Introduction
You may have noticed the enormous trucks that share the road with you when you are driving down the highways. These giants on the road weigh thousands of tonnes and transport everything from petroleum fuels to groceries in the shop.
The braking system used by trucks is one feature that distinguishes them from regular automobiles. In this article we are going to discuss the reasons why air brakes in trucks are preferred to hydraulics brakes.
Why Air brakes for trucks
Air brakes are an essential safety system that is used primarily in commercial vehicles to enable braking and stopping processes controlled by compressed air. These brakes use the compression of air to provide the necessary deceleration pressure on the brake pads resulting in robust and reliable braking performance
Air is more convenient than hydraulics for transmitting the pressure to control brakes on many axles. In addition, hydraulics require periodic brake fluid replacement, and when the fluid deteriorates and contains moisture, it is prone to vapor lock (water in the brake fluid boils and absorbs the brake pressure), so it is somewhat disadvantageous for trucks, which tend to generate high heat around the brakes.
Even in the case of large trucks with trailers, there is a structural problem in that if you want to instantly disconnect the tractor (the powered vehicle part) from the trailer part, it is difficult to do so using a hydraulic system (although it is not impossible with some ingenuity in the joint part).
How do air brakes work
Safety Features of Air brakes
Compressed air braking systems ensure greater safety when driving tractors with trailers. The pneumatic system ensures a smooth, safe and even braking process, thus improving driving comfort and preventing the trailer from running into the ground during heavy braking.
As an additional safety factor, the air brake has a breakaway protection. This stops the trailer automatically if it is uncoupled from the tractor accidentally, thus preventing serious damage.
One of the main reasons air brakes are used in large trucks is because of this fundamental difference, which offers several benefits that are essential for heavy vehicles. First and foremost, air brakes are failsafe; if there is an air leak, the brakes will automatically engage and bring the truck to a stop
Maintenance of Air brake system
Any time a truck or heavy vehicle has to tackle long, steep descents, the brakes take a hit. For this reason, it is important to be rigorous when it comes to brake maintenance and to ensure that the spare parts and replacement parts used are of the highest quality, both in terms of parts and products, to keep the braking system at its best.
It has been proven that the performance of an air braking system deteriorates very quickly due to the wear and tear of the parts that make it up. However, when tests are carried out on trucks, a high percentage of vehicles present a defect or failure in the braking system. The most common problems are air leaks or poorly adjusted parts. Experts and professionals recommend regular and systematic checks of three elements: the airline, the brake pads, the adjuster and the air pressure.
The air line must be checked for clearance damage and it is recommended to empty the air tank daily to prevent moisture from accumulating in the system. This check should be done much more thoroughly in winter, when temperatures drop or in cold climates.
The brake pads should be checked for pad damage or oil leaks. It is also important to check that its thickness is about a quarter of an inch (a little over 6 millimeters). You also need to monitor the adjuster closely to make sure that the brake pressure is applied evenly to all brakes and that some pads are not wearing more than others.
Regarding air pressure, for optimal operation of the tank it is recommended to keep it at a pressure between 100 and 140 pounds per square inch.
Conclusion
The more cargo a truck or road transport vehicle transports, the more its brakes are “punished”. If you have to make an unexpected emergency stop, it can be important to keep your brakes up to date, especially if they are air brakes. Most air braking systems are not self-adjusting, for this reason it is important to maintain them properly and, above all, they must be well maintained and checked regularly by drivers. Thank you for reading this article, please share your thoughts in the comment section below
