Proper Air Brake Inspection Using The LABS Test
June 14, 2022
Fleet inspection before any trip is critical to the health and safety of your vehicles and their operators. Arguably one of the most important inspections is that of your air brakes. The good news? Testing air brakes is made simple when you apply the LABS test.
Before your fleet hits the open road, here’s how you can ensure your air brakes are functioning properly.
Conducting The Four-Step LABS TEST
The LABS test is the best way to remember exactly what to look for when you’re conducting a pre-trip inspection of your air brakes. This acronym should be conducted in the same order as the letters, which include the following steps:
- Leaks: Once the wheels are chocked and you know that the air pressure has built up to between 90 and 125 psi, make sure to leave the vehicle in neutral and cut the engine. Turn the key to the “on” position, release the parking brakes, and then apply steady pressure to the brakes for one minute. If the pressure drops below 3 psi for a tractor or 4 psi for a tractor/trailer combination, your air brakes need to be maintenanced.
- Alarms: Check your alarms to ensure that they alert you should your air brakes experience a drop in air pressure. This can be achieved by engaging your foot brake until a visual or audible alarm indicates a drop in pressure of no more than 60 psi.
- Buttons: Are your parking brakes in working order? You can double-check this by applying and releasing pressure on your foot brakes until the knobs for your parking brakes are forced out. If this doesn’t happen before the pressure reaches 20 psi, the failsafe is not working, and this needs to be taken care of immediately.
- Service brakes: Much like the first test, you will need to grab the wheel chocks and build up the air pressure to around 120 to 125 psi. Then, place the vehicle in low gear, release the clutch, and brake, moving forward at around five miles per hour. Push the clutch and the brake pedal once the vehicle has started moving and pay attention to the wheel. Should the wheel jerk to the side, this could indicate an issue with the brakes.
This comprehensive test will allow you to catch any braking issues with your fleet before the vehicles are on the road, ensuring that further damage or accidents don’t take place along the way. As long as you make sure to keep your hands on the wheel the entire time, conduct the LABS test before every trip, and keep an eye out for symptoms of a greater issue with the air brakes, you should be able to navigate the roads safely!
Get Further Fleet Maintenance Support From Action Supply
Action Supply is here to help you with your fleet maintenance needs, regardless of whether you need support with air brakes, lights, or hydraulic oil. Contact us today so we can learn how we can enhance your industrial business.
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Spring is here, and that means longer workdays, increased demand, and unpredictable Gulf Coast weather. Whether you're in construction, industrial maintenance, or fleet operations, this is the season to get ahead of equipment maintenance before the heat, humidity, and workload take a toll. At Action Supply, we know downtime isn’t an option. That’s why we’ve put together this spring maintenance checklist to keep your equipment running efficiently, safely, and reliably all season long. 1. Inspect Your Equipment: Catch Issues Early The first step in spring maintenance is a full equipment inspection. Look for: Leaks or fluid loss – Check hydraulic lines, hoses, and seals for wear. Rust or corrosion – The Gulf Coast’s humidity speeds up deterioration. Apply protective coatings where needed. Tire & track wear – Construction sites and rough terrain cause excessive tread wear. Electrical connections – Moisture buildup can lead to short circuits or malfunctions. Pro Tip: Preventative maintenance is always cheaper than emergency repairs. Schedule routine inspections now to avoid costly downtime later. 2. Protect Against Corrosion & Rust The heat, salt air, and high humidity in the Gulf Coast accelerate rust and corrosion, which can weaken equipment and reduce efficiency. Be sure to: Apply anti-corrosion sprays to exposed metal parts. Store equipment properly when not in use to limit moisture exposure. Use high-performance lubricants to reduce friction and wear. Action Supply has a full selection of lubricants, protective coatings, and rust inhibitors to help extend the life of your equipment. Talk to our team for recommendations! 3. Keep Lubricants & Fluids in Check With rising temperatures, oil, grease, and hydraulic fluids work harder to keep machinery running smoothly. Check and replace: Engine oil – Prevent overheating & engine wear Hydraulic fluid – Ensure smooth, responsive operation Gear oil – Protect against friction damage Coolants – Keep engines from overheating in Gulf Coast heat Action Supply carries high-quality lubricants designed to handle extreme conditions. Stock up now before peak season hits! 4. Clean & Protect Your Equipment Spring cleaning isn’t just for homes—it’s essential for keeping heavy machinery, trucks, and tools in top shape. ✔️ Pressure wash equipment to remove dirt, debris, and buildup. ✔️ Clear air filters to improve engine performance. ✔️ Check radiators & cooling systems to prevent overheating. ✔️ Inspect and replace worn belts and hoses before they break. Pro Tip: A clean machine is an efficient machine. Regular maintenance extends the life of your equipment and improves safety. 5. Prepare for Spring Storms & Extreme Heat The Gulf Coast is known for sudden storms and extreme temperatures. Be prepared by: Storing backup parts and supplies in case of emergency repairs. Ensuring generators & backup power sources are operational. Keeping emergency safety gear stocked and accessible. Need help finding the right supplies? Action Supply has everything from industrial tools to safety gear to keep your crew prepared. Get Ready for a Productive Spring with Action Supply At Action Supply, we have the supplies, tools, and expertise to help you protect and maintain your equipment for peak performance. Call us today to stock up on lubricants, safety gear, and essential maintenance supplies before the season kicks into high gear. Stay ahead of the game—because downtime isn’t an option.
