Your truck's brakes are your first line of defense on the road, and neglecting them can lead to serious accidents. From spotting early warning signs to avoiding moisture buildup and upgrading key components, this guide breaks down the most effective ways to keep your braking system in top shape. Whether you're a fleet owner or an independent driver, these tips can help extend the life of your brakes and keep everyone safe on the highway.
Moisture and heavy machinery aren’t a great mix. When you’re hurtling down the highway at an average speed of 65 miles per hour, you don’t want to be thinking of faulty brakes. In fact, working brakes would be the first thing you rely on to prevent accidents.
It’s not just moisture that can wreak havoc on your brakes. Dirt and debris, a general lack of maintenance, or leaks that go unnoticed can cause those brakes to fail the moment you need them the most. The solution? Maintenance and preventative measures!
Here are a few ways you can maintain those brakes and keep everyone, including the truck driver, safe on the road!
1. Recognize the Warning Signs
The brakes in your truck are your first line of defense against serious accidents on the road. They allow you to control your speed and avoid colliding with other moving vehicles. Regular inspection is necessary if you want to ensure your brakes are in working condition.
There are a few warning signs that may alert you to certain issues with the brakes. These include:
- Vibration or squealing, and grinding noises when you press the brakes
- Ongoing brake light alerts
- Losing air pressure when you press and hold the brake
- A large pulsating feeling on the brake pedal
- The brakes are heating up even after a short time
Be it any of the instances above, an entirely different problem, or just a feeling that something isn’t right, do not hesitate! Bring your truck in for maintenance and get those brakes checked in time.
2. Prevent Excessive Moisture on Your Air Brake System
Moisture is definitely an air brake system’s worst enemy. It is often caused by humidity and temperature changes. If you want to prolong the life of your truck’s braking system, you must take active steps to prevent or eliminate the moisture buildup.
Why so? Well, moisture can corrode the system over time, reduce its performance, and eventually cause brake failure. The best way to prevent this is to regularly drain the air tanks as per the manufacturer’s advice. Keep an eye out for air leaks, often indicated by hissing sounds or ineffective braking mechanisms. When in doubt, consult a professional!
3. Brake Pad Maintenance
Smart truck owners are known to invest in the maintenance of those brake pads over time and prevent excessive grease from accumulating on the inside of the brake pads. The more grease, the more chances your brake pads are going to attract dirt and debris. This can get even worse when the grease forces its way past seals, often resulting in leaks.
Once this grease comes into contact with the brake pads’ friction material, it can contaminate the pad’s surface, which is often the main cause of brake failure since it prevents the friction material from gripping the brake rotor properly.
Clean those brakes with brake cleaner when you are on the road. This can usually be found in aerosol form and is an effective solution against grease, oil, dirt, and brake dust. It doesn’t even require you to disassemble those brakes!
4. Replace Parts When Needed
Brake pads often accumulate debris and dust or simply wear down with use over time. This can be spotted through thinning brake pads or the presence of wear indicators. The longer you ignore worn-out brake pads, the longer you’ll have to face longer stopping distances.
Don’t wait for the perfect opportunity to replace your brake pads. Drive that truck to a reliable mechanic the second you feel like the brakes have been worn down. You can’t afford to compromise essential functions such as the friction needed to stop your vehicle in time.
While you’re getting those brake pads replaced, why not get the brake rotors checked out too? Worn-out rotors can also compromise the effectiveness of the brakes and lead to repeated wear and tear of the brake pads.
5. Consider Upgrades
You can upgrade your brake system with options that include larger brake calipers, performance brake pads, better-quality rotors, or automatic braking systems (for newer truck models). Here’s how they help:
Larger brake calipers increase the clamping force. This essentially means that they can easily squeeze the brake pads against the rotor to improve braking functions.
Performance brake pads have proved to be much more resistant to temperature as well as intense driving conditions that may otherwise cause brakes to wear out.
As for rotors, the better the quality, the easier it is for them to dissipate the heat effectively, which leads to an overall improvement in braking.
Your Truck’s Brakes, Your Responsibility
Although investing in the best quality heavy-duty truck parts may be a solid way to ensure your brakes are always in top condition, you shouldn’t stop there. We suggest you invest in the maintenance of your truck and get it checked by a professional at least once every 12 months!
Proper maintenance of your truck, especially its brakes, can save countless lives. Be sure to look out for signs of wear and tear, and don’t hesitate to take it to the mechanic if something doesn’t add up!
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