4 Ways to Maintain Air Brake Parts in Winter

The cold weather is challenging for every vehicle. Due to the winter season, extra moisture spread into the air and on the roads. Water and moisture can majorly impact the air brake system and causes corrosion in the system. When the truck operator uses cheap air brake parts, the salt and chemicals used for keeping roads clear from snow and ice can cause corrosion and damage the system. This could leave the rig without power for hours or even days.   

However, frozen truck air brakes are preventable. Here are the prime ways to keep air brakes working in winter.   

The automatic air dryer on the vehicle can remove the amount of water present inside the vehicle. It is essential to maintain the air dryer to ensure it operates well. If the air dryer filter appears dirty or needs replacement, change it as per the manufacturer’s instructions.  

Individual adjusters are located at each wheel end of truck brake systems – it is accountable for removing slacks from the brakes as the brake shoes wear down. They can be either manual or automated, but they must be free to move in order to work correctly.    

After a time, the air brakes wear out, greasing the slack adjuster keeps them accessible and help them to do their job effectively. Make sure to inspect the adjusters before every trip and grease them as necessary. While the truck is being serviced, the mechanic must clean and lubricate any loose adjusters.   

Washing the truck inside and outside helps to remove undesirable winter grime and chemicals off from the brake lines of the truck. As mentioned earlier, the chemical used in the highway to melt ice can sit on the steel metal of brake lines can corrode the system. After enduring ice and chemicals, the truck airbrake lines get worn out over time, which can be time-consuming and costly too.   

While washing a truck, make sure to wash the inside and out of the truck as well as the chassis. In simple words, washing help gets rid of access salt and ice, which are the prime factors of air brake line damage.  

A truck drives in harsh and cold climates, so it is important to check or replace the air dryer cartridge before the arrival of the winter season. The cartridge prevents getting moisture inside the system and damage brake lines and other truck parts and accessories. Checking and monitoring the condition also eliminate the malfunction of air brakes in the winter weather and helps save time and money in the long run.   

Conclusion 

If the driver is inexperienced in managing and driving under winter conditions, the essential training will help gain confidence in handling the rig in snow. In order to run truck parts effectively, it would be best to stay on top of brake maintenance or replace it before it wears out. Surya Truck Parts is a leading Peterbilt’s Truck Parts supplier who can help clients find the best and high-quality air brake components to get the rig on the road. 

Contact the team today to immediately replace