simple question: how can we create the most value for our customers?” said Fleetio Founder and Board Chair, Tony Summerville. “Bringing Fleetio and Auto Integrate together is a game-changer for both fleets and repair shops, ensuring a seamless, more connected maintenance experience. Whether a shop does a little or a lot of fleet business, this combination eliminates friction and makes it easier than ever for shops to work with more fleets.”

Auto Integrate’s software enables repair shops to electronically submit repair orders for approval, dramatically reducing vehicle downtime and improving operational efficiency. This capability will fully integrate with Fleetio’s comprehensive platform, creating a seamless experience for businesses managing complex maintenance operations.

“Our customers have consistently asked for a more integrated approach to maintenance management,” said Terry Bartlett, CEO of Auto Integrate, who will join Fleetio’s executive leadership team. “By joining forces with Fleetio, we’re able to deliver exactly what they need – a unified platform that eliminates communication barriers between fleet operators and repair facilities, and ultimately keeps vehicles on the road longer at lower costs.”

Fleetio is committed to substantial investments in research and development to further enhance Auto Integrate’s platform and to integrate its functionality within the Fleetio ecosystem. These investments will directly benefit existing Fleetio and Auto Integrate customers, including Fleet Management Companies (FMCs), rental car operators, repair shops, and other vendors, while expanding capabilities for Fleetio’s growing customer base.

“Jon, Tony, and Terry are brilliant business operators. Combining their two companies creates a vast dataset of maintenance operations that can unlock unique insights into fleet maintenance trends and predictive maintenance opportunities,” said Brendon Hardin, Vice President with Growth Equity at Goldman Sachs Alternatives who is also joining the Board. “This isn’t just about growing the business – it’s about Fleetio’s unwavering commitment to customer success.”

“Fleetio’s strategic acquisition of Auto Integrate represents precisely the kind of transformative opportunity Elephant seeks to support, one that fundamentally elevates the customer experience by combining powerful, complementary technologies,” said Jeremiah Daly at Elephant. “We are excited to deepen our partnership with Fleetio as they continue to redefine what’s possible in fleet maintenance and proudly support their vision for a streamlined, end-to-end ecosystem that enhances operational efficiency for North America’s fleets.”

About Fleetio:
Fleetio, the leading fleet optimization platform, provides comprehensive solutions and resources to run, repair and optimize vehicles and assets, allowing fleets to gain control of what’s happening today, stay ahead of what’s coming tomorrow and confidently deliver results for their business. Founded in 2012, the company’s cloud-based platform and mobile app arm fleets with the tools they need to stay on top of preventive maintenance, extend the life of business assets, reduce downtime and maximize the utilization of service vehicles. Fleetio’s marketplace supports a vast maintenance provider network, enabling fleets to efficiently manage outsourced maintenance and repair. Fleetio powers more than 7,500 public and private fleets of all sizes in more than 100 countries across a wide array of industries.

About Elephant Partners:
Elephant is a venture capital firm focused on the enterprise software, consumer internet and mobile markets.

About Growth Equity at Goldman Sachs:
Goldman Sachs (NYSE: GS) is one of the leading investors in alternatives globally, with over $500 billion in assets and more than 30 years of experience. The business invests in the full spectrum of alternatives including private equity, growth equity, private credit, real estate, infrastructure, sustainability, and hedge funds. Clients access these solutions through direct strategies, customized partnerships, and open-architecture programs.

The business is driven by a focus on partnership and shared success with its clients, seeking to deliver long-term investment performance drawing on its global network and deep expertise across industries and markets.

The alternative investments platform is part of Goldman Sachs Asset Management, which delivers investment and advisory services across public and private markets for the world’s leading institutions, financial advisors and individuals. Goldman Sachs has more than $3.1 trillion in assets under supervision globally as of December 31, 2024.

Since 2003, Growth Equity at Goldman Sachs Alternatives has invested over $13 billion in companies led by visionary founders and CEOs. The team focuses on investments in growth stage and technology-driven companies spanning multiple industries, including enterprise technology, financial technology, consumer and healthcare.

The post Fleetio Raises over $450 Million Series D and Acquires Auto Integrate to Create Customer-Centric One-Stop-Shop for Fleet Maintenance appeared first on School Transportation News.

It was not long ago that school bus mechanics relied solely on a set of Snap-On or Craftsman tools complemented by a dwell meter, vacuum gauge, timing light, tachometer, torque wrench, volt/amp/ohm meter, feeler gauges, inside and outside micrometers, sledgehammer and pry bar, to diagnosis and repair school buses. Mechanical knowledge was gained from high school auto mechanics classes, industrial arts and working alongside seasoned experienced mechanics with the job being performed well on the vehicles of that era.

School bus maintenance has processes and procedures that include periodic checks, preventive maintenance cycles (PM), state regulatory inspections, steering and suspension work, brake replacement, accident and vandalism repair, driver-reported concerns (driver defects), tire repair, and fleet appearance work. These will always remain part of the routine work performed by technicians. These job tasks will never be eliminated by autonomous technology. They, however, can be supported by it in using diagnostic, scheduling and monitoring software with a system that may predict events, identify failures, record events, and schedule repairs.

The past few decades have seen many changes to school buses, leading to a necessary change or growth in the numerous skills required to be a school bus technician.

The ongoing development and introduction of numerous OEM and aftermarket electronic management and diagnostic systems on board the school bus require that the technician is capable of demonstrating a intimate knowledge of those system diagnostics and repair techniques, including numerous proprietary information technologies that are related to these new equipment operational innovations. At the same time, the technician needs to continue with applying established legacy maintenance techniques on 1- to 15-year-old diesel, gasoline and propane engines, transmissions and chassis components of their fleet.

Adding to the evolving skill set necessary for today’s technician is the complexity of transitioning over time to a battery-electric powertrain or electric motor assisted
power systems, and the facility infrastructure and equipment necessary to support them. School bus technicians must perform a wide range of tasks safely, all while trying to stay within operating budget parameters.

The complexity of diagnostic equipment and system fault codes and the semi-autonomous on-board power plant management systems operating today’s numerous Type A, B, C, D and other non-school bus equipment related to the school district or company, warrants a title change and job description from school bus mechanic to that of school bus technician.

To excel in the field of qualified school bus technicians, individuals ideally would possess a combination of technical knowledge, practical skills and formal training. Key qualifications preferably include a formal journeyman training program specific to the school bus chassis maintenance process, a postsecondary training program at a technical school or community college and industry training certification endorsed by OEM’s. Add to these ongoing a training development program supported by their employer. Also, demonstrated skill from experience gained working alongside experienced technicians over time is invaluable.

These programs typically include coursework in diesel and alternative fueled engine technology, electronics, and hands-on training in diagnostic and repair techniques. I also strongly recommend certifications from recognized organizations such as the National Institute for Automotive Service Excellence (school bus/medium truck specific), which can enhance job knowledge, especially as the industry moves toward electrification.

The future of medium truck and bus technician jobs looks promising, with steady demand projected across various industries. The Bureau of Labor Statistics projects employment for technicians to grow by 3 percent from 2021 to 2031, keeping pace with the average growth rate for all occupations. Innovations in technology, increased emphasis on environmental sustainability, and a mix of alternative fueled vehicles and legacy diesel school buses vehicles will ensure a consistent need for skilled technicians. While the role of school bus technician comes with its share of challenges, the opportunities for growth, advancement and job security make it an attractive career choice for those with the right skills and training.

As technology continues to evolve, school bus technicians will remain at the forefront of ensuring the safety, efficiency and reliability of the school transportation sector numerous school bus types.

Editor’s Note: As reprinted in the February 2025 issue of School Transportation News.

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Robert Pudlewski is STN’s technical editor and a member of the National School Transportation Association Hall of Fame in recognition of his 40-plus-year career as a school bus maintenance, technology and procurement expert.

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The post The Evolving Role of School Bus Technicians appeared first on School Transportation News.

A webinar demonstrated the efficiency benefits of partnering with a national contractor for school bus maintenance.

“Fleet maintenance is evolving, plain and simple,” stated Edmund Dixon, a principal consultant for the First Consulting division of Thursday’s webinar sponsor First Student. “Do you have the latest and greatest technology in your shop?”

Todd Hawkins, senior vice president of maintenance for First Student, reviewed how costs and types of repairs coincide and their effect on shop environment, technician stress and bus uptime. Scheduled, preventative and predictive maintenance, he said, helps avoid things like road calls, misdiagnoses and neglected repairs.

Jackson Diodoardo, a principal consultant for First Student, reviewed the case of a 200-vehicle fleet operated for St. Landry Parish School Board in Louisiana. The district had what Diodoardo referred to as extreme driver and technician shortages, burdensome maintenance costs and budgetary constraints.

A tiered fleet leasing plan was implemented, starting with 15 buses and growing to 30. First Services by First Student staffed the shop with its own technicians and provided training, which reduced turnover rates.

Diodoardo concluded that the district is now enjoying a reliable fleet with new technology and reduced maintenance costs.

How It’s Done

Diodoardo reviewed First Student’s size and scale across 44 U.S. states and eight Canadian provinces, while Hawkins shared the expertise and training that its technicians undergo to receive ASE Certifications as well as the company-wide policies that ensure that KPI and efficiency standards are met.

“We’re trying to turn unscheduled events to scheduled, which will save time,” Hawkins declared. “Accurate diagnosis and repair saves money.”

Hawkins reviewed the company’s asset management system, Hexagon, and revealed how First Services teaches techs to “fix something that’s not broken” by effectively leveraging predictive analytics.

“It’s not hard to buy a program and get predictions, but it’s hard to make it effective,” he noted.

Dixon shared that on-demand support is available through the Technical Assistance Center, where district staff can seek insights from certified technicians to reduce repair time and unnecessary parts usage.

“Everything we do is to provide efficiency in our maintenance operations and service with the resources we have,” he added.

Hawkins reviewed stats from the past 10 years to demonstrate how partnering with First Services can reduce maintenance costs and improve customer satisfaction.

First Services offers maintenance consulting, maintenance as a service, and fleet as a service. The latter, Dixon noted, allows that a school district to retain full control of the fleet and drivers, resulting in greater efficiency and uptime.

Hawkins and Dixon also reviewed support for technicians, which includes good wages, higher training opportunities and technology usage—the latter being popular with younger technicians.

“Paying more for a good tech saves you money in the long run,” Hawkins declared.

He encouraged districts to ensure their shops and managers are satisfactory since sending out for help costs more.

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Related: (STN Podcast E222) Tools to Get the Job Done: Georgia Garage Star Talks Maintenance Evolution
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Related: A New Age Dawns for School Bus Maintenance Training

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“It really comes down to what each specific district needs and how those needs can be met, and we can partner with you to figure that out,” Dixon said. First Services will conduct audits and consultations and can be involved with any size district to the degree that the district desires, he confirmed.

Dixon and Hawkins added First Student’s scale and experience leads to providing the insights, experience and buying power that a standalone district would lack.

“Our whole life is efficiency because efficiency drives customer satisfaction. The better we do it, the cheaper it is and the happier the customer is,” Hawkins quipped. “We’re showing people what good looks like.”

Hawkins said that when First Services assumes school bus maintenance for a location, consultants work with unions and keep the existing technicians, who they continue to train. He confirmed that the turnover rate is low.

In answer to an attendee question, Hawkins confirmed First Services averages a 94-95 percent bus in-service rate.

Watch the webinar on-demand. 

The post Contractor Helps School Bus Maintenance Operations Cut Costs, Not Corners appeared first on School Transportation News.

CINCINNATI — First Student, the leading provider of student transportation services, today announced the launch of HALO, a cutting-edge technology platform designed to transform the way school districts, parents and drivers manage and experience student transportation.

HALO integrates every aspect of First Student’s operations, from recruiting and training to routing, dispatching, navigation, vehicle telematics and maintenance, offering a unified, real-time 360-degree view of each vehicle and student, keeping families, districts and drivers informed, connected and in control.

“We have long been pioneers in transportation technology at First Student,” said John Kenning, CEO & president of First Student. “From online training and scheduling to vehicle inspections, we have developed technology to make lives easier. With HALO, we are taking it even further, living our values of safety, reliability and innovation by combining powerful analytics and actionable insights. This helps us set the highest standards, keep every student safe and create trusted partnerships, continually improving the experience for our student passengers.”

HALO: The Future of Student Transportation
First Student developed the platform in-house, resulting in rapid growth and earning industry recognition, including Forrester’s Technology Strategy Impact Award. With HALO, First Student is making a major leap forward in transportation, unifying all its systems and services into a single, powerful platform with shared data and an intuitive user experience.

HALO Includes:

• Dynamic and Adaptive Routing: HALO’s adaptive routing system continually evaluates routes, improving safety and efficiency, and identifying areas for optimization.
  360-Degree Dispatching: HALO integrates all operational data, empowering dispatchers to manage routes, track absences, assign vehicles and monitor route performance with ease.
• Advanced Recruiting and Training: HALO’s proprietary training app has reduced onboarding time, resulting in a 90% average pass rate on commercial driver’s license (CDL) exams on the first attempt.
• Driver Support and Navigation: HALO’s driver apps guide drivers through every step of the process, from pre-trip inspections to student ridership tracking, ensuring consistency and efficiency across all vehicles.
• Vehicle Tracking for Parents and Districts: Through the FirstView app and dashboard, families and district staff can track vehicles, view live updates and make data-driven decisions to improve the transportation experience.
• AI-Supported Safety: HALO incorporates optional AI cameras on buses and alternative vehicles, detecting potential hazards, providing real-time alerts and recording critical moments for improved safety.
• Driver Scoring and Monitoring: HALO tracks and scores driver performance, offering positive recognition, fostering friendly competition and promoting continuous improvement.
• Predictive Maintenance: HALO uses predictive analytics to anticipate maintenance needs, prevent road failures, reduce downtime and save costs.
• Optimized EV Charging: HALO’s charge management system ensures that electric buses charge at the best times, optimizing energy use and maintaining operational efficiency.
• Least Restrictive Vehicle Model: HALO ensures that students are assigned to the right-sized vehicles, applying the “lease restrictive environment” concept to transportation for greater safety and comfort.

HALO’s advanced analytics utilize the information to provide advanced, actionable insights to improve safety, efficiency and the overall transportation experience.

“HALO’s ability to offer real-time data and intelligent recommendations sets a new standard in the industry,” added Kenning. “By prioritizing safety, efficiency and innovation, HALO helps us deliver exceptional services to students, parents, and school districts.”

About First Student

As North America’s leading school transportation solutions provider, First Student strives to provide unmatched care and the safest ride to school to 5.5 million students every day. With a team of highly trained drivers, the company will complete 1 billion student trips during the 2024-25 school year. First Student delivers reliable, quality services, including full-service transportation and management, special-needs transportation, fleet electrification, route optimization, scheduling, maintenance, and charter services with a fleet of about 45,000 buses.

The post First Student Unveils HALO, Groundbreaking Technology Platform Revolutionizing Student Transportation appeared first on School Transportation News.

DENVER, Colo. – EverDriven, the leader in Alternative Student Transportation, proudly announces its full compliance with California’s SB 88 legislation – well in advance of the July 1, 2025 deadline. Having met all requirements in January 2025, six months ahead of the deadline, EverDriven reaffirms its commitment to supporting school districts as they navigate evolving safety and operational requirements in student transportation.

Introduced by Senator Nancy Skinner in 2023, SB 88 sets new standards for student transportation in California. The legislation includes enhanced safety protocols, driver training requirements, and vehicle maintenance regulations, all designed to ensure a safer transportation system for California’s students.

“Our proactive approach to SB 88 compliance demonstrates EverDriven’s dedication to meeting the requirements and keeping every student safe,” said Morgan Judge, Senior Director of Compliance, Regulation, & Policy. “From rigorous driver education to vehicle inspections, we’ve set a new standard for student transportation excellence in California.”

EverDriven ensures SB 88 compliance by addressing key requirements:

Driver Qualifications and Education: Drivers for student transportation in California must meet or exceed the qualifications required by SB 88. Said qualifications include background checks, DMV record reviews, education in areas like student sensitivity and emergency preparedness, and tuberculosis risk assessments. Drivers are required to pass criminal background checks, obtain first aid certifications, and undergo DOT (Department of Transportation) physicals or medical examinations to verify their fitness to operate vehicles safely. EverDriven’s rigorous onboarding process ensures every driver meets all of SB 88’s qualifications and is fully prepared to provide safe and reliable transportation.

Fleet Safety and Maintenance: Vehicles must comply with California’s safety standards. EverDriven meets SB 88’s requirement that all vehicles undergo regular inspections every 12 months or 50,000 miles at a Bureau of Automotive Repair-licensed facility. In accordance with SB 88, each vehicle is equipped with a fire extinguisher and a first aid kit to reinforce EverDriven’s commitment to passenger safety.

Compliance Reporting: EverDriven provides detailed reporting on all transportation services, including driver qualifications, vehicle maintenance, and trip data. Additionally, EverDriven supplies documentation for an EPN (Employer Pull Notice) program, allowing continuous monitoring of driver records to ensure compliance and safety. This gives districts the necessary documentation to demonstrate full SB 88 compliance.

“California school districts work tirelessly to support their students, and EverDriven is proud to be a trusted partner in that mission,” said Mitch Bowling, CEO of EverDriven. “We don’t just meet SB 88 standards we exceed them, providing districts with a safe, reliable, and equitable transportation solution so they can focus on serving their students without navigating complex transportation regulations. Our network of fully vetted and qualified drivers meets the highest standards, delivering the consistency and care that every student deserves.”

To learn more about EverDriven and how its solutions support student transportation, visit https://www.everdriven.com.

About EverDriven:
With nearly 700 school district contracts and over 28,000 students served last year alone, EverDriven is the leader in safe and technology-enabled Alternative Student Transportation. Leveraging proprietary routing technology and customized transportation services, the company has been instrumental in addressing driver shortages, helping reduce chronic absenteeism, accommodating varying bell times, and serving unique student needs related to the McKinney-Vento Homeless Assistance Act, special needs, ESSA, hard-to-serve trips, and out-of-district placements. For more information, visit everdriven.com.

The post EverDriven Announces Senate Bill 88 Compliance in California Six Months Before Deadline appeared first on School Transportation News.

School bus maintenance can be costly and complex, but there are new ways to manage it more efficiently. This webinar will explore how districts can reduce maintenance costs, simplify operations, and ensure fleet reliability—without committing to a full home-to-school contract.

Attendees will learn:

• How to manage maintenance costs more predictably
• Ways to streamline fleet operations and reduce administrative burden
• Strategies to meet evolving environmental regulations
• Insights into First Student’s Fleet as a Service model

Whether you’re looking to improve efficiency or explore alternative maintenance solutions, this session will provide actionable insights to help your district make informed decisions. Register now to learn more!

Presented by First Student

REGISTER BELOW:

 

Presenters:

Todd Hawkins
Senior Vice President of Maintenance
First Student

Senior Vice President of Maintenance Todd Hawkins oversees management for all 500 maintenance operations for First Student. Hawkins has more than 30 years of experience as a manager of maintenance. He is responsible for First Student’s maintenance activities which include school buses, transit contracting systems operating fixed-route, paratransit, trolley, shuttle, and over-the-road vehicles. Hawkins’ focus is on managing our maintenance quality assurance programs and implementing innovative methods to improve efficiency and bring accountability to our clients.

He and his staff offer technical assistance, training, and best-practice information to First Student’s maintenance operations and can provide technical assistance as necessary to the 2,600 fleet maintenance staff.

Prior to First Student, Hawkins held leadership positions at Ryder Truck Rental including Mechanic and Assistant Supervisor and Maintenance Manager. Hawkins earned his degree in diesel technology from Atlanta Area Technical College.

Edmund Dixon
Principal Consultant
First Consulting

Edmund Dixon is a Principal Consultant for First Consulting, focused on providing districts with efficient routing solutions, streamlined operations procedures and effective fleet maintenance.

He has been instrumental in leading multiple consulting engagements across North America, for districts with fleets spanning from 12 to 200+ busses. Dixon has served as an educator and administrator for Chicago Public Schools as well as providing a wide range of consulting and business development opportunities ranging from IT Consulting to EdTech Consulting.

Dixon holds a Bachelor’s Degree in History from the University of Virginia and a Master’s Degree in Education and Social Policy from Northwestern University.

The post (Free Webinar) Cut Costs, Not Corners: The Future of School Bus Maintenance appeared first on School Transportation News.

• 

How to Jump-Start a Hybrid Car Battery

Just like traditional gas-powered vehicles, a hybrid car battery can be jump started when the battery is discharged. Jump-starting your hybrid shouldn’t stray too far from the process of their gas engine counterpart, though the same amount of caution should be taken.

Please note your jumper cable connectors should not be touching unless they are fully disconnected.

• Park your vehicle on a flat and dry surface
• Turn the vehicle off alongside all electrical components including the headlights and radio
• Place the positive jumper cable clamp (+) colored red on the positive battery terminal of your discharged hybrid battery or positive jump post
• Place the positive clamp on the positive terminal of the functioning car battery
• Place the negative battery (-) colored black on the negative terminal of the functioning car battery
• Place the negative clamp on the negative battery terminal of the dead battery or negative jump post
• Start the engine of the vehicle with the functioning battery and lightly press the accelerate for about five minutes
• Start the engine of your hybrid with the discharged battery
• Remove the negative clamp from the previously-dead battery
• Remove the negative clamp from the functioning battery
• Remove the positive clamp from the functioning battery
• Remove the positive clamp from the previously-dead battery

What Causes a Hybrid Battery to Die?

While it may be difficult to narrow down the exact cause of your hybrid battery dying, there are a few main culprits that tend to pop up:

• Loose battery terminals can cause a discharged battery in both gas and hybrid vehicles. In order to avoid this, inspect your battery terminals when your Toyota is turned off.
• Extremely cold temperatures can negatively affect the 12-volt battery by slowing down battery chemistry
• Parasitic draw happens when something electric, like a cabin light being left or a door not being closed all the way, drains your car battery.

If you’re having constant issues with your Toyota hybrid battery, schedule a service appointment with us at our Toyota service center in Madison. If you have any questions or need more information about caring for your hybrid car battery, contact us online at Smart Toyota.

About Smart Motors

Founded in 1908 by O.D. Smart, Smart Motors is one of the nation’s oldest automotive dealerships, the Midwest’s largest hybrid dealer, Wisconsin’s Largest Toyota Certified Used Vehicle dealer and one of Wisconsin’s largest volume new Toyota dealers. Located in Madison, Smart Motors is Wisconsin’s only two-time President’s Cabinet Award recipient from Toyota Motor Sales for superior customer service & sales volume.

The post How to Jump-Start Your Hybrid appeared first on Smart Toyota Blog.

Vehicle winterization – whether this will be your first winter in Wisconsin, or you’re born and raised in cheese-country, it’s something every Wisconsinite must prepare for. The morning temperatures are dipping below freezing, highs are lucky to break freezing, accumulating snow will soon be piling up, but have you winterized your vehicle? Thankfully, most of us only need to brave these elements for brief periods at a time, usually as long as it takes to go from a heated building to one’s vehicle and back into another heated sanctuary. But if the freezing temps, gusty winds, and icy snow in the Madison area are hard on you for the few moments you’re out, think about the brutal beating your car takes.

Your vehicle may have been sitting out for hours. The last thing you want to do is trudge over the frozen landscape, reach your vehicle, turn the key in the ignition, and – oh no! – all you hear is a hideous series of click-click-clicks, groans, and exhausted whirs. The engine isn’t turning over. Why didn’t you winterize your ride!?

Luis Roman, Assistant Service Manager at Smart Motors in Madison, says there’s no time like the present to start getting your vehicle in shape for the unpredictable winter season. He says every year he is asked by multiple people what the most important factors are when preparing a vehicle for the challenges winter can pose. And with the Farmers’ Almanac predicting a snowy winter with colder than normal temperatures, it is probably a good idea to take note of the winterization check list he shares with others.

“The top item on any vehicle winterization list is fairly obvious,” he says. “It’s having a quality, fully charged, and undamaged BATTERY.”

Roman says it takes more power to start a car in the winter because battery power decreases as the temperature drops. If your battery is already having problems, your risk of breaking down or becoming stranded increases. It is recommended to have a battery with at least the vehicle manufacturers CCA rating, most hybrids will have 12 volt batteries under 400 CCA which are fine for that application

The second and third items on Roman’s list are TIRES and BRAKES. Thankfully the cold doesn’t necessarily harm these components, but it doesn’t hurt to make sure they are in the best condition to handle the hazards of winter driving. He says most drivers don’t think about their tires until they have to swerve or brake suddenly – often with serious consequences. According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, about nine percent of vehicle crashes are tire-related and could be prevented with proper tire maintenance.

“All-season tires are what I recommend to most drivers,” says Roman. “They’re great for people with short commutes and little reason to veer far from the beaten path.” According to Roman, all-season tires are also very convenient, as they don’t need to be swapped out with any other set of tires seasonally.

“When people need to commute to and from work from a rural area, I almost always say they should go with snow tires,” says Roman. “They can swap out with their regular tires in early November or so. And having two sets of tires puts less wear and tear on both pairs, so you can have them for quite a long while.”

Top Five Best Winter Tires

• Michelin X-Ice Xi3
• Bridgestone Blizzak WS90
• Dunlop Winter Maxx WM02
• General AltiMAX Arctic
• Continental Winter Contact TS830

Shop for tires for your for your vehicle.

The fourth item on Roman’s list is WINDSHIELD WIPER BLADES. He says that there are blades specifically made for winter driving, and they could really be a lifesaver.

“You really never know what winter is going to throw at you, so it’s best to be prepared,” he says. “It could be freezing rain, wintery mix, wet snow, or the car in front of you splashing your windshield with the dirty, salty slush on the road. Windshields really take a beating in the winter.”

The amount of debris that could potentially block your view needs to be cleared for you to be able to navigate the winter roads safely. Roman says he constantly hears about harrowing journeys drivers make with bad wipers that just smear the slush around instead of clearing it off the windshield. Or there are the wipers that don’t make contact with the windshield at all! These wipers need to be replaced for your safety and for the safety of others.

“Wiper blades are inexpensive, and many people can install them themselves,” he says. “So please check yours before the snow flies. The last thing you want to do is drive blind.”

Roman says there are a few other items that you might want to have a professional check for you before winter is in full swing:

What Should I Have My Mechanic Inspect On My Car Before Winter?

• The cooling system – Your automotive service technician can tell you what antifreeze should be used and the appropriate coolant-to-water ratio to avoid potential freezing.
• Belts, hoses, spark plugs, wires and cables – While they can go bad at any time, if they do in the winter, you could be stuck in the cold for an unfortunately long period.

“These areas might seem small compared to the engine or fuel intake system, but without the small things aiding the large items, your vehicle will not function properly,” he says.

Aside from vehicle winterization, Roman says for safety reasons all motorists should have a cell phone and a phone charger handy, and drivers shouldn’t let their gas go much below a half tank in the wintertime, either. Plus he recommends keeping a worst-case-scenario-kit in your vehicle, filled with the following items:

What Items Should I Keep In My Car During Winter In Wisconsin?

• A blanket
• Several heavy duty garbage bags: Can be a makeshift rain coat; keep your clothing off the wet ground when changing a tire, or to collect wet items.
• A shovel
• Kitty Litter – which can help aid in traction
• Jumper cables or a battery-powered portable booster
• Flashlight or emergency light
• First aid kit
• Food
• Jack and spare tire: Know how to use them — practice if necessary.

About Smart Motors

Smart Motors was founded in 1908 by O.D. Smart and is one of the nation’s oldest automotive dealerships, is the mid-west’s largest hybrid dealer and one of Wisconsin’s largest volume Toyota dealers. Located at 5901 Odana Road, Smart Motors is Wisconsin’s only two-time President’s Cabinet Award recipient from Toyota Motor Sales for superior customer service & sales volume. For more information, check out their history.

The post Tips & Advice For Winterizing Your Car, Truck, Or SUV In Wisconsin. appeared first on Smart Toyota Blog.

Potholes Can Cause a Lot of Damage

Spring time in Wisconsin is like when a bear comes out of hibernation. Daytime temperatures are pushing 50 degrees, Wisconsinites are sporting shorts and short sleeve shirts, but when the winter frost leaves our roadways we are left with those pesky “potholes” which can cause damage to our vehicle’s alignment. The constant freezing and unfreezing of water on roadways can wreak havoc, forming supersize potholes destroying the underside of your vehicle. The automotive specialists at Smart Motors service department have the following advice to help prevent and notice pothole-related damage.

Visible damage is the easiest to detect, but may not be the only indication your vehicle needs some attention. One obvious sign of tire damage is when a tire ‘bulges’; which occurs when the steel/fiber ply belt in the sidewall of a tire breaks due to a heavy impact. Luis Roman, Assistant Service Manager at Smart Motors Service Center, says even if your tires don’t have bulges does not necessarily mean you are free from the damage of potholes.

Warning Signs of Pothole Damage

If your vehicle pulls to one side, or your steering wheel is visibly off center, Roman suggests being on the safe side and schedule an appointment with a reputable automotive service center and getting an assessment. This way, the vehicle’s alignment and other signs of damage can be analyzed and fixed before they become a major problem. Repair costs can vary greatly depending on the extent of damaged parts; from a $200 strut to several thousand dollars for an entire suspension system and cradle.

Roman also offers these tips to help protect vehicles against the jarring experience of a pothole encounter:

Tips to Protect your Vehicle from Pesky Potholes

• Maintain full air pressure in all tires to provide as much cushion as possible between the pothole and the rim of the tire. Consult the vehicle owner’s manual for the correct pressure.
• Watch for potholes by leaving plenty of space between your vehicle and the one in front of you.
• If a pothole cannot be avoided, slow down BEFORE hitting the pothole. Hitting a pothole at high speed increases the chance of damage to tires, wheels, shocks, struts or springs.
• When driving over a pothole-filled road, hold the steering wheel firmly to avoid losing control.
• Do NOT brake when directly over a pothole. Applying the brakes causes the car’s weight to shift to the front of the wheel and can increase damage from the impact.
• Beware of water that may be concealing a deep pothole.

About Smart Motors

Smart Motors was founded in 1908 by O.D. Smart and is one of the nation’s oldest automotive dealerships, is the mid-west’s largest hybrid dealer, is one of Wisconsin’s largest volume Toyota dealers and is Wisconsin’s largest Toyota Certified Used dealer. Located at 5901 Odana Road, Smart Motors is Wisconsin’s only two-time President’s Cabinet Award recipient from Toyota Motor Sales for superior customer service & sales volume. For more information visit their history page.

The post When Roads Go To Pot… Holes appeared first on Smart Toyota Blog.

Is it worth it, really? Should I wash my vehicle, or just wait for spring? Under normal circumstances most vehicle owners love their car. It’s like an old friend, cheerfully waiting to take you where you need to go. But as the winter months in Wisconsin drag on, you find your feelings changing toward your tried and true buddy. To wash or not to wash; now that’s the question. What was once a summer time escape from reality, suddenly becomes a chore. Come February and March, if you have not washed your vehicle, it becomes salt-covered, sludgy, dishwater-hued beast that is almost indecipherable from most of the other vehicles on the road. And the worst part is you don’t know what you should do about it.

Part of you thinks you should probably wash the poor thing, but at the same time, it’s Wisconsin – it’s going to snow again, plus the streets are just going to be salted again. And on those rare breaks when the temperatures climb into the 40s, everyone and their uncle are in line to run their vehicles through the car wash. Do you just let it go?

Jason Vasen, Master Diagnostic Technician at Smart Motors, says you should absolutely not let it go.

“Salt may keep the streets safe to drive on, but it’s a terrible thing to have on your car for extended periods of time,” Vasen says. “Salt leads to oxidation and rust. It can take years off the life expectancy of your vehicle.”

Car Wash; Outside temperature matters

Vasen says Wisconsinites ideally should wash their cars, trucks and SUVs about once every two weeks even in the dead of winter though only wash when outdoor temperatures are in the upper 30’s or in the 40’s to ensure doors and windows won’t freeze. If you’re fortunate to have a heated or well insulated garage, you could push this to temps a little lower, but it’s always a good idea to dry off your vehicle as well. Pop the hood, open the doors, including hatch/truck and dry them off.

Not all car washes are created equal

“You want to make sure it’s a quality wash, too,” he says. “Just washing the pretty parts may save your paint job for a few years, but it’s incredibly important to make sure salt and slush are removed from the wheel wells and undercarriage.” A touchless car wash with an underbody high pressure spray option/cycle is what you’ll want to look for to help remove the salt, sand and grim from those hard to reach spots.

When salt builds up on the wheel wells and undercarriage, it attacks the vehicle’s braking system and suspension, both of which could lead to dangerous situations on the roads. They are both expensive to repair, too, so making sure they are salt-free could save you money down the line.

“Drivers can also get ahead of the game through routine maintenance,” Vasen says. “Quality mechanics will check for any issues and lubricate or use corrosion inhibitors on parts as needed for the winter months.” And don’t forget wiper blades. They are an inexpensive way to ensure clear vision.

Did you know?

Where one parks during the winter can also play a role in how much damage is or isn’t done to a vehicle because of slushy and salty conditions. Ironically, vehicles parked outside for the duration typically experience less body damage than those that are garage kept. This is because the freezing temperatures do not allow the slush to melt, so it slows down the overall corrosiveness of the salt.

“Bottom line; regardless of whether you store your vehicle inside or outside, it really is worth the time, effort and money to make every attempt to keep it clean,” Vasen says.

Jason Vasen is a Master Diagnostic Technician at Smart Motors – Madison, WI, and was founded in 1908 by O.D. Smart and is one of the nation’s oldest automotive dealerships, is the mid-west’s largest hybrid dealer and one of Wisconsin’s largest volume Toyota dealers. Located at 5901 Odana Road, Smart Motors is Wisconsin’s only two-time President’s Cabinet Award recipient from Toyota Motor Sales for superior customer service & sales volume. See their history page for more details.

The post Winter. Should You Wash Your Vehicle or Not? appeared first on Smart Toyota Blog.

Tips & Safe Start Guide

Icy roads, plows shooting up clouds of snow and blinding light bouncing off packed snow cause all sorts of problems for Wisconsin’s drivers, but one of winter’s worst effects come before people even hit the road—winter causes discharged car batteries and vehicle jumpstarting presents a fair share of issues.

Discharged (dead) batteries won’t jumpstart

Car batteries often become discharged in the winter because the cold affects the vehicle in two ways;

1. A cold battery has less cranking power than a battery at normal temperature.
2. Cold oil is thick oil, and thick oil is harder to turn over in the engine.

While these traits occur independently of each other, they combine and make it harder for vehicles to start, effectively draining a battery down. A discharged battery can oftentimes be recharged and work fine, but immediate action is necessary as a discharged battery could freeze making it unable to be recharged, thus possibly ruining the battery. Charged batteries will not freeze. There are warning signs your battery may be failing.

Traditional Vehicle Batteries vs Hybrid Vehicle Batteries

Discharged batteries can occur in both traditional cars as well as more modern hybrid vehicles. And while many people might know how to jump start a traditional car, the precautions necessary for either jump starting or receiving a jump from a hybrid are slightly different, yet hybrid owners might not even realize this.

“The hybrid is a fundamentally different design and has batteries located in different spots and takes on power differently,” says Smart Motors Master Diagnostic Technician Jason Vasen. “Hybrids with the 12 volt battery inside the passenger compartment like the Prius use an AGM battery which uses absorbed glass mats so there is no “loose” liquid to spray. Some hybrids use conventional 12 volt batteries located outside the passenger compartment which do carry the concern of potential explosion.”

How can one be safe when jump starting a hybrid? Smart Motors’ Jason Vasen put together the following checklists for how to keep vehicles safe and fully powered even through the worst of winter’s fury.

Jumpstarting a hybrid vehicle

1. Don’t make a practice of using your hybrid to jump start other vehicles as you could greatly damage the discharged vehicle’s electrical system.
2. Apply the parking brake and turn off the headlight switch and interior light.
3. Turn off the hybrid system and remove the key if inserted.
4. Open the hood; fuse block cover, and exclusive jump starting terminal cover.
5. Connect positive clamp (red) jumper cable to the exclusive jump starting terminal.
6. Connect the negative clamp (black) to a solid, stationary, unpainted, metallic point of the vehicle with the discharged battery.
7. If the booster battery is installed in another vehicle, make sure the vehicles are not touching. Turn off all unnecessary lights and accessories.
8. When boosting, use the battery of matching or higher quality. Any other battery may make for a difficult start.
9. Allow the discharged battery to rest with the jumper cables connected for approximately 5 minutes. At this time, run the engine in the vehicle with the booster battery at about 2,000 RPM with the accelerator pedal lightly depressed.
10. Start the hybrid system. Make sure the “READY” light is on.
11. Disconnect the cables in reverse order: the negative cable and then the positive cable.

Jumpstarting a traditional vehicle

1. Park the booster vehicle close but not touching the one that needs to be jumped.
2. Begin the process by clamping one of the positive jumper cable ends (red) to the positive battery terminal (labeled with a “+” on the battery) of the discharged vehicle.
3. Connect the other end of the positive cable (red) to the positive battery terminal on the booster vehicle (again, confirm that a “+” is next to the battery terminal).
4. Connect the negative cable end (black) to the negative battery terminal on the booster car (marked with a “-“). Finally, attach the other end of the negative cable to an unpainted metal surface on the engine of the discharged car.
5. Start the discharged vehicle and let the two vehicles idle for a few minutes.
6. Once the discharged vehicle is started and running smoothly, disconnect the jumper cables in the reverse order that they were connected.
7. Drive the revived car to somewhere safe and secure before shutting off the engine.

Smart Motors was founded in 1908 by O.D. Smart and is one of the nation’s oldest automotive dealerships. Smart Motors is the mid-west’s largest hybrid dealer, and is located at 5901 Odana Road, Smart Motors is Wisconsin’s only dealership to have ever earned the coveted President’s Cabinet Award from Toyota Motor Sales. This award is only given to the top 12 dealerships nationwide for superior customer service & sales volume. To learn more about Smart Motors, visit their dealership history page.

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