Under normal circumstances, it takes up to 200 feet for a commercial truck to come to a stop. That’s a far cry from being able to stop on a dime, which is difficult for most cars. When a commercial truck’s brakes are “hot,” meaning a driver has been using them for a while, it can take up to 450 feet for a truck to come to a stop. That’s the equivalent of one and a half football fields. When you’re carrying 80,000 pounds or more, good quality, high-performance brakes are a must. Here are some things to know about brake repair and why it makes sense to use a mobile tire service.
3 Signs that Indicate Your Truck May Need Brake Repair
Your brakes are arguably one of the most important safety features on the truck. There are many reasons the brakes can fail, but lack of maintenance seriously reduces the lifespan of your brakes. Perform regular inspections, looking for signs of problems when you’re on and off the road. Get mobile tire service and timely repairs instead of holding off until you can get to a mechanic.
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Loud Noises from the Brakes
If you’re hearing screeching or loud noises when you brake, the likely culprit is the brake pads. They need to be replaced. Ideally, you should have the brake pads replaced every 30,000 miles, but they can wear out earlier depending on the conditions under which the truck is driven.
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No Resistance When You Press the Brakes
When you press the brake pedal, the vehicle should begin to come to a stop. If it’s taking more pressure to get the truck to respond to the brake, there is a problem with your vehicle. The brakes need to be checked by a trained mechanic who can diagnose and solve the problem.
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The Brakes Have Air Leaks
Air leaks in the wheels will compromise the brakes. If the compressed air leaks, the brakes may still operate, but it will take more pressure to engage the brakes, resulting in less control. Eventually, if you delay the repairs, you will not have brakes that work when and how they should. It’s not worth the risk! Depend on a reliable mobile tire service to have the issue taken care of efficiently and quickly.
Driving with Faulty Brakes Is Hazardous
A commercial vehicle that can’t stop is more than a hazard. It’s an almost certain death trap. Trucks account for about 7% of road traffic, but account for about 12.6% of fatalities in vehicle accidents. It’s important to conduct regular maintenance on the brakes to avoid accidents and downtime. Being proactive about truck repairs is an investment in safety and performance. Mobile tire service from STTC can provide repairs on-site to reduce instances of towing the truck to a service shop.
Give us a call now at 610-954-8473 or contact us online to discuss our convenient 24/7 mobile tire service and roadside assistance. We keep your tires in good condition so you can spend less on tires, reduce your carbon footprint, and keep your trucks on the road.
