Understanding Brake Inspections

What is Brake Inspection?

Brake inspection is a practical, step-by-step assessment that examines the condition and functionality of brake components such as pads, discs, fluid, brake lines, and other mechanical components. Its purpose is to spot signs of wear, damage, or malfunction early on, ensuring the brake system stays safe and reliable. Regular brake inspections minimize downtime, reduce costly repairs, and ensure compliance with safety standards throughout production and equipment operation.

Benefits of a Brake Inspection

A brake inspection is a vital part of overall vehicle inspection and maintenance because it helps ensure safety on the road, keeps repair costs down, boosts vehicle performance, and can even benefit the environment while helping maintain its long-term value.

Organizations that conduct routine brake inspections can achieve the following:

• Early detection of issues: Spots minor issues like worn brake pads, damaged rotors, or brake fluid leakage early on before they develop into a more serious and costly repair

• Prolonged brake lifespan: Helps ensure even wear on components like pads, rotors, and calipers—extending their lifespan and reducing how often they need to be replaced

• Improved vehicle performance: Ensures better handling, quicker response times, and smoother driving, especially in emergencies, and overall driving experience by upkeeping the brake quality

• Peace of mind: Reduces driving anxiety and stress with the knowledge that the vehicle is in good condition and is regularly maintained

How to Perform a Brake Inspection

How to Perform a Brake Inspection

A part of having a vehicle is knowing how to maintain its most vital components—even in the simplest way. Here’s a quick rundown of how to inspect your vehicle’s brake system:

• Park your vehicle safely: Ensure that the vehicle is on a level surface, the parking brake engaged and the engine off.

• Remove the wheel: Loosen the lug nuts, safely jack up the car, and remove the wheel to reach the brake parts.

• Check the brake pads: Check if the brake pads are less than 3 millimeters (1/8 inch) or look very thin; if they are, it’s time to replace them.

• Inspect the discs or drums: Check for cracks, dents or uneven wear. If there’s damage, they may need to be replaced.

• Check brake fluid level: Open the hood and find the brake fluid tank. Make sure the fluid is between the “MIN” and “MAX” lines. If it’s low, there may be a leak or worn brake pads.

• Reassemble and test: Return all parts properly and take for a test drive at a low speed in a safe space.

Brake Safety Regulations

The Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) outlines the importance and requirements related to brake inspections on Commercial Motor Vehicles (CMVs) in their guide, The Motor Carrier Safety Planner. They highlighted the following:

• Motor carriers must make sure all brake checks, maintenance, repairs, and service work follow the rules and safety standards set by law.

• Employees who inspect or maintain brakes must meet the minimum qualifications required to be certified brake inspectors.

• Brake inspector qualifications involve qualifying training or experience, including successful completion of required training or experience criteria.

• Motor carriers must maintain records of brake inspector qualifications at the principal place of business or the inspector’s work location for as long as the inspector is employed and for one year after they leave.

How Going Digital Helps

Digitalizing inspections improves the process by making it faster and more efficient when it comes to recording and storing the data. These are some of the benefits:

• Automated Reminders and Recordkeeping: Sends out timely reminders for upcoming brake inspections, helping stay on schedule with maintenance

• Photo and Video Documentation: Allows teams to take photos and videos of brake parts on the spot and save them to the cloud—making it easier to show issues to mechanics or fleet managers and providing clear evidence of what needs repair in one asset management platform.

• Integration with Vehicle Tracking Sensors: Sends alerts about possible malfunctions or signs of wear, notifying you before or during a brake inspection to help catch issues early.

• Integration with Checklists: Keep track of the inspection through a customizable brake inspection checklist that can cater to your vehicle’s specific needs.