As an experienced truck driver, you know that safely navigating those steep downhill grades requires mastering the art of engine braking. Also known as compression braking or jake braking, this handy technique uses the truck’s engine to slow the vehicle instead of relying solely on the service brakes. Not only does engine braking reduce wear…
Have you ever pulled a coil of brake lines out of storage only to find it’s become a tangled mess? Dealing with kinked or bent brake lines can be incredibly frustrating. But don’t worry – with some patience and the right techniques, you can get those puppies straightened out in no time. Properly straightening brake…
Feel like your truck is working overtime when you tow your boat or camper? Upgrading to a trailer brake system is the answer. Trailer brakes give you more stopping power and control when hauling heavy loads with your RAM 1500 pickup. Installing and setting them up properly ensures safe stops and lets you have more…
Has one of the red brake light bulbs behind your 2017 Kia Sorento’s rear glass burned out? Don’t worry – replacing them is an easy DIY project you can tackle in no time. With a few basic tools and a trip to the auto parts store, you’ll be all set to swap those bad bulbs…
If you drive a heavy-duty truck, trailer, or bus for work, those big vehicles couldn’t get around without air brakes. The air brake system uses compressed air to apply the friction brakes when you press down on the brake pedal. A key component is the air brake chamber, a cylindrical gadget that converts the air…
Adding air brake antifreeze is an important maintenance task for vehicles with air brake systems, especially in colder climates. Air brake antifreeze helps prevent moisture in the system from freezing in cold temperatures, allowing the brakes to operate properly. This article will guide you through everything you need to know to safely add air brake…
So you’re installing a new stereo or other component in your car and wondering where to connect that mysterious parking brake wire. Don’t worry – you’re not alone. Plenty of drivers take on car audio projects, but connecting this important wire trips many people up. Not connecting the parking brake wire properly can prevent certain…
Towing a trailer comes with the responsibility of ensuring safe breaks. However, there may be situations where you need to disengage your trailer brakes temporarily. For example, maneuvering a trailer in reverse is easier with the brakes disengaged. Knowing how to properly disengage your trailer brakes is crucial for safety. Improper procedures can lead to…
Have you noticed your brakes feeling spongy or heard screeching noises when applying the brakes lately? This could indicate worn brake pads or a stuck brake caliper piston. Replacing brake pads is a common repair, but if the caliper piston is sticking, you’ll need to compress it back into the caliper so new pads can…
Cleaning your brake discs regularly is important for maintaining your vehicle’s braking performance. While removing the wheels allows for a more thorough cleaning, it’s possible to effectively clean your brake discs without taking off the tires. This guide will walk you through the steps and best practices for cleaning brake discs while keeping the wheels…
Have you recently had service done on your brake pedal position (BPP) sensor or body control module (BCM)? If so, you’ll need to calibrate the BPP sensor afterwards to ensure proper brake system function. Calibrating the BPP sensor resets the sensor’s home value, which allows the BCM to accurately determine brake application. Calibrating the sensor…
Caging brakes is a technique truckers use to temporarily release the brakes on a wheel when there is an air brake system failure. While not meant for normal operation, caging brakes can allow you to safely drive to a repair facility when brakes fail on the road. This comprehensive guide will walk you through when…
