Bendix has provided a checklist for heavy vehicle operators to ensure their truck brakes are prepared and safe for Australia’s varying road conditions
Heavy vehicle brake company Bendix says regular truck brake inspections are critical to keep the nation’s freight vehicle fleet safe and productive.
Bendix says professional drivers face many challenges throughout the course of their work as they juggle delivery schedules while guiding their trucks through heavy traffic, often while travelling on roads not designed for large vehicles.
Bendix says given the carrying capacity of trucks, braking systems are critical. While operating at hefty weights, the brake company says motorists may be ignorant of the time it takes for heavy vehicles to stop.
Data from Transport NSW indicates that a B-double travelling at just 40 kph can take up to 44 metres to stop; if travelling at 60 kph, that same truck would need approximately 90 metres to come to a standstill. In comparison, a car travelling at 40 kph needs around 27 metres to stop, or if travelling at 60 kph, around 56 metres is needed.
“Because of these operating conditions, it’s vital that the braking systems of heavy vehicles are regularly inspected,” Bendix says.
“Drivers should also be aware of the symptoms of poorly performing brakes, which may include pulling left or right when applying the brakes, vibrations including through the pedal, hard or low pedal feel, unusual noises on application or an illuminated brake warning light.”
When inspecting truck brakes, Bendix says to ensure brake fluid levels are correct and changed at OEM-specified intervals, to inspect brake pads, rotors and calipers for wear or damage and to check brake shoes and drums for wear, damage and adjustment.
Also, operators should also check brake lines and air hoses for kinks, perished rubbers or other damage, ensure that brake components are properly lubricated to prevent corrosion and to clean brake components to remove corrosion and debris build-up.
If consumables do need replacing, Bendix says it offers an extensive range covering light, medium and heavy-duty commercial vehicles and trailing stock, as well as buses and coaches. Available products include disc brake pads, brake shoe kits and the special heavy-duty ProTrans™ HD disc brake pads, designed for extreme applications.