Dynamic Brake Testing

Why Normal Brake Certificates are Not Enough

Standard roadworthy stopping tests only register the braking force of a vehicle combination as a single, aggregate number. While a truck and trailer might technically get a "pass" certificate, this aggregate score frequently hides dangerous, high-risk braking defects:

• Late trailer brake application: When the trailer brakes apply late, the massive weight of the loaded side tippers pushes the truck-tractor forward during stops, causing severe jackknife risks.
• Axle-level force imbalances: One or two axles might be carrying 80% of the braking load due to binding valves or worn linings, causing excessive heat and early brake fade.
• Left-to-right pneumatic delays: Pressure imbalances across an axle force the trailer to swing or pull to one side under emergency stops.

Brake IQ's mobile testing units solve this by measuring the real-world dynamic contribution of each individual axle.

What Brake IQ Measures

Our dynamic tests are designed around heavy combination layouts, including interlinks, tri-axles, and side tippers:

Honest, Practical Data Capture

Heavy fleets operating on South African coal routes use a wide mix of trailer models and age groups. Because of this, diagnostic capabilities vary.

"Where equipment and trailer systems allow, Brake IQ can capture additional evidence such as wheel behaviour, brake chamber pressure, response timing, ABS/blink-code evidence, and available digital communication data."

When a Retest is Recommended

Brake performance changes constantly under heavy operational stress. We advise fleet owners to schedule a retest:

• Immediately after any major brake valve or lining replacements to verify correct installation.
• At scheduled workshop intervals (e.g., every 3 to 6 months) for preventative risk control.
• Before submitting safety files for mine permit approvals or customer logistics audits.