Method for using brake pad information in braking applications

A method for modifying a brake application on a trailer of a combination vehicle comprising:

• receiving a temperature signal in a trailer controller representative of a temperature value of a first brake pad associated with a first brake assembly on a first axle of a trailer;
• receiving a temperature signal in the trailer controller representative of a temperature value of a second brake pad associated with a second brake assembly on the first axle of the trailer;
• comparing the first and second brake pad temperature values in the trailer controller to a predetermined first temperature threshold;
• determining in the trailer controller if service brakes of the trailer are being applied by a driver;
• comparing a wheel speed of the trailer with the wheel speed of a tractor of the combination vehicle as received by the trailer controller on a communications line between the trailer controller and a tractor controller;
• determining in the trailer controller that a brake drag exists on the trailer in response to both the first and the second brake pad temperature values being greater than the first temperature threshold, the trailer wheel speed being less than the tractor wheel speed and the service brakes not being applied by the driver;
• and
• transmitting an alert signal from the trailer controller to alert the driver to the presence of brake drag.