Monitoring method and apparatus for a brake system of heavy-duty vehicles

A method of monitoring a brake system in a heavy-duty vehicle, the method comprising the steps of

• measuring the velocity (V) of the vehicle,
• measuring the inclination (N) of the roadway,
• measuring the axle load (A),
• measuring the transverse acceleration (Q) of the vehicle,
• measuring the temperature (T) of the brakes,
• measuring the condition of wear (S) of the brakes,
• measuring the condition (P) of a brake pressure source, and
• measuring the tire pressure (P.sub.R) of the tires of the vehicle, and
• determining on the basis of said measured velocity (V), inclination (N), axle load (A), transverse acceleration (Q), temperature (T), wear (S), condition (P) of a brake pressure source, and tire pressure (P.sub.R), a stopping distance (X.sub.ist) to be expected,
• comparing said stopping distance (X.sub.ist) to be expected with a maximum permissible stopping distance (X.sub.soll), and
• generating a warning signal if said stopping distance (X.sub.ist) to be expected exceeds said maximum permissible stopping distance (X.sub.soll).