Your Ultimate Guide To The Jake Brake

A Jake Brake is a separate component installed on diesel engines. When engaged, it releases compressed air, using kinetic energy to slow the vehicle.

This is why truck drivers also refer to it as the “compression release brake”.

Basically, it puts resistance or drag on the crankshaft, and therefore on the tires, to slow the vehicle down.

It is not the same system as the service (foot) brakes, and will slow the truck when it is in gear and both throttle and clutch are released.

There are certain situations in which one should not use the Jake Brake. Understanding how to use a Jake Brake is critical for truck driver safety.

Truck Driver Safety

How To Use a Jake Brake

With winter approaching, it’s more important than ever to adhere to these truck driving tips regarding the Jake Brake.

Each truck’s Jake Brake and engine combination can be different, so check with your mechanic for the safe operating ranges of your truck.

Jake Brakes are great for controlling truck speed when descending a steep grade. This saves the foot brakes from wear. Many drivers also keep it on most of the time.

It’s a good idea to use them in the mountains, as it can add years of life to your foot brakes and save from wear and tear on tires.

If you choose to keep it on all of the time, slow your speed relative to road conditions to maintain traction.

The Jake Brake is incredibly helpful, and can be used in conjunction with foot brakes. 

Jake Brake Safety Tips for Truck Drivers

However, although the Jake Brake is a great tool, there are many situations when you should avoid using it, or use it with caution to maintain truck driver safety.

Most importantly, the Jake Brake is not designed to be used on ice or other slippery conditions.

Using the Jake Brake on slippery surfaces could cause your wheels to lock up and lead to a jackknife. This is due to the fact that the anti-lock braking system has no effect on the Jake Brake.

If you must use it in these conditions, be sure that the tractor-trailer unit is lined up before engaging.

Also, keep an eye out for road signs, as some municipalities and jurisdictions will have laws against the use of the Jake Brake for certain areas.

Here are some other safety tips for truck drivers:

-  Don't use your Jake Brake when shifting gears

-  Make sure you're not low on oil before using it

-  Don't use it when the engine is cold - give it time to warm up!

-  Before descending a long grade, briefly lift your foot off the throttle to check Jake Brake functionality

Road Safety

Truck driver safety and the safety of those around you depend on your ability to make good decisions on the road.

That’s why it’s important to stay educated on how to use a Jake Brake, and other truck driving tips.

TSNAmerica is here for you. For more trucking resources and information, check out our blog.

Stay safe out there!

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Hurricane Season: The Best Tips for Trucking Through Storms

Hurricane season is here, but the trucking industry doesn’t stop.

Our nation relies on truck drivers to transport necessary goods 24/7.

That being said, if you’re caught driving during hurricane season, you’ll need to be aware of safety regulations for truck drivers to help you stay safe while trucking through storms.

Here are some safety tips for truck drivers to help promote safety in trucking industry.

Truck Driver Safety

Hurricane Season

With Hurricane Dorian roaring up the East Coast recently, it’s clear that hurricane season is in full effect.

It’s important to understand that hurricane season is incredibly unpredictable. Safety in trucking industry depends on you. Be prepared.

Strong winds can be a side-effect of hurricane conditions, reaching far beyond where the hurricane’s eye is.

If at any moment you feel you have lost control of your vehicle, pull off of the road and seek shelter immediately. 

At the end of the day, this is #1 on our list of safety tips for truck drivers: 

Your life and the lives of those around you are more important than delivering your load in a timely manner. 

Trucking Safety Tips

Be sure to watch out for weather warnings. Trucking through storms is easier when you’re aware of them.

In addition, hurricane season can cause many pop-up storms far from the actual hurricane. Prioritize truck driver safety over efficiency. Take note of these trucking safety tips.

First, avoid high water on the road. It may seem obvious, but don’t drive through high water or that small pile of debris.

You don’t know what dangerous objects may be covered by the water or hidden amongst the pile of tree branches. Don’t risk it.

Most importantly, bring emergency equipment. Here are some important truck driver safety items to include:

Remember, if you bring canned food, don’t forget a can opener!

Also, pack a waterproof jacket, and dry clothes in case you get stuck in the rain. If you have an electric blanket, consider bringing that as your extra blanket.

Safety in the Trucking Industry

Truck driver safety is incredibly important to us at TSNAmerica.

We strive each day to make life easier for you, and we know the huge role you play in American economy.

Be safe out there drivers!

Stay on top of maintenance this hurricane season, and don’t leave anything to chance.

If you’re an owner-operator, fleet owner, or leased operator, check out our sister product TruckLogics.

TruckLogics is a trucking business management software designed to keep you on top in the trucking industry.

Manage invoices, dispatches, maintenance, and more, all from one place. Try it free for 15 days.

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