Posted: 08/26/2022
As a trucker, you know that your glad hands and hoses are two of the most important parts of your rig. These heavy-duty truck parts are essential for keeping your brakes in good working order. But how do you know if the glad hands and hoses on your truck are in good condition? And more importantly, what are glad hands exactly, and why do they matter so much to your safety on the road?
We've got some tips to help you out. But first, let's all get on the same page.
If you've ever asked yourself what are glad hands, you're not alone; even seasoned drivers benefit from revisiting the basics. Glad hands are a coupling device that connects the supply and brake lines from your truck to the trailer. They're usually made of aluminum or steel and have two handles that you use to connect and disconnect the lines.
In addition to the couplers themselves, there are also glad hand seals that help to keep the air in and dirt and moisture out, ensuring your brakes don't fail due to debris within the line.
Hoses are the air lines that connect your glad hands to the rest of your braking system. They're usually made of rubber or PVC and can be either rigid or flexible.
These hoses are typically made of rubber or PVC and come in rigid and flexible varieties to suit different setups. Choosing the proper hose and keeping it in good condition is essential for preventing air leaks and ensuring your braking system performs reliably on every haul.
You may have noticed that glad hands come in different colors. If you're just learning what glad hands are, knowing what the colors represent is an important next step.
The most common colors are red and blue, but you may also see green, black, or white. The color of the glad hand corresponds to the type of hose it's connected to. The red line represents the air line for the trailer's emergency brake. The green line is the electrical line. The blue line is the air line for the trailer's service brake. The other colors of glad hands for semi trucks are less generally defined, but you may be able to find resources that explain them for your specific setup.
You should check your glad hands and hoses every time you do a pre-trip inspection. This is to ensure that they're in good working order and to catch any damage before it becomes a problem. Make sure it’s a critical component of your pre-trip inspection, as the potential risks are far too high to overlook this vital step.
1. Check the glad hands for cracks or wear. If you see any damage, it's time to replace them.
2. Inspect the hoses for leaks or cracks. If you find any damage, make sure to replace the hose right away.
3. Make sure the glad hands and hoses are properly secured. Loose or damaged glad hands and hoses can cause brake problems.
4. Check the glad hands and hoses regularly. Inspect them before each trip to make sure they're in good condition.
By following these tips, you can help keep your glad hands and hoses in good condition. Knowing what glad hands are and how they affect your braking system gives you the confidence to maintain them properly. These heavy duty truck parts are essential for keeping your truck in good working order. So make sure to inspect them regularly and replace them if they're damaged.
