This year’s Brake Safety Week is scheduled for Aug. 21-27, 2022. Throughout the week, inspectors will conduct North American Standard Inspections on commercial motor vehicles, specifically focusing on braking systems.
Brake-related violations comprise the largest percentage of all out-of-service vehicle violations cited during roadside inspections. Last year, brake systems and brake adjustment violations accounted for 39% of all violations, the most of any category of vehicle violations.
Inspectors will also look at proper brake hose and tubing installation. Here are some tips to avoid violations.
- Inspect brake hoses and tubing as part of your pre-trip and post-trip inspections.
- Report any issues in your driver vehicle inspection reports (DVIR).
- Look for brake hoses that are making contact with steering, suspension, brake or other components, or the tires or frame.
- Listen for air leaks, identify the location of the leak, and make the necessary repairs before leaving.
- Brake hoses should not be kinked or improperly repaired.
- Air lines should not hang down and touch the tractor deck or frame.
- When you find air hoses or tubing making contact with other components, check for abrasion wear, and protect, secure or move the hose to prevent wear.
- If a hose or tubing is chafing and has caused a reduction in diameter or, on thermoplastic hoses, the secondary white color is visible, a violation exists.
- If a hose is worn so that the reinforcement ply is cut or abraded, this is an out-of-service condition and should be replaced immediately.
- Make sure all repairs are consistent with manufacturer’s requirements and guidelines.
Additional resources for drivers, mechanics and others can be found here.