Maximum reliability from the best in the business

John Dempsey, Service Technician from Barry Maney Hino, was crowned the 2022 Hino National Skills Contest Service winner. We were fortunate enough to sit down with John for a chat about the importance of maintenance and servicing to ensure your vehicle delivers maximum reliability. 

How long have you been at Barry Maney Hino and what is your favourite thing about working there? 

I have been at Barry Maney for almost one year now. Prior to this, I did my apprenticeship at CMI Hino Adelaide. My favourite thing about working at a Hino Dealership is no doubt the mateship of the team. The bond we have means we can always lean on each other for advice, so we’re constantly learning from one another. 

To ensure longevity, what would you recommend a driver do to keep their truck running in good working condition? 

Maintenance is the key… and even better is preventative maintenance. So many vehicles get left until they are unserviceable before getting repaired and nine times out of ten it will cost the customer more in the end because the initial issue has caused further issues. 

What should people look out for when checking their truck? 

When checking your truck, it’s always a good idea to look over your engine bay. Leaks and stains are a good indicator of what might be faulting or starting to fault. I’ve also found that tyre checks are overlooked. It’s important to regularly check that they have no punctures, lots of tread, and the correct air pressure. Surprisingly, this is something many drivers don’t do as regularly as they should. 

What does the day in a life of a Service Technician look like?

A typical day as a Service Technician is quite varied. It depends what is booked in on the day or what breaks down or drops in for issues, which you can never predict.Previously, my job used to be a lot of service work and mechanical repairs. However, now that I have advanced through the trade a little, I do a lot more diagnostics. As of recently, I have taken on the breakdown role along with a few other technicians on a roster. This brings excitement to the job because you never know when or where a breakdown will happen, so it keeps me on my toes. 

Why do regular genuine dealer services matter? 

A Hino genuine service is super important. Our Hino Service Technicians follow a step-by-step process to make sure everything is checked and or replaced accordingly. This, along with genuine parts and Hino dealership knowledge, help keep the trucks moving on the road for longer, in the best condition possible. 

As you know, there is a shortage of Service Technicians in the industry. Would you recommend more people becoming a Service Technician?

If you have an interest or passion for trucks, I would definitely recommend this job. It can be challenging at times, but you get out what you put in. If you put in the hard work, you can really excel in the trade, which means you’re constantly expanding your skill set, making you better each day. 

Finally, how did it feel winning the Hino 2022 National Skills Contest?

It was absolutely awesome to win! I managed to get into the finals in 2018 when I was a second year apprentice at CMI Hino Adelaide, but unfortunately didn’t place. This year, I thought I would give it another go. After a few years and a COVID-induced break, I got back in and managed to pull off the win! I’m stoked I can cross that off my bucket list. I’d would also like to say a huge thanks to Barry Maney Hino for supporting me throughout the year leading up to this event, and for welcoming me with open arms when I started. 

We are very lucky to have you as a part of the Hino family, John. Your passion for trucks and Hino is infectious. 

Customers may avoid servicing their trucks, thinking it will cost them an arm and a leg, but with Hino Capped Price Servicing, you can avoid unexpected costs whilst maintaining the health of your truck. Your truck is a significant investment and it pays to maximise uptime and minimise downtime. 

If you would like to find your service costs, visit https://www.hino.com.au/capped-price-service-calculator/ to find out more.