Bendix Commercial Vehicle Systems, developer of active safety technologies and control systems, expects to host nearly two dozen multi-day classes across the United States in 2023.

“Commercial vehicles don’t take care of themselves, and advancing truck technologies create a need for ongoing technician training,” said Fred Andersky, director of demos, service, and sales training for Bendix. “Keeping trucks on the road, rolling safely and efficiently, means knowing how to troubleshoot, diagnose, and repair key vehicle braking components. From the basic air brake system, air disc brakes, and ABS (anti-lock braking systems) to stability control, collision mitigation, and other advanced safety technologies, Bendix continues to make technical education about braking and safety systems easily available to commercial vehicle technicians across the country.”

One aspect of the training touted by Andersky: air boards used for instruction, which feature a working Bendix Wingman Fusion system to help students get a robust overview of the company’s collision-mitigation technology.

Where to Find a Training Session

The training calendar starts Feb. 21-23 at Bendix company headquarters in Avon, Ohio, with a three-day air-brake training class. The company also plans four in-person offerings of Bendix’s two-day advanced technology training program, divided between Avon and Sparks, Nevada.

Virtual classes are planned on the following dates:

• Aug. 15-17.

• Oct. 3-5.

• Oct. 31-Nov. 2.

• Dec. 12-13.

What’s on the Agenda

The three-day air-brake training class covers the description, operation, and service elements for the total range of components found within dual air brake systems. Instruction is expected to address fundamentals of compressed air; tactics for air system failure mode diagnosis and troubleshooting; and components such as air compressors, valves, foundation drum brakes, air disc brakes, and steering.

Bendix recommends that participants complete online air-brake training at the company’s brake-school.com site before taking in-person classes.

The two-day advanced technology training class covers the operation and troubleshooting of higher-level driver assistance and safety systems, as well as diagnostic software. Topics include:

• Anti-lock braking systems (ABS).

• AutoVue Lane Departure Warning (LDW).

• ESP Electronic Stability Program.

• Bendix Wingman Advanced.

• Bendix Wingman Fusion driver assistance systems.

• SafetyDirect system.

• SmarTire and SmarTire Trailer Link TPMS.

• Active Steering by Bendix.

“Adoption of both air disc brakes and advanced driver-assistance technologies continues to increase, and technicians are going to see more of these systems and components in the future as vehicle safety advances,” said Brian Screeton, technical service training supervisor for Bendix. “Courses like this one are not just valuable today, they provide important foundational knowledge for tomorrow’s trucks as well.”

All registrants in the three-day air-brake training and two-day advanced technology training school may choose to participate in a written test administered at the close of each class. Bendix will grade the exam, and registrants earning a passing grade get a Tested and Passed certificate. Those who take the exam and don’t pass – as well as those who opt against testing – will get a completion certificate.

Bendix officials noted that the in-person training and testing isn’t affiliated with the U.S. Department of Transportation (DOT) and doesn’t take the place of any instruction or certification administered by DOT. Also, Bendix doesn’t certify technicians to work on its systems.

How to Participate

Bendix recommends that each student complete either the three-day air brake training course or at least the online air brake training before taking the advanced technology training class.

Per person enrollment costs are:

• Air Brake Training: $475.

• Advanced Technology Training: $425

• Virtual Class: $375.

Enrollment is first-come, first-served, and class size is limited. For information, visit Bendix.com.