May 2013 Brakes, Lights & Tires HOME  >  Landstar Advantage > May

Remember your BLTs! Check brakes, lights and tires on your pre- and post-trip inspections and while enroute. Brakes: Measure your pushrod travel on a regular basis. To make this process easier, Landstar has “spotchecks” available to you at no charge. Be sure your ABS lights are working. To check them, turn on your ignition, the ABS light on your dash should go on, then immediately off. Repeat this process to check the light on the left rear of your trailer. Brake violations are four CSA points. Remember, if you get an out of adjustment brake violation, the DOT will tack on another violation: Each commercial motor vehicle manufactured on or after October 20, 1994, and equipped with an air brake system, shall meet the automatic brake adjustment system requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard No 121 (49 CFR 571.121, S5.1.8) applicable to the vehicle at the time it was manufactured. Depending on the light, these violations range from two to six points. Be sure to replace non-compliant brakes immediately to avoid these CSA points. Lights: Be sure to check your lights. Have a buddy check them while you activate both your headlights and taillights. Have spares with you so that you have them if you need them while away from home. Tires: This violation is associated with the most points in the vehicle maintenance BASIC with eight points. Be sure to check the lowest major tread groove. Steer tires are not allowed to be less than 4/32” while drive and trailer tires must not be less than 2/32”. Also, tires must not have flat spots. If they do, replace them immediately! Remember to check your tires anytime you have driven through construction zones or other areas with debris. Additional information can be found on www.landstaronline.com under Brake Inspection Check List, or test your airbrake knowledge at www.operationairbrake.com . For more information, please contact: compliance@landstar.com.