How Long Do Semi-Truck Brakes Last?

Whether you’re a small business owner or you’ve got a much larger fleet to run, your semi-truck will eventually need to have its brakes replaced. Semi-trucks are different from standard vehicles on Ft. Lauderdale roads because they are responsible for hauling a large amount of cargo – oftentimes weighing several tons. That’s why it’s important that semi-trucks have a dependable set of brakes to ensure that they can stop on time.

With that being said, how long do semi-truck brakes last? Semi-truck brakes can last as long as 250,000 to 300,000 miles. However, this answer can vary widely depending on a number of factors. For a more in-depth answer to, “How long do semi-truck brakes last?” continue on reading below! Today, the service experts from Rechtien International Trucks will help you learn all about semi-truck brake maintenance by going over the following:

• Lifespan for replacing semi-truck brakes
• How to measure semi-truck brake shoes
• Where you can get semi-truck brake services

What Can Affect the Lifespan of Semi-Truck Brakes?

When you start wondering about replacing your semi-truck brakes, it’s important to know that there are plenty of factors that can affect the lifespan of your brakes. If you plan on using your semi-truck for more heavy-duty tasks around Riveria Beach, you will likely need to be replacing your semi-truck brakes more often than the standard 250,000 to 300,000-mile lifespan. Here are some factors that can affect the lifespan of your semi-truck brakes:

• Usage: A truck making local stops around town will likely need to have its brakes replaced more often than one that regularly drives long distances.
• Temperature: If your truck will be in extreme cold or hot weather climates, you can anticipate your semi-truck brakes to be adversely affected.
• Driving Habits: Be sure to avoid abrupt usage of the gas and brake pedals when you’re driving. If you’re driving through hilly or mountainous areas, do your best to avoid causing significant wear to your brakes while still maintaining safe driving habits.

How To Measure Semi-Truck Brake Shoes

Before we touch on how to measure semi-truck brake shoes, it’s important to understand the braking system of some semi-trucks. If your semi-truck has brake shoes, it’s likely that it uses a drum-style brake.

As you apply pressure to your brake pedal, the brake shoes push outward on the brake drum to slow down your semi-truck on Ft. Pierce drives. As you utilize your brakes, the shoes will eventually need to be serviced. So, now that we’ve touched on how drum brakes work, let’s take a closer look at how you can measure your semi-truck brake shoes and drums:

1. Ensure that your semi-truck is safely lifted so that you can have easier access to your brakes.
2. Begin removing your semi-trucks wheels.
3. Take note of the overall diameter of your brake surface. If your brake drums are larger than the recommended diameter, you will need to perform brake services. While this can vary depending on your semi-truck, the general rule of thumb is that your overall brake diameter should not exceed .120 inches over the original diameter.
4. Once you’ve finished inspecting the brake drum, take note of your brake shoes. Many brake shoes will have a wear indicator that will let you know when it’s time for brake shoe servicing.

Now that you know how to measure your semi-truck brake drums and shoes, are you wondering how you can inspect the other braking components of your truck? Be sure to look over the guide on how to check semi-truck brakes from our service experts.

Maintain Your Semi-Truck Today at Rechtien International Trucks!

We only recommend measuring your semi-truck braking system only if you know what you’re doing. This is because your braking system is vital to ensure safe driving around so it’s best to leave it to the professionals. Whether you’re getting brake services or other truck maintenance items, you can count on Rechtien International Trucks to assist. As always, if you have any questions, feel free to contact us online for more information!