Brake repair may be needed more often by vehicles toting heavy cargo. Here are some things to think about.
Brake repair may be needed more often for vehicles that have been hauling weighty cargo. Summer is the prime season for motorists to go on vacation trips that require toting along some extremely heavy baggage. Examples include travel trailers,
U-Haul movers, boats, camping gear, motorcycles as cargo as well as ATVs. Vehicles also may be called upon to transport landscaping or remodeling tools and materials from the local hardware or building supply store. All that extra hauling of poundage is fine as long as the brakes are maintained. Stopping a light auto takes a lot less braking action that the force needed to halt a heavy truck, SUV and trailer. Here are some things to think about:
-Car vs. truck: Did you know that a car has different braking systems from a large truck? Motorists who think they can slap a trailer hitch on their sedan and expect everything to go smoothly may be in for a rude awakening. Not only are sedans not as powerful in the engine department, their braking apparatus is different, too. Trucks have compression systems. Intake and exhaust valves are designed to move pistons in order to push air into cylinders. Another name for this mechanical system is “engine retarding.” Retarders are those loud sounds often heard in semis and other immense rigs.
- Half-ton pickup truck: The reason these trucks are called “half-ton” is because that’s what they’re designed to carry. This label refers to their payload which is their maximum capacity for weight. Too heavy a load can cause loss of control as well as wearing out of parts. This goes for the brakes, transmission, tires, steering, AC and everything else that is mechanical.
- Takes longer to stop: When hauling a trailer or carrying a heavy load, it’s important to remember that it takes longer to stop. This is why slower speeds are often recommended or mandated for cars, trucks or SUVs hauling trailers. It is definitely advised to practice operating a heavier vehicle before taking off on a vacation or moving across the country. A rule of thumb is: the more weight, the longer it will take to come to a stop.
- Stay awake: Towing a hitched item behind your car or SUV is no time to get sleepy. Driving for long distances can make anyone feel the need for a nap. Taking breaks often, splurging on caffeinated sodas in the super size, switching drivers occasionally or pulling over at rest stops to walk around or even to take a quick nap is advised. Alertness is crucial.
- No tail gating: If a driver is a typical pedal-to-the-metal tailgater, this is time to try on the granny or grandpa snail hat. Ever wondered what it was like to drive in the slow lane, be the vehicle that everyone gets to pass and have no idea what the car in front of you sports for bumper stickers? Now’s your chance to find out. Tailgating with a trailer hitched or a ton of junk in your truck-bed is an absolute no-no.
- Brake checkup and servicing: Before loading up your vehicle with a ton of whatever, a wise driver will have his or her brakes checked and serviced. Pads, fluids, rotary and pistons need to be in tiptop shape for the trip.
Have fun landscaping, moving or going on vacation. Just don’t forget to service your vehicle by getting brake repair performed.
