Longtime readers may remember that several years ago Fleet Maintenance was one of several vehicle repair brands connected to the website VehicleServicePros.com. Following a flurry of behind-the-scenes business moves, the brand pivoted from EndeavorB2B’s Vehicle Services and Repair Group to the company’s Commercial Vehicle Group.

We launched our current URL in December 2020, and I was hired the following July after the editors who knew what they were doing got snatched up by leading manufacturers in the sector.  

But other than the pandemic, various land wars in Asia, political chicanery, and a listless economy, things have been good. We still publish nine print issues a year and have overcome the initial onslaught of AI’s digital media takeover, while winning dozens of design and editorial awards. Personally, I even learned and forgot the true meaning of Christmas three times in that span.

But something has been missing: The Great Prize Giveaway. From 2012 until 2020, this had been our way of giving an excessive amount of free tools and gear to our audience. But we lost it in the split.

And readers have certainly noticed. I can’t tell you how many times readers would break into my house, shake me until I woke, and demand, “Why do those jokers in the auto sector get a chance to win all those wonderful prize packages provided by generous sponsors, but the far more irreplaceable diesel techs get squat?”

You may think these passionate readers crossed a line (my wife certainly did), but they were right to do it. You all do deserve to enter a free contest where you can win one of 14 highly functional prize packages to use in the shop or at home. And you should get tons of chances to win; not just one. At least five chances a day sounds right.

To that end, we are happy to announce that—after months of bitter court proceedings with our Vehicle Repair colleagues—Fleet Maintenance has won partial custody of the Great Prize Giveaway. It’s back and better than ever*. (Ed. Note: I’m legally obligated to note the “better than ever" part is mostly due to the folks on the VSRG side who did 99% of the work.)

But let’s not get caught up in who did what; the important takeaway here is that YOU can get a prize package ranging from $500 to $5,500, all by tapping a few buttons a day.

Here’s how to play: Visit the Great Prize Giveaway Entry Form and click the top five packages you would want to win—they will turn red. Then hit the red submit button at the bottom, fill in your info on the next page, and hit one more red submit button at the bottom. You can complete a new entry form every 24 hours up until Oct. 31, when the contest ends. The more times you enter, the better your odds. It’s like the Hunger Games, but the winners don’t fight each other to the death. (I suggested it but was voted down.)

Most techs will find any one of the tool packages useful in some way. They also make great gifts and incentives in the shop as well.  To help you decide which five to choose (it can be different each time), here’s a breakdown based on what type of vehicle repair expert you fancy yourself:

The Troubleshooter

The Bosch ADS 10X Plus Scan Tool covers 98% of North American vehicles and provides comprehensive system reports in 40 seconds—24 times faster than previous models. The versatile scan tool also gives technicians access to MOTOR’s TruSpeedRepair and Bosch Wiring Diagram Database.

Oscilloscopes can take a diagnostician to the next level of assessing root causes, and the MaxiScope MP608 is Autel’s powerful-yet-approachable version. The 4-channel o-scope connects to a MaxiSYS or Windows PC and helps capture precise signal data during the diagnosis of advanced electrical, electronic, and network issues. The built-In Automotive Test Library includes guided procedures, reference waveforms, and connection diagrams to help new and experienced users use the tool the right way.

The Noregon Software & Adapter Kit includes everything a heavy-duty diag tech needs, including JPRO diagnostics and NextStep Repair service guides, along with XBT adapter with cables for heavy-duty trucks and equipment. It also comes with CAN Mentor, Noregon’s new software that helps techs cut Can Bus-related diagnostic time from 15 to 2 minutes, an 87% increase in efficiency.

The 8” Thinkcar ThinkTool 191 professional bi-directional diagnostic scanner has full-system OBD-II coverage and supports over 100 passenger vehicle makes, allowing technicians to send commands directly to vehicle components to test individual actuators, circuits, and systems. The durable wireless tool is a great all-makes option for those developing their troubleshooting skills in the shop.

The XTOOL XT70W scan tool is small and mighty, with a 7” screen and offering full system coverage, bidirectional controls, and 35+ service functions. After attaching the dongle to the OBD-II port, the device is ready to provide whatever diagnostic data you need, from ADAS to TPMS. On the diesel side, the XT70W includes DPF functionality to do forced regens if needed.

The Tool Master

Even the toughest tools get worn down after everyday use, and that is likely the case with your cordless impact wrench. Thankfully, Fullbay has provided a Milwaukee M18 FUEL 3/4" High Torque Impact Wrench Kit (1,500 ft.-lbs.) with a 17-piece Grey Pneumatic deep fractional socket set. With this combo, you can take on wheel lug nuts, suspension fasteners, and whatever else needs to be removed or replaced at the press of a trigger.

The Streamlight EDC Pack is loaded with powerful flashlights and other essentials to help see under the hood or any dark place.  The Headlamp offers hands-free illumination, and when more power is needed, there’s the Megastream USB rechargeable flashlight, which can run for 2 hours on high (1,800 lumens) and 13 hours on low mode (150 lumens).

Power tools rock, but you can never have enough good ol’ manually operated ratchets and wrenches. The Sonic Tools Bundle has a wide selection of sockets, ratchets, extensions, adapters, and specialty bits, all packed into durable laser-cut foam. Check those at the end of a job to make sure you didn’t leave a gift under the customer’s hood.  

The TOPDON Tornado90000, provided by distributor WORLDPAC, will recharge any lead-acid or Li-Ion 12v or 24v battery ranging from 5 to 90 amps. The 9-step smart charging technology includes a current/voltage edit function and provides stable power output for an extra layer of protection for batteries. It also functions as a power bank to run tire inflators and other equipment.

The Home Jobber

Along with gloves, jacket, welding helmet, and consumables, the Forney Welder Kit comes with the X-Series 140 MPX Welder, which lets users handle MIG, flux-cored, stick, and DC TIG welding up to 140 amps, and can weld 1/4” material in a single pass. It’s not the most powerful X-Series model, but is a great starter welder for home and light-duty use.

AutoZone has provided a Duralast Tool Cabinet. This 42”, 13-drawer  rolling rust-resistant box can supplement your main tool storage in the shop, though is perfectly sized for the home garage, too.

It’s Saturday, and you need to change your sister-in-law’s brakes in the driveway before spending the afternoon watching college football. In an alternate universe, you were lazy and propped her SUV up solely on an old, rusty jack, becoming one of the 15,000+ workers injured or killed by not using lifts, jacks, or jack stands the right way. But in this reality, you used the professional-grade jack stands you won in our contest. Now everyone in the family expects more free maintenance on your day off.

Not sure if that is much better, but it’s the life you lead, and you’re a hero. Anyways, we have two awesome safety options. The OTC Lift Bundle includes a hydraulic jack and jack stands, while Gray Manufacturing’s option includes sturdy 7THF Vehicle Support Stands. Both sets of jack stands are rated to PASE standards.

Finally, consider the Tool Aid Classic Tool Bundle to fill out your collection. It comes with dozens of tools you’ll definitely need, like wire strippers.

Click HERE for official rules. Unfortunately, Florida residents are ineligible due to state laws.