It’s Brake Safety Week!

August 20-26 is CVSA’s brake safety week. Properly functioning brake systems are key to keeping our roads safer. The goal of Brake Safety Week is to reduce the number of highway crashes caused by faulty braking systems. Brake systems must be inspected and maintained to make sure they perform properly.

More than 3.4 million brake have been inspected since 1998.

The focus this year is the condition of the brake lining and pad.

What to Expect and What are the Regulations

There will be two brake safety enforcement campaigns – one announced and one unannounced. Commercial vehicle inspectors will inspect brake systems on large trucks and busses throughout North America.

Non-compliance could lead to being out of service with costly repairs or worse – to unnecessary accidents.

Inspectors will focus on brake systems and components.

1. Brake lines

2. Brake pads – thickness and cracks

• Pads should be at least ¼” thick
  • Cracks shouldn’t exceed 1/16” wide, 1 ½” long

They will also be checking for oil or grease contamination which could indicate a leak.

3. Hoses & tubing

• If more than 20% or 2 chambers aren’t working properly, you could receive an out-of-service violation

Ways to Stay Compliant and Avoid Out Of Service Violations

Pre Trip Inspections

3-step Air Brake Test

1. Hold firm brake pressure for 60 seconds, watching for a four-pound PSI drop
2. Pump the brakes until you see or hear a low air warning at 60 PSI
3. Keep pumping until both brake valves pop. It should be between 20 and 30 PSI

AMCS Telematics can automate, digitize, and streamline you pre trip process!

Routine Maintenance with great inspection routines

Regular brake maintenance is always important but especially during Brake Safety Week. You should get it done every time you have your oil changed.

• Replace worn brake parts
• Grease slack adjusters
• Check air pressure, hoses and linings

You can also avoid excessive wear and tear by staying mindful of your braking techniques, speed, and following distance.

Dossier/AMCS Fleet Maintenance’s Interactive Checklist provide insights and oversight by digitizing your PM inspections to help identify issues before they arise.