Brakes are some of the most important fleet truck parts. Good brakes help ensure the safety of both semi-truck drivers and anyone else on the road. That’s why it’s important to know when it’s time to change those semi-truck brakes.
Below, we cover everything you need to know about changing semi-truck brakes. If you’re worried about the brakes on your truck, be sure to visit an experienced mechanic right away.
How often do semi-truck brakes need changing on average?
There are many factors that determine how often you should change a semi-truck’s brakes, including the average weight of said truck’s loads and the truck’s route. Since there are so many variables with semi-trucks, there are no industry-wide schedule guidelines for truck brake replacements. Some truck brakes can last 250,000 to 300,000 miles, while others need may need changing every couple of months.
One major factor that influences the wear and tear of semi-truck brakes is the number of stops a truck makes. If a truck only makes one to two stops per day, it probably won’t need brake replacements as frequently as a truck that stops 20 to 40 times per day.
Other factors that affect the life of semi-truck brakes include terrain and the driver’s skill.
Determining if your brakes need changing
How do you tell if your semi-truck’s brakes need changing? The best way is to visit a mechanic who specializes in semi-truck maintenance repairs. In fact, it’s a good idea to schedule regular inspections with a mechanic you trust. By doing this, you can avoid hitting the road with bad brakes.
Many semi-truck brake manufacturers sell wear gauges, which you can use to track how much the brake has worn down. Use this gauge every now and then to determine if you’ll need to change your brakes soon.
Consider giving your brake systems routine visual inspections if you have experience with semi-truck maintenance.
Maintaining your brakes
Avoid spending too much money on fleet truck parts and other essentials by taking proper care of your semi-truck. When it comes to brake maintenance, you should always replace the brakes when necessary. Putting off brake replacements may cause long-term damage to your truck and is extremely dangerous. Consider having all other parts of your brake system, including the pins and springs, changed at the same time.
It’s also important to learn proper braking techniques. Constantly slamming on the brakes will wear them down quickly. Over time, try to master stopping distances. Taking it easier on your brakes will make them last longer, thus saving you money on fleet truck parts.
Only purchase quality brakes
One of the best ways of ensuring the life of your brakes is by purchasing top-quality ones in the first place. Do your research on semi-truck brakes, and consider asking colleagues for their recommendations. Be sure to only buy brakes from a reputable dealer who will offer you fair prices on top-quality products.
Contact J & M Trailer Repair today for all your semi-truck repair and parts needs.