It takes a robust braking system to bring 80,000 lb. (36,000 kg) of moving tractor-trailer to a halt. And half of that system sits on a trailer, about 45 feet (about 13.5 meters) behind the driver.

Trailer brakes are sometimes neglected during the pre-trip inspection process, especially if a driver is in a hurry to hook up and hit the road. During the post-trip inspection, not many pay attention to them.

“Make sure your drivers know it’s a big deal, it’s half your brakes. You want them to go underneath the trailer to inspect them,” said Tim Livingstone, fleet, facilities and fuel manager at Kriska Transportation Group (KTG).

That’s fine on a nice day in a paved yard, not so nice in a mud-filled soggy area during a rainstorm or snowy conditions in the cold months. Not many people would want to get their clothes and shoes dirty and soaked, but it’s part of the job description.

Dress for the job, advises Michael Frolick, director of safety and compliance at TransPro Freight Systems, which is part of KTG, based in Milton, Ont. “Wear a coat in winter and coveralls in summer,” the veteran driver and safety professional said.

Pro tip: Carry a piece of cardboard

“I used to carry a piece of cardboard to put on the ground. I don’t mind getting dirty, but I don’t mind staying clean either. Wear gloves and carry a flashlight.”

Frolick said a flashlight is not only for nighttime use but is also needed to inspect equipment in shady areas and under the truck.

Trailers are equipped with either drum or disc brakes.

For drum brakes, drivers must inspect the brake drum and shoes for wear or cracks, Livingstone noted. Use a flashlight to illuminate the area and ensure that springs are set properly and not broken.

“A twisted spring can start binding up on the brake so that the application doesn’t work the way it’s supposed to. It can also puncture the diaphragm, which would then cause an air leak when the brakes are released,” he said.

Pay attention to the slack adjuster and many have brake stroke indicators built into them. These indicators help determine whether brakes are in or out of adjustment.

If brakes don’t have stroke indicators, drivers must measure them to ensure they are properly adjusted. Drivers can watch this video on how to mark and measure brake adjustment.

Watch out for leaks

Inspect brake linings, and if covered by a dust shield, use the peephole to check the thickest part of the shoe. “You’re going to want to make sure that there’s no oil or excessive grease on it,” Livingstone said.

Air makes the system work, so checking air lines is critical. Ensure they are not rubbing against something that could lead to braiding and damage.

Drivers must use their ears and noses to determine if there is an air leak, said Anthony Dyal, fleet resources manager at Musket Transport. “Pay attention to air pressure and air lines. If you hear air escaping, if the wheel smells hot, it could be a problem. A lot of bad things can be avoided if the driver is aware of these things,” he said at the carrier’s facility in Mississauga, Ont.

Use your nose and ears

Dyal added that drivers should also pay attention to their air tanks and drain them. “If they are full of water, they can’t draw in air.”

While inspecting disc brakes on trailers, touch the rotors to make sure they are not cracked or damaged, said Nasir Ali, driving instructor at Commercial Heavy Equipment Training (CHET), based in Mississauga. Crouching under the trailer, he says, “Check on the side that they are not rusted and inspect the calliper.”

Drivers should also inspect the thickness of brake pads and watch for leaks from wheel seals or hubs.

Obviously, safety is the top priority. There could be loss of life, property and freight. There are numerous other consequences if trailer brakes fail.

Expensive repairs and downtime

Service calls on the road cost time and money. And when brakes fail, other parts like tires are affected too. Sometimes drivers have to wait for hours until a technician can get to them. And if the issue cannot be fixed roadside, an expensive tow may have to be called.

Drivers must be paid for the downtime and freight delivery may be delayed leading to unhappy customers.

In the end, it boils down to regular trailer brake inspections. They take a few minutes, and for TransPro’s Frolick there is no time limit on safety. “The inspection can last however long it takes.”

Drivers should heed these words from the Truckload Carriers Association’s 2023 safety professional of the year. They could be the difference between a good and bad day.