Brake Safety Week is almost here. Are you ready?

Are you ready for the Commercial Vehicle Safety Alliance’s (CVSA) Brake Safety Week happening later this month? From September 16-22, CVSA-certified inspectors will conduct a weeklong inspection blitz throughout the U.S. and Canada focusing on brake systems. CVSA reported that 14 percent of truck drivers were placed out-of-service for brake-related violations during last year’s Brake Safety Day. Getting placed out-of-service costs drivers valuable time and money, so it’s important that you don’t find yourself in the same situation. Making sure you’re prepared will not only help you pass an inspection and keep you moving, but it will also make our roadways a safer place.

Most inspections during the blitz will be full Level I inspections. This comprehensive 37-step procedure examines driver operating requirements and vehicle mechanical fitness, and will also focus on the inspection of:

• Brake-system components to identify loose or missing parts
• air or hydraulic fluid leaks
• defective rotor conditions
• measurement of pushrod travel
• mismatched air chamber sizes across axles
• air reservoir integrity and mounting
• worn linings, pads, drums or rotors
• required brake-system warning devices
• other brake-system components

There will also be 12 jurisdictions using performance-based brake testing equipment to measure vehicle braking efficiency.

So, what can you do to be ready for your inspection?

• Have your driver’s license and registration easily available.
• Perform your regular preventative maintenance procedures.
• Conduct your pre-trip visual inspection. Make sure to look for loose hoses, leaks and any damage; check air disc brakes for cracks and grooving; and ensure air chambers are intact and in the correct position.
• Inspect brakes more in-depth looking for leaks, checking brake linings for cracks and wear, and measuring the brake stroke, etc.
• Utilize the Trucker Path app to see inspection facilities and get an idea of when you might expect to receive an inspection during the blitz.

We hope these tips will help make your inspection go smoothly. It’s also important to remember that it’s a best practice to always keep your truck well-maintained, inspect your brake systems regularly, and perform a thorough pre-trip inspection before every trip. You still have time to address any issues and get yourself and your truck ready for the 2018 CVSA Brake Safety Week!