Commercial Trucks: Three Maintenance Tips for Your Air Brake System

Compressed air brake systems are ideal for use in commercial trucks because the flow of air is not limited. In simple terms, these brakes will not be compromised by the lack of fluid like standard hydraulic brakes. You should also note that air brakes have considerable effectiveness even when leakage occurs in the system. Therefore, a truck can be stopped safely even after damage. However, you should note that the efficiency of your air brakes will depend on your upkeep practices. Here are critical maintenance guidelines for your truck's compressed air braking system.

Purchase Quality Parts

The compressed air brakes installed in your commercial truck are durable. However, they are susceptible to gradual wear and damage like other auto parts. Therefore, you will need to replace the damaged and worn-out components to restore your braking system. Your choice of parts will influence the performance and safety of your vehicle. It is essential to purchase high-quality truck parts designed for use in your vehicle model and make. Where possible, you should choose original equipment to ensure optimal compatibility.

Check the Air System

You should conduct regular checks of your truck's air system. If this system is contaminated, the air drawn into the braking setup will be polluted. Once it circulates in the internal elements, there will be accelerated deterioration of the components. For example, if the air system is contaminated by oil, you will notice the degradation of delicate parts like valves, diaphragms and seals. The damage will lead to leakages, and the cost of constant replacement of these components will be high. Therefore, you should ensure that the air system is in good condition, and the filters should be in place. In addition, you should use dryer cartridges to eliminate moisture and oil.

Inspect for Leaks

You should inspect the air chamber connected to your braking system for leaks. In general, damage to this chamber will affect the supply of compressed air. As a result, the stopping efficiency of the truck will be severely compromised. You should not risk driving a heavy truck with a leak, even though air braking systems are more reliable than the traditional alternatives. You should listen for the release of air around the chamber before beginning your trip. You should also look for signs of mechanical damage, such as dents and tears. In addition, you must check if there are missing components such as clamps, plugs and bolts. You should conduct immediate repairs before proceeding with your journey.

Contact a company that supplies products like Hino truck parts to learn more.

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