Quiz: How Prepared Are You for Brake Safety Week?
Brake Safety Week is just around the corner - August 21 - 27, 2022. Take this quick 10-question quiz on brakes and brake systems to find out how prepared you are, and then read on for additional information about Brake Safety Week!
As a reminder, all brake adjustments should be performed only by a certified technician.
Take the Quiz!
Brakes are the most important safety component of any truck. Are you a Brake Safety Beginner, Competent, or Expert? Find out now and then afterwards (no cheating!), keep scrolling and learn more about the questions and context of each one!
Warning — Answers below!
How did you do!? Where does your brake safety knowledge stand? Below we provide the correct answers (in blue) along with additional context on the questions.
1. What air pressure must the air system maintain?
70-80 psi
80-90 psi
90-100 psi
Air brake systems use air pressure to actually brake when you step on the brake pedal. Click here to learn more about how air brakes work.
2. It’s important to manually adjust your Automatic Slack Adjusters when they appear to be different lengths.
True
False
When ASAs stop working, they must never be manually adjusted, as it’s a sign that there is likely something else underlying that is wrong with the brake. The only times an ASA needs to be manually adjusted is during initial installation when it is new, or when brake linings and/or drums are replaced. Manual adjustment may also be required in an emergency if air pressure is unable to release the brakes. However, all adjustments should be performed only by a certified technician.
3. What is the most common brake chamber size?
30
45
60
Type 30 brake chambers “have a maximum available stroke of 2½ inches (65 mm). A long stroke Type 30 is designated Type 30LS, and has a maximum available stroke of three inches.” Learn more here.
4. What action should you take if you have a brake fluid leak?
Leave it alone - there is no danger at all
Finish your load and rest your truck for a while afterward
Stop driving and see a technician right away
Brake fluid leaks are the most common cause of total brake failure. Be sure to check for leaks regularly and see a technician immediately if you suspect or observe any leakages.
5. Which of the following constitutes a violation for brake hoses and tubing?
The wear extends into the outer protective material
The wear extends through the outer protective material into the outer rubber cover.
Wear has made the reinforcement ply visible, but the ply remains intact.
All of the above
There are four categories of violations as it relates to brake hoses and tubing:
A category 1 violation is when the wear extends into the outer protective material.
Category 2 is when wear extends through the outer protective material into the outer rubber cover.
In category 3, wear has made the reinforcement ply visible, but the ply remains intact.
In category 4, chafing has caused any part of the fabric/steel brain reinforcement ply to be frayed, severed or cut through. This is an out-service-condition.
Click here for additional data on brake safety violations found in 2021.
6. Which of the following informs you that your anti-lock brake system (ABS) is working properly?
ABS lamp illuminates and stays on when power is supplied to the unit
ABS lamp illuminates and then quickly turns off when power is supplied to the unit
ABS lamp never illuminates when power is supplied to the unit
If your ABS lamp illuminates and stays on, or never illuminates, it means your ABS are not functioning, which is a violation. Know the warning signs so you can get your vehicle repaired as quickly as possible.
7. How long does it take for an 80,000 lb semi-truck traveling at 65 mph to come to a full stop?
Half a football field (180 feet)
One football field (360 feet!)
Two football fields (720 feet)
While it’s generally thought that trucks require 2 football fields to stop, stopping distance depends on speed, reaction time, weight of your vehicle, weather, and brake systems. Always be cautious of stopping distance to ensure safety at all times.
8. Brake systems should be inspected each time you get an oil change.
True
False
The general rule of thumb is to get your brakes inspected each time you get an oil change, or roughly every 25,000 miles driven.
9. Which of the following service chemicals should you NOT keep on hand for brake maintenance?
Grease
Penetrating oil
Bleach
Grease and penetrating oil are recommended to keep on hand. Another chemical to keep on hand is Brake cleaner (not bleach). Reminder: all brake adjustments should be performed only by a certified technician.
10. What is the minimum braking efficiency required for a performance-based brake tester (PBBT)?
43.5 percent
59.6 percent
66.3 percent
If your vehicle’s braking efficiency is under 43.5%, your brakes are not able to perform properly and are in need of service. See this sample PBBT inspection report. As a note: “if any wheel end is showing braking efficiency below 43.5 percent, there’s likely something wrong with that brake, even if no violation is found.”
About Brake Safety Week
What to Expect
Between August 21 - 27, 2022, inspectors across North America will be stopping vehicles to perform any level of CVSA Inspections, with an emphasis on the brake system.
Brake violations are often the cause of out-of-service orders, which not only jeopardize your ability to generate revenue but your CSA score and future business opportunities.
Focus on Brake Hoses and Tubing
Similar to other safety weeks, the focus of this year’s Brake Safety will be brake hoses and tubing. In particular, inspectors will check for:
Check for missing, non-functioning, loose, contaminated or cracked parts on the brake system.
Check for S-cam flip-over.
Listen for audible air leaks around brake components and lines.
Check for improper connections and chafing of air hoses and tubing.
Ensure slack adjusters are the same length (from center of S-cam to center of clevis pin) and the air chambers on each axle are the same size.
Ensure the air system maintains proper air pressure.
Look for non-manufactured holes (e.g., rust holes, holes created by rubbing or friction, etc.) and broken springs in the spring brake housing.
Mark and measure pushrod travel.
Inspect required brake system warning devices, such as anti-lock braking system malfunction lamp(s) and low air-pressure warning devices.
Inspect the tractor protection system, including the bleed-back system on the trailer.
Ensure the breakaway system is operable on the trailer.
How to Prepare
While brakes are critical to safety and require your everyday focus and attention, Brake Safety Week is an opportunity to refresh your knowledge and overprepare in light of safety. As always, it’s important to familiarize yourself with inspections, ensure up-to-date maintenance, stay diligent about Pre- and Post-Trip Inspections, pay attention to the presentation of yourself and your truck, and bring a Positive Attitude and a Smile.
With these few steps, you shouldn’t have any trouble treating the days of Brake Safety Week as any other - ones in which you prioritize the safety of yourself and others above all else.
What is your best brake safety tip or trick? Share below in the comments!
Other relevant articles:
DVIR: Pre-Trip and Post-Trip Inspections
