Primary hydraulic pressure lines power most car brakes. However, while this basic brake system handles a 3,000-pound automobile well, it cannot manage a large tractor trailer that weighs 80,000 pounds when loaded. A compressor produces and feeds air pressure to tanks on a large truck or tractor-trailer, which subsequently exerts pressure on the vehicle brakes. However, diesel engine repair shop experts say that if a motorist applies the brakes excessively, the compressor loses air before it can resupply it. The brakes are then unable to receive air pressure. You currently have an errant vehicle. This is a concern, particularly on lengthy descents. A truck driver may lose all his brakes if he overuses them during a long drop down a slope. This explains why those “runaway” ramps on the sides of highways are there while you are descending a steep hill.
How do Truck Maintenance Companies help?
Our truck accident attorneys know that heavy truck and tractor-trailer brake systems are not intended for prolonged braking. Any braking system cannot sustain the weight of the loaded vehicle, which may weigh 80,000 pounds, for an extended time. In many situations, tractor-trailer drivers are advised to use their gearbox (i.e., low ratios) to slow down instead of braking brakes. In addition to not having compressor pressure, it may overheat and lose contact with the drum if an unskilled or careless tractor-trailer driver utilizes his brakes to descend a long slope instead of maintaining a low gear and a slow pace.
A tractor-trailer should descend a slope significantly differently than a vehicle should. When starting the descent, the tractor-trailer driver should move into low gear to keep that sluggish pace while traveling downhill. Rather than the brakes, the gearbox maintains its unhurried pace. He doesn’t even need to touch the brakes most of the time. This stops the brakes from, well, actually “breaking.”
Why Truck Brakes Fail in a Truck Accident
Commercial semi trucks’ massive size and weight make them particularly vulnerable to catastrophic braking failure. What causes this to occur? The following five factors:
· Failure to Apply the Front Brakes.
As a result, the sole responsibility for stopping the entire outfit falls on the trailer brakes. Additionally, downshifting might strengthen the brakes. The tractor is not involved in the brakes, which reduces the rig’s capacity to slow down and stop.
· Poor Brake Maintenance.
While some trucking companies actively maintain their equipment, some do not, and a DOT brake check does not catch them in time to save a fatal truck accident. The vehicle may occasionally be able to brake under normal conditions due to braking limitations, but not when strong emergency braking is needed.
· An Overstuffed Trailer.
Even when utilizing brakes in good condition, a truck carrying too much weight must brake at an excessive distance. Public safety is difficult, mainly when severe braking is necessary. Overloaded trailers put additional strain on the braking system, which is more likely to fail when it isn’t properly maintained.
· On Descents, Brake Overheating.
On downhills, incorrect braking techniques by untrained drivers can cause the brakes to overheat and lose some of their braking power. At some point, the truck’s brakes cannot regulate its speed. Deficient brake maintenance may also be a factor.
· Uneven Braking.
When specific brakes function harder than others, there is a brake imbalance. This could result from employing mechanical parts that aren’t compatible with one another or from the pneumatic system applying different amounts of air pressure to other brakes. Due to this unequal distribution, specific brakes may lock up, which might cause skidding and jackknifing. Some brakes may overheat when traveling downhill due to an imbalanced braking system.
Preventing Hot Brakes and Brake Failure: What to Do
On the Overdrive Online website, you will find an excellent article called How to Prevent Brake Failure.
Hot Brakes Are Not the Only Truck Brake Issues
The truck’s brakes allegedly quit working, according to the driver. Even though we weren’t present and didn’t have access to the investigation’s papers, a mechanical issue wasn’t the issue. There are rumors of out-of-control trucks having to hit truck runaway ramps, though we’ve never really seen one.
Safety Brakes for Truck Drivers
Brake-related infractions made up nearly 15% of all commercial vehicle penalties in 2019, so taking a little extra care will prevent inspectors from pulling over your truck. These are the most typical braking issues truckers go against.
The maintenance of trucks has begun.
Nowhere do faulty breaks occur. It frequently results from a mistake. You may comply with DOT regulations by periodically maintaining your truck with different shops and clutch replacement services. Violations can result in a ten-point increase in your CSA score and a mark on your record.
The experts at a trailer repair shop in Fort Worth say trucks are large, heavy objects. When driving downhill, brakes have to constantly slow down their large loads, which generates heat. Unfortunately, as brakes heat up, they lose some effectiveness, requiring more extended periods of braking, making them even more desired.
