CVSA inspectors share tips to help truckers prep for upcoming brake blitz

This week, the Commercial Vehicle Safety Alliance (CVSA) shared tips to help truckers prepare for this year’s Brake Safety Week inspection campaign.

Brake Safety Week 2026 will take place August 23 — 29 throughout Canada, Mexico and the U.S.

During the weeklong effort, CVSA-trained officers will conduct routine commercial motor vehicle inspections with a focus on brake systems with a goal of reducing crashes caused by faulty brakes.

This year, inspectors will be paying special attention to drums and rotors as the area of emphasis for Brake Safety Week.

CVSA’s 8 Drums And Rotors Tips For Truckers

The CVSA shared eight tips to help truckers avoid drums and rotors violations during the August brake inspection campaign.

1. Inspect visible portions of the drum or rotor as part of your pre- and post-trip inspections.
2. Look for signs of cracked or broken pieces in the friction surface of the rotor.
3. Look for cracks that run through to the outer portion of the drum or missing pieces, where visible.
4. On disc brakes, pay attention to the condition of the rotor. Heavily rusted rotors across the entire friction surface indicate an inoperative brake.
5. If the rotor is grooved, indicating metal-to-metal contact, that means the brake pads are worn and the shoe is making contact with the rotor.
6. Ensure the rotor is not worn to the extent that the center vents are exposed.
7. Make sure all repairs are consistent with the brake manufacturer’s requirements and guidelines.
8. Note any issues in your driver vehicle inspection reports and report them to the motor carrier.

See the graphic below for common brake issues to look out for.

During Brake Safety Week 2025, 15,175 commercial motor vehicle inspections were conducted throughout North America. Of these inspected vehicles, 2,296 were placed out-of-service due to brake-related violations.