The clutch is such a critical part of any truck’s transmission that you’ll want to keep it in top shape at all times. Sometimes, for the good of the truck, that means replacing a part or two, or sometimes, it means replacing the whole thing. To that end, First Motion Products carries a full line […]
Major and Minor Clutch Installation Kits
Put a Stop to Leaking Oil
Oil is vital to any working engine, so you definitely want to keep it in the oil pan where it belongs, and not on the asphalt under your engine block. Over time, however, any number of small problems can allow the oil to leak. If you find that you have a leak due to a […]
4 Signs It’s Time to Replace Your Flywheel
When you’re on the road a lot, it’s more important than ever to pay attention to the condition of your truck’s parts. One part in particular that needs some care is the flywheel. Learn which signs are indicators that you should be replacing your flywheel. A Burning Smell If you’re noticing a burning smell—similar […]
Three Reasons to Own your Own Big Rig
You are in charge of your own schedule. No more leaving your schedule up to someone who doesn’t live your life. No more unfair fees taken from your paycheck. You can care for your big rig based on your own standards. No more following a checklist that just isn’t up to par. First Motion […]
Caring for your Big Rig in the Winter
As a big rig driver, you have to deal with all sorts of bad weather, but nothing takes a toll on your vehicle like the winter months. Here are some tips to make sure your rig is ready: Check your tires. Old tires can cause serious traction problems. Check your fluids. Make sure you […]
Planning Safe Travels on the Road
Big Rig Travel Safety Tips Long driving trips aren’t uncommon for a seasoned truck driver who can spend days at a time on the road. Driving a big rig also comes with its own unique set of safety rules, which is why it is so important to plan ahead for trips to avoid any safety […]
Tips on Keeping your Truck in Optimal Shape
Keep on Truckin’! Several hours of efficient driving are required of truck drivers. Efficiency is also required for maintaining your rig, so when you’re on your leisure time, here’s advice on keeping your truck in working condition. Check Your Fluid: Monitoring fluid levels like oil, which is the life blood of your vehicle, is […]
Symptoms of a Bad Oil Pan Gasket
Keep the Oil in your Engine Where it Belongs Whether you drive a small passenger vehicle or operate an 18 wheeler, it’s important to make sure your engine is running optimally. Common signs of a bad oil pan gasket include smoke coming from the engine, low oil levels, engine overheating, and puddles of oil underneath […]
Top 5 Crazy but True Facts About Big Rigs
Some of these crazy but true facts you might already know, and some just might surprise you! 1) An 80,000 big rig weighs 20 to 30 times more than a car. 2) A truck engine is also 6 times larger than a car engine, and sometimes weighs as much as the entire car! 3) […]
How to Buy a Big Rig
What to Look for When Buying a Big Rig Commercial trucks are a major investment which is why one must carefully plan out the purchase. Not only must you consider how much you can afford to spend but how much it will cost in the future. Start by writing down what you are looking for/need […]
Caring for Your Big Rig in the Summer
Now that the summer is upon us, it is time to change up our routines. That includes how we care for our trucks. You may not realize it but the heat affects our beloved vehicles. Start by checking all of the fluids in your truck. Since the temperature has increased, your fluids tend to evaporate […]
How to Tell When a Clutch is Worn Out
Replacing a Clutch Brake A clutch is designed to ensure that the driver can accelerate the vehicle smoothly. The disc within its steel plate undergoes friction similar to a brake. Over time, the pressure that is placed upon it causes the clutch to wear out. How can you tell when your clutch needs replacement? Symptoms […]
Finding the Right Flywheels for your Truck
When making a purchase for Flywheels it’s important to make the right choice for your truck and find a reliable products. First Motion Products specializes in Flywheel products and supplies the largest inventory available, ranging from every day parts to hard-to-find parts. First motion Products inventory includes commercial truck part products from Chevy, Dodge Ram, […]
Factors to Consider for Oil Change Frequency in Your Big Rig
Today’s rigs do not require the same oil change schedule as they once did. Higher quality parts, oil, and technology allow most big rigs to go as many as 25,000 to 50,000 miles before needing an oil change. However, every vehicle is different and it is important to consider all of the factors when determining […]
The Importance of Reliable Parts For Your Truck
As a truck driver, you spend so much time on the road that it becomes easy to take your truck for granted. Business owners of truck companies must always keep their trucks in working order with regular maintenance and by using only the finest parts available. Finding Quality Truck Parts in Missouri First Motion Products […]
Dial – Indicating a Bell Housing
Even though the bell housing is out of site out of mind, it is still a very important part of your vehicle. It is the connection between the engine and the transmission, the critical point being the connection between the crankshaft and the transmissions input shaft. When a bell housing is not properly aligned, the […]
The History of Detroit Diesel
Detroit Diesel began in 1939 during the great depression. General Motors created the GM Diesel Division, the origin of today’s Detroit Diesel Corporation. They have been a successful company through the years, and continue to expand and produce reliable, heavy-duty trucks still today. The Great Depression was rough on everyone. It was difficult to support […]
The History of Ford
One of the largest (5th largest to be exact) automakers of all time is none other than Ford Motor Company. Ford Motor Company kicked off in October of 1903 when Henry Ford, of Dearborn Michigan successfully built the first Model T engine. Henry Ford was an innovator, and a smart young […]
The History of Cummins
In 1919, Clessie Lyle Cummins founded Cummins Engine Company in Columbus, IN. Clessie, a self-taught mechanic and inventor, envisioned building a successful diesel engine, an idea Rudolf Diesel had twenty years prior. Luckily for Clessie, William Glanton Irwin, a local banker and investor that had already backed Cummins’ auto mechanic and machine shop, shared Cummins’ […]
4 Surprising Facts About Being a Truck Driver
When considering a job in the trucking industry as a driver, these five facts about becoming a truck driver might be surprising and are definitely need-to-know — especially before you commit to this rewarding, yet challenging career. 1. You can choose your driving time. Many drivers like to wake up with the sunrise and […]
Maintaining Good Health as a Truck Driver
New and seasoned truck drivers should keep a good bill of health. Keeping a well-oiled truck is important along with using the best parts on your rig, but you are important also. The drive must be able to effectively drive his rig in tip top shape. First Motion Products is committed to delivering personalized service, […]
Maintaining a Reliable Rig
Commercial Trucking Parts You Can Count On When it comes to driving or maintaining one commercial truck or even a whole fleet, we know you don’t take any chances. There isn’t time or extra money for poor quality parts, slow shipping times, or rude customer service. We understand doing business with you is a privilege-and […]
Keeping Your Truck Running
Save Money and Time on Your Commercial Truck Repairs Driving for miles and miles can put serious strain on your truck and its parts. Missing a job or driving unsafely down the highway is not an option. While normal truck repairs can be pricey, the cost of parts for commercial truck parts can be even more […]
A/C Compressor Failure Causes
Earlier this month, we talked about cooling system maintenance, but sometimes an a/c compressor failure happens. Second only to refrigerant hose leaks, compressors have the highest rate of failure of any motor vehicle air conditioner (HVAC) component. Yet compressors very seldom fail on their own and it is imperative that the cause of failure be […]
Cooling System Maintenance – It’s Time!
With the changing of the seasons, it is a perfect time to go through regular maintenance on your rig, especially the cooling system. Five elements determine the health of a cooling/antifreeze system and these elements are extremely dependent on each other. Cooling system maintenance is easy when you understand those relationships. Maintain Freeze/Boil-over Protection Maintaining […]
Bleeding Your Brake System
Proper bleeding of the brake system is critical to the performance of any vehicle. Without good quality disc brake pads, brake shoes, rotors, drums, clean fresh brake fluid and a properly bled brake system, the brake system cannot function properly. There are many misconceptions about bleeding brakes and brake fluid in general. Below we dispel […]
Why Brake Pedal Pulsation Occurs
As a truck driver you have probably experienced the feeling of applying the brakes at 50mph only to feel the brake pedal “dancing” under your foot. This Brake pedal pulsation can be common even after a professional brake alignment. There are a lot of factors that play a part in why this happens after a […]
Proper Tire Pressure Is Important
Earlier this month we discussed the common indicators of wheel hub bearing wear to keep on top of to prevent long term damage. Proper tire inflation is also important to keep on top of preventing longer-term costly damage. Proper inflation does a lot to produce long, even tire wear. Even with the best possible seal […]
Watch Out for Worn Wheel Hub Bearings
Signs of a worn wheel hub bearing vary in severity. Some may be difficult to detect, which can lead to damage before corrective action can be taken. The time frame in which damage occurs is linked to driving conditions and/or the mechanical practices that were followed at installation. Noise is a classic sign of a […]
Distracted Driving Awareness
Distracted driving is anything that takes a driver’s attention away from driving. Any type of distraction can be a danger to everyone in the car as well as people near the vehicle. Common examples of distracted driving include: eating and drinking; using a navigation system; adjusting the radio; and using a mobile phone. Texting The […]
Defensive Driving Tips
You can use defensive driving techniques to keep yourself safe on the road from unsafe drivers around you. Defensive driving means staying prepared, alert, and aware of the road conditions directly ahead of you as well as a few hundred feet down the road. When you drive defensively, you will take precautions based on the […]
50 Things to Know About 50 States
Truckers see a lot of this country as they drive through its 50 uniquely different states. Just for fun, we’ve rounded up an interesting factoid about each of the 50 United States of America. Huntsville, Alabama is known as the Rocket Capitol of the world. Alaska produces 25% of the United States oil. Copper production […]
8 Facts About the Truck Driver Way of Life
There are select occupations you ought to discuss first with loved ones before even considering applying for a job in the field. Truck driving is one such occupation. In many ways, being an OTR (over-the-road) or CDL driver is more a lifestyle than a job. Its demands, particularly upward of 300 days per year on the road, will certainly […]
Be Prepared for Winter Truck Driving
This is the time of year when road conditions can become hazardous throughout most of the country. The colder air effects your truck as well. There are a few things you want to keep in mind to prepare for winter truck driving. Be sure to check tire pressure and keep your truck’s tires properly inflated throughout […]
Truck Driving Safety Tips
Our highways see millions of cars, trucks, vans and motorcycles out on the roads on a daily basis. Whether drivers are going to or from work, driving trucks for a living, driving on vacation or going on a shopping trip, dangers are all around on the highways. Some are weather related, which are usually out of […]
New Truck Driver Tips
Becoming a truck driver offers access to a steady source of income and freedom for those who enjoy being on the open road. Drivers have a responsibility to the company they work for, pedestrians, and other drivers on the road to drive in a responsible manner. For new drivers just breaking into the industry, there […]
Trucker Talk
Many industries develop their own codified language to help simplify communication between two parties. For instance, the trucking industry has abbreviations for anything from the routes they drive to the equipment they use. Truckers use numerous terms to describe everyday activities and objects. “Trucker talk” continues to evolve, literally making it a limitless language. Truckers […]
Trucking Safety
Trucking is a high-risk profession. The fatalities and injuries involved with trucking stem from vehicle collisions and fuel fires. However, long-term health problems linked to fume inhalations and circulation problems also make trucking dangerous. We have gathered some trucking safety tips to share with you to keep yourself as well as other motorists safe when […]
Go Green Trucking
At home, at work and over the road, more people are looking how they can “Go Green” in their everyday lives. For truck drivers of all size vehicles and all types of roads, this is especially important in light of current high operation costs. You want to know how you can help the environment and […]
Long-Haul Trucking Tips
Long-haul trucking can be a dangerous business if you are not keeping up the maintenance of your truck. First Motion Products suggests you follow these maintenance tips to keep your truck in tip-top shape, ensuring your safety as well as the safety of others on the road. Alignment Adjustments Driving your truck out of alignment […]
New vs. Resurfaced Flywheels
Reduced Cost Improve clutch longevity and performance by returning your clutch installation to the “new condition”. This puts the physical location of the clutch, in relation to the release bearing, back to factory specifications. How far is too far? A resurfaced flywheel moves the clutch farther away from the release fork and can cause a […]
Fun Facts About Truckers
Here are some fun facts about truckers and the trucks they drive throughout America. The U.S. has 3.5 million truck drivers. The average age of one of these truckers is 33 years old. Most trucker drivers hail from Florida. These drivers book about 105,000 miles a year, with one in nine of them being independent […]
10 Tips on Keeping your Caterpillar Engine Running Smoothly
Following these tips will help keep your Caterpillar engine running smoothly, and cut down on repair costs. 1. Get Your Valves Adjusted with Your First Oil Change: A proper first-time valve adjustment is essential to getting the most out of your Caterpillar engine, but many operators and technicians forget this crucial early maintenance procedure, since […]
Tech Tip #1 – Flywheels
Check out our video on truck flywheels… Flywheels determine the proper setting of the clutch. In this video, we show you exactly how to measure the flywheel to see if we need a spacer, or a first over-sized or a second over-sized when it comes to the brake. On 15 inch Flywheels, get a flat […]