Brakes are among the most important features of any vehicle, but for larger vehicles such as tractor trailers, having working brakes is essential for promoting the driver’s safety, as well as others on the road. Large commercial vehicles have much more weight to them than typical cars on the road, so their brakes may wear out or become compromised quicker. If you manage a fleet, make sure your drivers watch for the following signs that commercial truck repairs are needed.

Warning Signs of Bad Brakes

1. Indicator Light

Like smaller vehicles, the computer systems in tractor trailers are equipped to trigger indicator lights when there is a problem. While dashboard lights may not necessarily always appear when a brake issue arises, they are among the best signs indicating a need for commercial truck repairs.

2. Grinding Sound

A high-pitched squeal occurring while in motion that stops when the brakes are applied could stem from the brake wear indicators. This means the brakes, which are made of steel, are coming into contact with the rotor. On the other hand, grinding sounds when the brakes are tapped could also mean the pads have worn through.

3. Fluid Leak

While any type of fluid leak demands commercial truck repairs, dripping fluid from the master cylinder likely means there’s an issue within your brake system. When you hit the brakes, fluid is pushed through pipes to create hydraulic pressure. With a leak, there may not be sufficient pressure to stop your truck effectively.

4. Burning Odor

Any time a truck driver detects a burning smell, they should pull over immediately. A sharp, chemical scent means the clutch or brakes have likely overheated. If you don’t pull over, the brake fluid can boil, leading to complete failure. The scent could also indicate a stuck caliper, which is also unsafe to drive with, so reach out for roadside assistance.

5. Vibration or Wobbling

If the steering wheel vibrates or wobbles when the brakes are applied, it could be from an uneven rotor. Over time, rotors can develop variations. During brake services, auto technicians can smooth and even out rotors to correct any imbalances.

When fleet owners in Upstate New York need quality commercial truck repair services, they turn to C L Enterprises. For more than 17 years, these truck service experts have been providing Ontario County with superb truck repairs and maintenance. View their full list of services online, or call (585) 289-7900 to schedule maintenance or repairs.