How to best prevent your truck’s brakes from overheating and what to do if you notice a problem

Overheated trailer brakes are something no driver wants to deal with. And often this type of problem is completely preventable. However, there are cases where the brakes overheat (and sometimes even catch fire!) before the problem is identified.

It’s important to get regular checkups to make sure your brakes are in good condition. This will reduce the chance of your brakes overheating while driving, which is dangerous to you and other drivers on the road.

What are the most common reasons for brake fires?

There are a number of reasons why your trailer’s brakes can overheat and catch fire. These reasons include:

Poor braking method

Not all drivers use the correct braking method. Are you ever guilty of this? If so, you should work on getting into the habit of braking properly! If you see or smell smoke after braking, you must stop and turn off the truck immediately. If you are on a downhill grade, get to the bottom of the hill and stop there.

drag brakes

Brakes that drag while driving can lead to problems like brake overheating. Not only that, but also wheel bearing failure or wheel grease fires that can even reach the truck tires. This type of problem is most common on the rear trailer of the semitrailer.

poorly balanced brakes

An imbalance of the brakes can cause the disc brakes to overheat. This can cause the bearing grease to catch fire. Poorly balanced brakes most often occur on a multi-trailer when not all of the trailers are braking properly, hence the imbalance.

wheel bearing failure

As stated above, dragging on the brakes can lead to wheel bearing failure. This means that the hub of the wheel is off the centerline of the hub. When it is off-center and the brakes drag, it can cause a fire from overheating. Also, when one is off center, another could soon follow, causing even more problems.

What you can do to reduce your chances of overheating

It is important to have regular maintenance checkups with a mobile truck tire repair service or a 24-hour truck tire repair service to reduce the chances of experiencing serious problems on the road. It’s also important that if you notice anything unusual while driving, you stop and do your own inspection or call a mobile truck repair service or 24-hour truck repair service for help and to make sure your truck is safe. Be sure. drive.

You can do your own inspection by looking at the brakes, wheels, and tires, checking for burned wheel seals and other potential issues. You should also make sure there is no oil or grease buildup around the wheels, axles, and engine.

What to do if a fire starts in your truck

If any part of your semi trailer starts a fire, use your fire extinguisher to attack the base of the fire. Next, you need to call a trucking road service company for help.

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