3 Tips To Keep Your Commercial Vehicle’s Brakes Running Properly

Having access to a company vehicle can make it easier for employees to provide your customers with the goods and services they need. Being able to operate a commercial vehicle safely is critical when it comes to ensuring the safety of your employees and the drivers they share the roadways with each day. The braking system on your commercial vehicle plays a critical role in safety and should be maintained properly to ensure its performance.

Here are three tips that you can use to help keep your commercial vehicle's brakes running properly in the future.

1. Have the master cylinder inspected regularly.

Having your mechanic regularly inspect the condition and performance of the master cylinder is critical when it comes to maintaining your commercial vehicle's braking system. When the brake pedal is activated, the master cylinder releases hydraulic force that is sent through the brake lines in order to bring the wheels (and ultimately the vehicle as a whole) to a stop.

When the master cylinder malfunctions, the brakes are unable to receive the force needed to stop the vehicle. Keeping your commercial vehicle's master cylinder in good condition will help prevent braking problems in the future.

2. Instruct employees not to ride the brakes.

It's not uncommon for drivers to ride the brakes as they operate a vehicle. Unfortunately, this driving habit could contribute to early brake failure. When the brake pedal is depressed, the brake pads clamp down against the rotors to help bring the vehicle to a stop. This clamping motion creates friction, which creates heat that can warp the brake rotors and cause them to malfunction.

Riding the brakes keeps the brake pads in constant contact with the rotors, increased the amount of heat and friction and preventing the brakes from having a cooling period. Instructing your employees not to ride the brakes will help extend the life of your commercial vehicle's braking system.

3. Keep the wheels clean.

As your commercial vehicle drives down the road, the wheels come into contact with a lot of dirt and debris that can settle onto the surface of your brake rotors. Brake dust can also accumulate on the surface of the rotors.

These surface contaminants can leave scratches or gouges in the brake rotors when they get caught between the rotors and the brake pads during vehicle operation. Taking the time to routinely clean your vehicle's wheels will help preserve the integrity of its braking system.

Knowing how to properly maintain your commercial vehicle's brakes will help ensure the braking system runs properly in the future. Make these steps a part of your commercial fleet repair and maintenance procedures.


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