Every August, the trucking industry focuses on one of the most critical safety systems on your rig—your brakes. Brake Safety Week, scheduled for August 24-30, 2025, isn't just another inspection blitz. It's your opportunity to ensure your equipment meets the highest safety standards while avoiding costly roadside violations and downtime.
Why Does Brake Safety Week Matter?
Brake Safety Week is a coordinated enforcement initiative led by the Commercial Vehicle Safety Alliance (CVSA). During this week, certified inspectors across the United States, Canada, and Mexico conduct intensive commercial vehicle inspections with laser focus on brake systems and components.
This year's emphasis targets drums and rotors—components that directly impact your vehicle's braking efficiency. Compromised drums and rotors don't just reduce stopping power; broken pieces can become road hazards that damage other vehicles or cause serious injuries. Any commercial vehicle found with brake-related out-of-service violations will be sidelined until repairs are completed.
Preparing Your Truck: A Pre-Inspection Checklist
Smart drivers and fleet managers don't wait for Brake Safety Week to address brake issues. Here's your preparation checklist:
✔ Visual Inspection: Conduct a thorough walk-around of all brake components. Check brake drums and rotors for cracks, excessive wear, or missing pieces. Examine brake linings for proper thickness—anything less than 1/4 inch on steering axles or 1/8 inch on other axles will put you out of service.
✔ Air System Verification: Test your air brake system thoroughly. Listen for unusual hissing sounds indicating air leaks. Verify that air pressure builds to at least 100 PSI within 45 seconds and maintains proper pressure during operation.
✔ Brake Adjustment Assessment: Measure brake adjustment using the applied stroke method or automatic slack adjuster verification. Out-of-adjustment brakes are among the most common violations during Brake Safety Week.
✔ Documentation Review: Ensure maintenance records are current and accessible. Inspectors may request documentation proving recent brake system maintenance.
Critical Warning Signs You Can't Ignore
At Road Choice, we support brake safety year-round because prevention beats roadside repairs every time. Since we’re on the topic, we urge you to watch for these critical braking symptoms:
- Grinding or squealing noises during braking indicate worn brake linings requiring immediate attention.
- Vibration in the steering wheel or brake pedal often signals warped drums or rotors.
- Excessive brake pedal travel or a "spongy" feel suggests air system problems or worn components.
- Uneven braking that pulls your vehicle to one side indicates dangerous brake imbalance.
- Visible brake fluid leaks around wheels or brake components demand immediate investigation.
- Burning smells during or after braking suggest overheated components that could fail catastrophically.
Download Our Free Brake Inspection Guide
Every properly maintained brake system contributes to safer highways for all road users. Want a simple summary to help prep, not just for Brake Safety Week, but for every road trip? Download our free PDF guide. It includes helpful tips and reminders for drivers who want to stay ahead of brake issues and avoidable downtime.
Be Smart. Be Safe. Be Ready.
Brake Safety Week isn’t just a compliance event—it’s an opportunity to raise the bar on safety, reliability, and professionalism in the heavy-duty trucking world.
At Road Choice, we’re proud to support safer roads with high-quality replacement brake parts, helpful inspection tools, and expert guidance when you need it. Visit your local Road Choice dealer or shop online to get the parts and support that keep your trucks moving forward—safely and confidently.
Let’s make this Brake Safety Week the safest one yet!
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Road Choice offers a broad selection of brake systems, parts, and fluids for heavy-duty trucks of all makes and models. For more information or to schedule a service appointment, call your nearest Road Choice retailer. You can also order parts online, anytime through PartsASIST™, for delivery directly to your doorstep or available will-call at parts pickup.