The Commercial Vehicle Safety Alliance (CVSA) will conduct its annual International Roadcheck this week, running from Tuesday, May 13, through Thursday, May 15. While the spotlight for this year’s inspection blitz is on tires, inspectors across North America will perform comprehensive inspections on vehicle safety systems and review driver certifications and records of duty status.
Vehicles passing Level I or Level V inspections without critical violations may earn a CVSA decal valid for three months.
During the 2024 International Roadcheck, tire issues and brake-related violations accounted for over 50% of all Out-of-Service (OOS) violations.
“According to CVSA, nearly one in four commercial vehicles inspected during last year’s event was placed out of service,” said TJ Thomas, director of marketing and customer solutions for Bendix. “With brake systems, tires and other aspects of vehicles, attention to detail, consistent training and regular maintenance can deliver real-world safety and compliance improvements.”
To help drivers, technicians, and fleets prepare for Roadcheck 2025, Bendix offers key insights and best practices.
The Vital Role of Brake Maintenance in Safety
Brake-related violations remained the leading cause of OOS orders in 2024. CVSA reported that defective service brakes accounted for 25% of vehicle violations, while additional brake system-related issues comprised another 18%.
“Brake systems are the backbone of any truck’s safety suite,” said Rick Conklin, director of wheel-end engineering at Bendix. “Not only do they bring vehicles to a stop, but they also enable advanced driver assistance systems (ADAS), like full-stability control and collision mitigation, to function optimally. If brakes underperform, the entire safety architecture is compromised.”
To prioritize brake safety, Bendix recommends daily walkarounds and in-shop inspections.
During walkarounds, look out for:
- Damaged air chambers
- Misaligned slack adjusters
- Extended pushrods
Technicians should perform these shop inspections:
- Measure brake chamber stroke and check adjustments.
- Conduct brake applications above 80 psi to identify air leaks.
- Inspect friction components for cracks, wear, or contamination.
- Evaluate drums and rotors for heat spots or damage.
“Brake performance starts with the right friction components,” Conklin added. “Using OEM-specified parts and meeting Reduced Stopping Distance (RSD) standards ensures braking balance. Replacing brake pads or shoes in matched axle sets is critical to maintaining performance.”
Conklin also emphasized the advantages of air disc brakes, highlighting their ease of inspection, reduced risk of out-of-adjustment violations, and exceptional performance benefits.
Tire Maintenance Tips for Roadcheck Compliance
Tires are another primary focus for Roadcheck 2025, with inspections including tread depth, inflation levels, sidewall integrity, and repair quality checks. Proper tire health reduces the risk of roadside incidents and unnecessary costs.
Over 20% of vehicle violations during the 2024 Roadcheck were tire-related, with underinflation being a common cause of failures.
“Underinflated tires are more than a wear issue – they’re a potential safety liability, increasing the chance of sudden failure due to excessive heat buildup,” said Brian Screeton, manager of technical training and service at Bendix. “With today’s technology, there’s no reason not to monitor the pressure in real-time and catch problems before they turn into emergencies.”
Bendix suggests using tire pressure monitoring systems (TPMS), like SmarTire and Trailer-Link, which continuously monitor tire pressure and temperature inside the cab.
“TPMS solutions do more than alert you to inflation issues,” Screeton said. “They can identify brake drag, which causes dangerous pressure and heat buildup at the wheel end.”
Tire maintenance recommendations include:
- Checking tread depth to meet legal standards.
- Inspecting sidewalls for damage or embedded objects.
- Ensuring dual tires are properly matched and inflated.
- Conducting routine rotations and alignments.
Tractor Protection Systems (TPS): A Step Not to Overlook
Although not a specific focus category for 2025, Tractor Protection Systems (TPS) remain crucial for trailer safety during unexpected disconnections. Over 560 TPS violations were reported during the 2024 Roadcheck.
“A well-functioning TPS can mean the difference between a safe stop and a runaway trailer,” Screeton stated.
Screeton outlined a straightforward method for verifying TPS operation:
- Start the engine and allow the air system to pressurize fully.
- Shut off the engine and disconnect the glad hands from the trailer.
- Push in the red trailer-supply valve on the dash.
- When air vents from the trailer-supply glad hand, the red valve should pop out automatically.
- Press the brake pedal to confirm no air escapes the service glad hand.
“If the sequence behaves unexpectedly, the TPS requires a closer inspection,” he explained.
Screeton warned that contamination, such as dirt in the glad hand connection, can damage downstream components like the trailer relay valve, leading to dragging or brake release issues.
“When uncoupling glad hands, always use dummy couplers to keep out debris and prevent bigger problems,” he advised.
Stay Roadcheck-Ready with Expert Practices
Roadcheck initiatives like these are critical for reinforcing safety measures across North America. With proper maintenance and proactive checks, fleets and drivers can ensure compliance while enhancing overall safety.
By following these guidelines, you’ll meet safety standards and reduce your operational risks significantly. Stay safe out there!
Source: The Trucker
