Brake Safety Week returns August 23 through 29, 2026
During that week, commercial vehicle inspectors across the United States, Canada and Mexico will pay close attention to brake systems and components. Vehicles with brake-related out-of-service violations will be taken off the road until those problems are corrected.
This year, brake drums and rotors will receive extra attention. That was also the focus in 2025, which gives fleets something useful going into this year’s inspections: real results showing what inspectors found and where problems showed up.
Official CVSA 2026 Announcement
What inspectors found last year
During Brake Safety Week 2025, inspectors completed 15,175 commercial vehicle inspections. Of those vehicles, 2,296 were placed out of service for brake-related violations, representing 15.1% of the vehicles inspected.
The most common reason for placing a vehicle out of service was the 20% defective brakes criterion, meaning 20% or more of the vehicle’s brakes had an out-of-service condition. In fact, inspectors recorded 1,199 violations in that category. Other problems involved brake hoses and tubing, steering axle brakes and air loss rates.
Drums and rotors accounted for 113 violations during the week. Specifically, inspectors found:
- 54 rusted rotors
- 34 broken drums
- 25 broken rotors
Thirty-nine vehicles were placed out of service specifically for drum or rotor violations.
Those numbers are a good reminder that brake trouble is not always hidden deep inside the system. Some serious problems can be spotted before a trailer ever reaches an inspection station.
What can show up during a walkaround
A walkaround will not catch every brake problem. However, visible damage, warning lights, air leaks and changes in braking can provide an early warning.
During a normal pre-trip or post-trip inspection, look closely at the visible portions of the drums and rotors.
To give the maintenance team a better place to begin, include the unit number, wheel-end location, symptoms and when the problem started when reporting a concern.
Watch for:
- Cracks or broken areas on the drum or rotor
- Missing pieces that can be seen from the outside
- Heavy rust across the rotor’s friction surface
- Deep grooves or signs of metal-to-metal contact
- A rotor worn far enough that the center vents are exposed
- An ABS warning light that does not operate as expected
- Damaged or chafed hoses and tubing
- Audible air leaks or a noticeable change in braking
What a shop inspection may include
- Drum and rotor condition, wear and measurements
- Brake pad and lining condition
- ABS components and fault conditions
- Air loss, hoses, tubing and brake chambers
- Pushrod stroke and brake adjustment
- Slack adjusters, S-cams, bushings and related hardware
Some concerns can be spotted during a normal inspection. Others require measurements and a closer look in the shop.
Good information from the road helps the shop narrow down the problem. From there, technicians can confirm wear, identify the correct components and complete the repair according to the manufacturer’s requirements.
See our service locationsGive the shop time to fix it
Brake Safety Week is still several weeks away. As a result, fleets have time to address reported concerns, inspect trailers that have been sitting and schedule brake work that is already coming due.
Planning ahead gives the maintenance team time to inspect the full system, identify the correct parts and complete the repair without the pressure of a roadside shutdown. In addition, it provides time to order the right components. Because rotors, pads, slack adjusters and S-cam components are not one-size-fits-all, the axle, brake setup and existing component numbers all matter.
For fleets handling maintenance in-house, Kraft Tank’s parts team can help identify and source the right components. Brake-related categories available through our online store include:
You can also contact our parts team directly at [email protected]
For Fleets that need shop support
Kraft Tank’s service teams in Kansas City, Oklahoma City and La Porte can inspect and repair tank trailer brake systems before Brake Safety Week arrives.
Kansas City
320 Kindelberger Road
Kansas City, KS 66115
Phone: 913-601-6999
Oklahoma City
2650 Shull Avenue
Oklahoma City, OK 73111
Phone: 405-438-0919
Houston
11100 TX-225
La Porte, TX 77571
Phone: 346-222-1550
Do not let the roadside find it first
Brake Safety Week puts extra focus on a system that matters all year. For that reason, use the next few weeks to follow up on driver reports, review equipment that may be due for service and take care of small problems before they become downtime.
Need help finding brake parts or getting a trailer into the shop? Contact Kraft Tank and let’s get it handled before August 23.