“DIY” and “DIFM” are acronyms commonly used in the parts and repair industry, signifying “Do It Yourself” & “Do It For Me.” Some people insist on doing everything themselves, while others would rather spend their time doing what they do best. A lot has to do with economics, and a lot has to do with trusting others.

In this issue of Real Answers, we’ll look at economic and trust issues that affect many aspects of the trucking business. First, we talk with industry experts about the pros and cons of outsourcing maintenance.

Then, we go practically to the top of the world, to Prudhoe Bay, Alaska, with Carlile K&W, a fleet that every winter day has to send trucks on a road 500 miles long – through bitter cold, snow and ice – with no service facilities along the way, a real test of resourcefulness for its drivers.

Several of our stories relate to misfortune, and how we deal with it. We’ll look at flat tires, repairing them (and how to determine whether they were repaired right), the strange case of the tires that only leaked when they turned, and a new program for more efficiently getting vehicles back into service after a breakdown.

We also present a refresher on how to get help from us, and on tire information resources we provide for you, any time of the day or night.

And, we visit the Antique Truck Historical Society, to see some examples of trucks that survived everything the business threw at them – yet, through the loving care of thousands of do-it-yourself collectors, are still with us today.

Whether you prefer to “do it yourself” or have it “done for you,” there’s one thing you must do yourself, and that’s turn the page to see what’s inside this issue of Real Answers.