Brake Safety Week takes place every August. The Commercial Vehicle Safety Alliance established this event to encourage commercial vehicle inspectors to focus on the brakes of these vehicles and identify problems, so the vehicle can be removed from the road until repaired. In addition, this event gives motor carriers the perfect opportunity to educate their drivers and mechanics on the importance of brake safety.
Thousands of vehicles may be taken off the road during this event each year. How can the driver ensure they get the right work done so this is not a concern? Look for a better semi truck service center, one that makes brake safety a priority. What should they look for during each service?
The Right Brakes
Mechanics may choose from hydraulic, air disc, and exhaust brakes. Each style comes with benefits and drawbacks. When choosing brakes, consider the application, the equipment, its purpose, and how the brakes will be used. For example, drivers who must stop on a dime need air brakes.
Friction and Stopping Distance
Brakes must meet standard stopping distances, which are FMVSS105 for hydraulic brakes and FMVSS121 for air brakes. Extend the service life of the brakes by considering both the friction and the rotors. Work trucks need heavy-duty friction materials to lessen equipment downtime and keep repair costs under control.
Don’t Buy Based on Price
Companies need to look at cost per mile rather than initial cost when purchasing brakes. Look at friction and replace it with what is on the vehicle now. Go for OEM parts and consider the friction couple and application. Air brakes are often cheaper over the long run, so consider them when replacing the current brake setup.
Inspection Checklists
Brake systems require regular maintenance for the best performance. Pre-and-post-trip inspections must be mandatory to catch problems early. Brakes are the leading violation in roadside inspections, so thorough inspections and regular maintenance are needed to avoid downtime. Create a checklist based on what commercial motor vehicle inspectors look for. They go through 37 steps when checking the vehicle, so it’s easy to overlook something without this checklist.
Maintenance Requirements By Brake Type
Each brake type requires different maintenance. For example, drivers need to inspect the wheel ends, wear patterns, and wheel bearings on hydraulic brakes. Brake pad friction thickness is important with air brakes, and drivers must look for stress cracks. Exhaust brakes require less maintenance but should be inspected regularly.
Hoses and Tubing
The braking system contains hoses and tubing that also need maintenance. Chaffing and kinks remain concerns. Always check the condition of the hoses and tubing and confirm they are connected and positioned properly. This is one of the many things that inspectors look for so this must be checked daily.
Lubricate Components
Hydraulic and air brakes must be lubricated regularly to operate as intended. Doing so protects components from rust, corrosion, and other damage. Grease the wheel ends and undercarriage routinely to extend the service life of the brakes. Simple steps such as these go a long way to saving a company money on repairs and maintenance.
Regular maintenance helps to avoid unnecessary downtime. Furthermore, routine inspections allow problems to be caught early. However, safety is the top reason to follow these steps. Every driver must make this a priority to ensure they remain safe and keep others on the road safe as well. Failing to maintain the braking system can be deadly.
