Safety Tips for Using Your Semi-Truck’s Braking System

Most heavy vehicles, including semi-trucks, use air brakes that run on compressed air rather than brake fluid. They can bring your rig to a complete stop in a more efficient manner. Although they are extra reliable, you’ll want to familiarize yourself with your model’s braking system.

Read this guide to learn a few tips on using your semi-truck’s braking system correctly. If you need more advice or help to upgrade your rig to the latest model, visit Fyda Freightliner. You’ll find us in Kentucky, Ohio, and Pennsylvania, so swing in today.

Avoid Slamming the Brakes

Slamming on your semi-truck’s brakes can cause the braking system to lock up, and your vehicle might end up flipping over. This can cause an accident and put the safety of other motorists around you at risk, as well. Prepare to brake well in advance and do it slowly and steadily.

Approach Hill Descents Correctly

If you frequently haul cargo to and from the mountainous regions of Kentucky and Pennsylvania, you’ll want to be more careful when using your semi-truck’s braking system. That’s because if you aren’t vigilant, your heavy vehicle might start skidding or swaying. This can be dangerous and lead you to be in an accident.

As a safety measure, you’ll want to feather your brakes by swiftly changing the pressure you put on them. Feathering also helps you avoid sliding on icy patches and keeps you more stable.

Straighten Out

Another thing you’ll need to ensure when braking is that your semi-truck and trailer (if you have one attached) are in alignment. This means that you’ll want to straighten out from any turn before applying the brake.

If you fail to observe this simple rule, you might cause your vehicle to start sliding, and you might end up losing control of your rig completely.

We hope you find this guide handy when operating your semi-truck. If you need more advice or help to upgrade your rig to the latest model, swing by Fyda Freightliner. We have multiple dealerships throughout Kentucky, Ohio, and Pennsylvania, so stop by one that’s nearest to you.