I'm not sure how these things get started but it seems like there are plenty of them. National Pollinator Week celebrates the work of bees. National Dog Week, the last week in September, celebrates man's best friend.
This week is Brake Safety Week, emphasizing the importance of brake systems and components during roadside inspections across North America. Here's a press release from Champion Brands followed by a link to a Fleet Owner story about this important topic.
This Week is Brake Safety Week
 |
During last fall's brake inspection blitz, more than 5,100 commercial vehicles were placed out of service because of brake-related violations. In addition, brake system and brake adjustment violations accounted for more vehicle violations than any other vehicle violation category, accounting for 38.6% of all vehicle out-of-service conditions.
What can you expect if pulled over for inspection?
Law enforcement officers checking brake systems will look for:
- Loose or missing parts
- Air or hydraulic fluid leaks
- Trouble-indicator lights on the dash, including antilock brakes
- Worn linings, pads, drums, or rotors
- Mismatched air chamber sizes across axles
- Warning device functionality (such as antilock braking system indicator lights)
- Proper brake adjustment
- Brake hoses and tubing condition
- Measure pushrod stroke to ensure brakes are properly adjusted.
“While you are at it, it’s a good idea to either top up or flush your brake fluid,” suggested Karl Dedolph at Champion Oil. “Brake fluid is an important component in any hydraulic braking system. The fluid is subjected to hundreds of pounds of pressure but also needs to lubricate rubber components in the master cylinder, wheel cylinders, calipers, and hoses. In addition, brake fluid has corrosion inhibitors that keep the bores of hydraulic cylinders from rusting and pitting.”
“Most of today’s brake fluids are made of polyalkylene glycol, which is hygroscopic, meaning it absorbs moisture. The absorption of water prevents “pooling” of the absorbed water in the brake system, where corrosive acids can form and make the components deteriorate. Water in a brake system will also cause fluids to freeze or boil faster.”
 |
“Champion DOT 4 Brake Fluid is recommended for most disk brake vehicles and is also a poly-glycol base. DOT 4 has a boiling point of 494 degrees F., and it is rated at a viscosity of 1800cSt at -40 F. This DOT 4 brake fluid differs from DOT 3 due to the ability it has to chemically scavenge water, reducing the rate at which performance deteriorates when the fluid is exposed to humidity in service. Exceeds the specifications of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard #116 and SAE J1704 for DOT 4 brake fluids," added Dedolph.
Read the Fleet Owner story here:
https://www.fleetowner.com/
If you don't have your Brake Fluid changed as recommended by your vehicle manufacturer this will lead to Moisture Contamination in your brake reservoir where the Brake Fluid is stored. ... When you don't change your brake fluid, your cars braking capabilities suffer greatly for it leading to Poor Braking Performance.
ReplyDeleteBrake fluid is usually a light, clear color. If it's not clean or transparent, then your brake fluid is dirty and needs changing. The reservoir should have a label that says, “full line.” If the brake liquid falls below that line, it's a sign your need to change your brake fluid or top it off.
ReplyDeleteBrake fluid change cost is usually between $99 and $149 for most vehicles. Most of this cost can be attributed to the labor that goes into the flush, as brake fluid is usually very affordable and the flush process is generally the same regardless of the type of vehicle.
ReplyDelete