Saved Vehicles

Truck Brake Maintenance

Regular maintenance like brake pad inspections, fluid flushes, and hose replacements are vital to keeping you and others safe. Staying up to date with brake service can prevent unnecessary downtime, violations, and even fines. Read on for truck maintenance tips from Rechtien International Trucks!

Brake Maintenance Tips for Semi Truck Drivers

Following the points below can help you avoid brake troubles and unsafe situations:

  • Routinely Inspect Your Truck: Use the FMCSA’s Brake Inspection Checklist to inspect your brakes when your day starts, before you hit the road, and after. You’ll need: chalk for marking the push-rods, a ruler to measure push-rod travel (make sure air pressure is at 90 to 100 PSI when you do this) and brake linings, an assistant to occasionally apply the brakes, and blocks/chocks to be placed behind the tires. Referring to the checklist, look for problems like damaged components, chafing, worn or cracked brake pads, or cracked brake drums.
  • Conduct DVIRs: In the U.S., this is a legal requirement. Complete a Driver-Vehicle Inspection Report (DVIR) whenever you inspect your truck. Conduct an inspection, note any issues, sign the report, then take care of any necessary repairs right away, such as brake pad maintenance.
  • Pay Close Attention to Your Driving Habits: Follow straight-ahead vehicles at a safe following distance and when you brake, brake gradually as opposed to suddenly.
  • Check Tire Pressure: Braking strains the tires, so make sure they’re always filled to the suggested PSI. When the tire pressure drops, make sure it’s corrected as soon as possible to ensure the tires don’t lose their load-bearing abilities.

Learn More About Truck Maintenance from Rechtien International Trucks

If you have any questions regarding brake maintenance or other semi-truck repairs, our service department is more than happy to help you. We can also discuss insurance options like mechanical breakdown insurance to keep you covered if future issues arise.

More from Rechtien International Trucks

 

  • International LT Design Updates

      Recent updates to International LT design improve efficiency and aerodynamics, as well as provide a selection of new driving modes. This is the first major design update to the International LT since its debut. This heavy-duty model is more fuel efficient, with new driving modes to increase safety and improvements to chassis design to…

  • Types of Vocational Trucks

    If you’re looking for a new work truck for your business, you’ve come to the right place! Whatever your business or driving needs, you’re sure to find something to love in the lineup at Rechtien International Trucks. We’re proud to offer a full lineup of new and pre-owned International trucks, trailers, forklifts, and chassis cabs for sale….

  • BRAKE SAFETY WEEK IS AUG 21-27TH

    CVSA-certified enforcement personnel will conduct roadside inspections on commercial motor vehicles (CMVs) as part of the Commercial Vehicle Safety Alliance’s (CVSA) Brake Safety Week, Aug 21-27, to identify and remove CMVs with critical brake violations from our roadways and to call attention to the dangers of faulty brake systems. Properly functioning brake systems are crucial…

To help optimize your browsing experience. Please change your browser to one of the following: Chrome, Firefox, Safari.

Search
Contact
Saved

Saved Vehicles

You don't have any saved vehicles!

Look for this Save icon

Once you've saved some vehicles, you can view them here at any time.

Chat
AudioEye
Search
Contact Us
Saved

Saved Vehicles

You don't have any saved vehicles!

Look for this Save icon

Once you've saved some vehicles, you can view them here at any time.

Chat
AudioEye
Rechtien International Trucks , .