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The Dangers of Brake Fade
The Dangers of Brake Fade
Brake fade occurs when repeated use causes a vehicle’s braking system to gradually lose efficiency. It can happen to any kind of motor vehicle, but large trucks are especially vulnerable due to the level of force required to stop them. Even though a commercial truck’s braking system is carefully designed to handle emergencies, brake fade can be a serious danger on the road.
Air Brake Design
To understand how brake face can happen to your vehicle, it is important to understand how the braking system works. Virtually all large trucks use an air braking system. In other vehicles, pressing the brake pedal causes brake fluid to move into a chamber near the wheel’s axle. In turn, the fluid causes a piece of metal called a push rod to move outwards and apply force to a series of gears that stop the wheel using friction.
Air brakes are very similar; they simply use air instead of brake fluid when the brake pedal is pressed. Like fluid-based systems, they rely on friction to stop the wheels and bring the vehicle to a halt. When a lot of friction is required – for example, when you need to brake suddenly or while heading downhill – it can create a large amount of heat.
Understanding Brake Fade
Repeated exposure to high temperatures can gradually damage the various parts of your vehicle’s braking system. It can also cause these parts to move away from each other as the heat causes their metal components to expand. As a result, the push rod will need to travel a farther distance when you press on the brake pedal, which will reduce its effectiveness.
Brake fade can be prevented by regular maintenance of your engine’s braking systems, as well as safe driving practices. You will know it is time to inspect your braking system when your brake pedals require additional force to slow or stop your vehicle. If you do not address the problem in time, your brakes could overheat, stop working completely, and even catch fire.
Poorly maintained brakes are a common cause of severe trucking accidents. For your own sake, as well as everyone else’s on the road, be sure to practice regular and thorough vehicle maintenance.
Contact a Freight Factor
The freight factoring agents of TBS Factoring Service, LLC understand the unique challenges of operating a freight hauling company. To discuss truck factoring and how it could help your business, contact us today at 1-800-207-7661.
