Proactive semi-truck brake maintenance and timely repairs help reduce downtime, prevent accidents and help driver safety. Without proper inspections and maintenance, component failures can lead to major accidents and keep your commercial trucks off the road. Pre-trip inspections and routine maintenance protect your drivers and bottom line.
Why is brake maintenance important?
Brakes are the most important safety feature on a truck, and yet every year, they are the number one cause of DOT vehicle inspection failures. Brake violations made up nearly 40% of all out-of-service orders in 2025. Without proper inspections and maintenance, component failures can lead to major safety risks, accidents or even loss of life. Taking the time for brake inspection, maintenance and operation is imperative for drivers, owner-operators and fleet managers.
CVSA’s Brake Safety Week, August 23 - 29, 2026, emphasizes the importance of brake systems by conducting inspections and removing commercial vehicles with brake-related violations from the road.
What should I look for during a pre-trip brake inspection?
- Look for loose or missing parts.
- Listen for air leaks (look for hydraulic leaks on non-air brake systems).
- Inspect for rubbed spots on brake hoses.
- Measure pads/linings to ensure sufficient material.
- Check for cracks in drums/rotors.
Verify no ABS light(s) on dash.
- Make sure to perform the air brake test to measure air psi build-up/leak-down, confirm low air warning is working correctly and ensure parking brake vale sets.
Simple Brake-System Maintenance Tips
- Brake adjustments should be checked monthly, and brake condition should be tracked at every PM interval.
- Don’t forget that low tire pressure can cause unnecessary increase wear on braking components.
- Heat affects brakes. High temperatures in the summer can increase temperature across the brake components, which can increase the likelihood of failure if not monitored.
Brake Drum and Rotor Tips
The focus of the 2026 Brake Safety Week is the condition of the brake drum and rotor. Check out these tips from CVSA:
- Inspect visible portions of the drum and rotor as part of your pre- and post-trip inspection.
- Look for signs of cracked or broken pieces in the friction surface of the rotor.
- On disc brakes, pay attention to the condition of the rotor. Heavily rusted rotors across the entire friction surface indicate an inoperative brake.
- Ensure the rotor is not worn to the extent that the center vents are exposed.
Schedule service repair or preventative maintenance with TLG Peterbilt at one of our 36 locations. TLG also carries an extensive in-stock selection of OEM and aftermarket semi-truck brake system parts to keep your rig rolling and stopping correctly.
How does TLG Peterbilt help my fleet with brake maintenance and repair?
TLG’s expert, factory-trained service technicians can perform semi-truck DOT inspections, preventative brake maintenance and semi-truck brake repairs on your heavy-duty trucks to help ensure your trucks pass inspection and stay on the road.
How does Brake Safety Week affect drivers and fleets?
During brake safety week, inspectors emphasize the importance of brake systems by conducting inspections and removing commercial vehicles that have brake-related out-of-service violations from the highway. By performing preventative maintenance and inspections, you can protect your drivers and your equipment, so your trucks stay on the road.
How often should semi‑truck brakes be adjusted?
Adjust mechanical brakes monthly, perform pre/post trip checks, and brake components should be checked at every PM interval.