No matter what vehicle you are driving, maintaining its braking system is essential if you want to ensure the safety of both the driver and the vehicle. Braking systems often cause problems if they are exposed to extreme temperatures as heat can be quite damaging for the brakes. As a driver, you should make sure to inspect your brakes before you start traveling.The following are a few things you should do to ensure the safety of your vehicles braking system.
Avoid Overheating the Brakes
If you are traveling in extreme conditions, you need to take it easy because heat build up in the brake pads can be quite damaging. If you are traveling on steep mountains and using the brakes extensively, it can overheat the brake pads and keep them from working as they should. If your braking system is not effective or stops working while you are in the middle of a delivery, it can be quite disastrous. If your brake pads are worn, they will not have enough material to dissipate the heat quickly and yourbraking system might end up failing entirely.
Check to SeeIf Your Brakes Are Spongy
Spongy brakes indicate that there could be a problem like a leak or air in the brake line. The brake lines are a crucial component of the hydraulic system that stop your vehicle once the brakesare engaged. Spongy brakes might be due to the rubber brake lines going bad, andif there is moisture in the brake lines, it can lead to brake failure. When you are looking at used heavy duty trucks for sale make sure to check the brakes.
Consider the Manufacturer’s Recommendations When Replacing Pads
If you are going to be replacing your brake pads, make sure that the replacement pads you choose meet the manufacturer’s recommendations. Brake pads are made of different composite materials.The choice you make should be after careful consideration of where and how you drive as those factors influence which type of pads would be the best for your brakes.
Air Brake Subsystems AreResponsible for 51% of Brake System Faults
We have seen that with all the new commercial vehicles on the roadthere has been an increase in the number of brake system faults, and research suggests that 51% of these faults can be linked back to air brake related components.Another thing to note is that 66% of air brake related faults that have been reported are due to the ABS system which is its most faulty component.Therefore, make sure to be on the lookout for any issues with the air brake subsystems.
Whether you are the owner of a fleet or just an operator, you need to make sure that your vehicles have safe brakes throughout the year. Brake safety is extremely important.If you have any doubts or concerns about your vehicle’s braking system but cannot figure out the problem, get a professional’s opinion.