The 2023 Commercial Vehicle Safety Alliance (CVSA) Brake Safety Week is just around the corner, so it’s important to make sure you are prepared and know what to expect. From August 20 to August 26, certified inspectors will be checking commercial vehicles for brake lining and brake pad problems. They will specifically be looking for problems like damaged parts, air leaks and S-cam rollover. Vehicles in the United States, Canada and Mexico may be selected for examinations. During the week, inspections may be conducted at weigh stations or temporary pop-up sites. Brake checks will be performed as part of Level I or Level V inspections. All components of your brake system will be assessed.
If a vehicle is found to have brake problems, it will be placed out of service until the issues are fixed. Staying on top of brake maintenance is the best way to ensure your trucks are not affected.
Here are seven actions you can take to prepare for brake safety week
- 1
Check for worn brake hoses or signs of chafing.
- 2
Test your brake pressure and listen for air leaks.
- 3
- 4
Follow manufacturer requirements when making repairs.
- 5
Have evidence of brake safety inspections and other important documents ready.
- 6
Stay up to date on preventive maintenance.
- 7
Perform inspections before, during and after your routes.
Summing It Up
The purpose of Brake Safety Week is to highlight the importance of routine brake maintenance. Many vehicles have severe brake problems that make them unsafe to operate, so it is vital to have them checked frequently. Throughout the 2022 Brake Safety Week, 38,177 inspections were performed. According to the CVSA, over 13 percent of inspected vehicles were placed out of service during the week. Maintaining your brakes will not only prepare you for the upcoming inspection week but will also give you peace of mind knowing your vehicles are operating safely.
You can find a full list of the CVSA’s inspection items at https://www.cvsa.org/news/2023-bsw/.
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