TMC Rewind: Corrosion Threats and Coolant System Dangers
Fall Meeting Focused on Improving Maintenance Practices
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Although the was the main event at American Trucking Associations’ Technology & Maintenance Council’s 2025 Fall Meeting in Raleigh, N.C., there was plenty of discussion centering on the topics most impacting the technician workforce.
The day after FedEx Freight’s Matthew Sloan was named 2025 TMCSuperTech grand champion, the fall meeting delved into its technical sessions as fleet maintenance leaders shared their ideas on improving maintenance practices and combating the challenges facing technicians.
Corrosion protection is a concern that has been accelerated over the years, said Bill Cook, product manager at Peterson Manufacturing Co. Cook and others were part of a panel discussing the causes and effects of corrosion and what the industry has done to mitigate the effects. “This is not an easy problem to solve,” he said.
Kevin Tomlinson, director of transportation at , discussed how corrosion can affect critical components such as braking systems, electrical systems and structural parts, leading to safety and operational issues.
“These corrosive chemicals don’t play favorites. They’re extremely harmful to virtually every part of the truck that they come in contact with,” he said, adding that corrosion also can reach around the tire area. “If left untreated, they can, in extreme cases, cause problems.”
Kevin Tomlinson, the TMC chairman in 2015, says, "TheseĚýcorrosive chemicals don’t play favorites. They’re extremely harmful to virtually every part of the truck." (American Trucking Associations)
Mark Glasgow, chief of sales at , noted how trailer manufacturers use various coatings, galvanization and material selection to protect against corrosion. He said it remains an ongoing challenge.
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“So the truth is, most metals corrode some things faster than others,” he said. “Our job as manufacturers is to slow it down or decelerate what will happen naturally and environmentally on the trailer and its components.”
Jeff Wheeler, automotive electrical engineering manager at , a member of the Fuchs Group, explained that electrical connectors are vulnerable to corrosion, and the use of dielectric greases can help prevent issues by lubricating, reducing wear and creating a barrier against moisture and contaminants.
“Make sure you’re applying whatever product it is for whatever you’re trying to solve the proper way,” he said, “so that you get the benefit that you’re paying for.”
Cook also recommended that attendees create a proactive, scheduled maintenance program that is focused on corrosion prevention to reduce costly repairs and downtime.
Matthew Sloan of FedEx Freight celebrates winning theĚýTMCSuperTech National Technician Skills Competition. (American Trucking Associations)
Freeman Young, president and co-founder of Toronto-based ÂKrown Rust Control, spoke to attendees about proper cleaning and maintenance, including the use of corrosion-inhibiting products, that are essential to extending the life of a vehicle and its components.
“When you think about all the things that you could do … there is no magic in this world, but there is maintenance,” he said. “Proactive maintenance is going to cost you a lot less money than allowing things to happen and trying to repair them.”
Engine Coolant System Management
Likewise, corrosion can stem from the poor maintenance and management of engine coolant systems. OEM and fleet representatives discussed the importance of avoiding mixing different types of coolants, which also can lead to cavitation and other major issues.
Steve Reaburn, global technical director at , explained that mixing coolants can cause chemical reactions due to the combination of different formulations with varying levels and types of additives and inhibitors reacting negatively.
“Don’t mix fluids because you’re going to cause corrosion,” he said. “Corrosion will not only affect your water pump, but all the hoses, your radiator and other devices in the coolant system.”
He also delved into how testing and analysis shows that mixing certain coolant types have resulted in significantly higher corrosion and cavitation compared with using a single, compatible coolant. For example, he noted, one test found that a hybrid coolant mix had over 11 times more material loss from corrosion compared with the recommended limit.
Reaburn also stated that proper flushing and cleaning of the cooling system is critical when replacing components or changing coolant types to remove any residual contamination. Simply flushing with a garden hose is often not enough, he stressed, adding that it is best to use specialized tools and recommended procedures to thoroughly clean the system.
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“When you see all that contamination, you truly need to flush,” he said adding that a garden hose would offer a partial flush. “You have to get all of that crud out of your engine coolant system.”
Waleed Salama, senior service engineer at Daimler Truck North AmerÂica, recommended that coolant maintenance schedules, with guidance that coolants should be replaced every 300,000 to 600,000 miles depending on the type, Ârather than the traditional 30,000- to 60,000-mile intervals. He noted that it is due to the improved longevity of modern coolant formulations.
Robbie Lear, senior regional manager of maintenance-Carolinas at Red Classic, spoke about specific OEM recommendations on approved coolant types and mixing guidelines, as well as resources available from manufacturers on their coolant requirements and best practices.
“My recommendation is to know your fleet, know your OEM recommendations for your fleet and do your service intervals [from the recommendation] by your OE,” he concluded.
The panelists also stressed that while coolant maintenance may seem low on the priority list, properly managing the cooling system is critical to ensuring engine reliability and longevity,
Finishing its two-year residency at the Raleigh Convention Center, the TMC Fall Meeting will be held at the David L. Lawrence Convention Center in Pittsburgh in September 2026.
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