Commercial Brake Tips

Vehicle duty cycles, vocations, driving patterns, routes, inspection practices, climate, and weather all play a major role in the effectiveness of your brake systems, so it is imperative to you and your business to establish standard maintenance procedures for the safety of you, your drivers, and your business.

Signs that you’re brakes need maintenance: 

• High pitches squealing - This is typically a sign that your vehicle needs new brake pads.
• Grinding when braking - If you feel grinding when braking, you should have your vehicle serviced immediately. This typically means the brake pads have nearly worn away, causing the metal caliper to grind against your rotors. Not having your vehicle serviced at this point could result in significant damage.
• Pulling - If you feel your truck pulling to either side while driving, this could be an indication of issues with calipers, hoses, truck alignment, or other components.
• Vibrations - Vibrations that occur during typical braking can be a sign of deformed rotors due to significant heat and friction from carrying heavy loads.
• Changes in brake pedal - If the brake pedal is harder than normal to press or much looser than normal, this could be a sign of a leak or issue with your brake line.

Tips to Keep Your Brakes In Shape - 

1. Check brake linings and hoses - different vehicles and vocations put varying wear and wear on their brakes. Linings are often the first element to need replacement, so it is important to check often. Linings also must by tight and clear of oil and grease. If the lining has worn below ¼ of an inch, it should also be replaced. Ensure your hoses are properly attached and free of any wearing issues.
2. Replace Brake Shoes Consistently - Luckily, most vehicles now have indicators to signal to drivers and maintenance personnel when parts are wearing down. It is a best practice that when you’re bringing your vehicle into Southwest International for maintenance, to have all of your brake parts replaced at the same time. This will help ensure that the parts are wearing at similar rates.
3. Inspect Wheels and Brake Chambers - Wheels play an important role in brake performance, so it is important to examine all exposed areas regularly. Watch for cracks, corrosion, wear, and any other abnormalities. Common crack areas are typically around bolt holes, pay special attention to these areas. Examine your chambers to ensure there are is no damaged or loose parts.
4. Correct Air Pressure Levels - Air pressure should be between 100 psi and 125 psi. Anything under 60 pi should be immediately checked to ensure everything is in order and should not be driven.
5. Inspect ABS - The anti-lock braking system (ABS) should be examined regularly, just as all components of the vehicle should, though it does not typically require routine maintenance.
6. Monitor Air Dryers Monthly - It is important to ensure your air system is clear of contamination because of many systems within the vehicle use this air. The dryer collects and releases contaminants picked up while on the road before entering other systems. Ensuring this system is working helps optimize the performance of your vehicle.

Weather Impacts on your Vehicle - 

With cooler temperatures quickly approaching, your vehicle needs to be prepared. Here are some things to take into consideration

• Brakes ware faster in cooler climates - Icey roads cause drivers to pump the brakes more often, wearing them much sooner than during the summer months.
• Salt and chemicals corrode brakes - Around the country, salt and other chemicals are put on the road to help keep the routes clear of ice and increase vehicle traction. When these chemicals get kicked up into your vehicle, they can cause rusting and corrosion.

Before the cool weather arrives, bring your vehicle into Southwest International to ensure your brake system is ready for the road! Book your servicing appointment here.