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In 2020, the Department of Transportation declared that 30 percent of commercial truck crashes were due to brake failure. While some of the issues involved malfunctions within air brake systems, other reasons for brake failure boil down to lack of maintenance. Keep reading to learn the main causes of brake failure in semi-trucks including what will happen when brakes suddenly fail.
Reasons Brakes Fail
Training truck drivers to maintain their vehicles will help save lives if there is a problem. There are many reasons why brakes fail in semi-trucks. Here are the main causes:
• Bent or misaligned brake linings – poor wheel alignment can reduce fuel efficiency and place strain on suspension components.
• Contamination – can lead to brake lock-up. This is usually because of moisture in the brake lines. Moisture can cause rust in brake systems and lead to sticky calipers.
• Sticky brake calipers thanks to rust and debris, as we just discussed.
• Leaky fluid lines – check brake fluid levels.
Warning Signs of Brake Failure
An illuminating brake light indicator on the dashboard is an early warning sign of brake failure. Truck drivers should also listen for grinding noises from fading brake pads or brake shoes and feel for vibrations in the steering wheel when pressing on brakes. A burning smell could be a sign of overheated brakes, too.
Can Brakes Suddenly Fail?
Yes, it's possible – but this isn't Hollywood. When air brake systems are not pressurized, they trigger a low-air pressure alarm to declare an emergency; however, in most cases, semi-trucks and other large commercial vehicles are equipped with back-up emergency brakes to use when air brakes fail. Maintaining brake systems with replacement parts is the key to avoiding brake failure and saving countless lives.
Surviving Brake Failure
If you detect you have a problem while driving on the highway, you will need to safely pull over. That's where emergency truck escape ramps help. These ramps are often found along major highways, such as I-70, where the roadways are steep with sustained grades. The ramps contain gravel or sand to help trucks come to a complete halt – safely.
Bottom Line
If you hear, smell, or see anything "off" with your air brakes, it's time for a replacement of braking system parts. Brake fluid contamination will require a brake flush to cleanse the system of unwanted particles. Replacing disc calipers, rotors and other air brake parts may be necessary. Trucks need more time to stop than cars due to size, and brake failure should not be on the minds of truck drivers throughout the year. All it takes is proper maintenance.
Training truck drivers to maintain their vehicles will help save lives if there is a problem. There are many reasons why brakes fail in semi-trucks. Here are the main causes: 