Which type of brakes do most heavy duty vehicles have?
When it comes to heavy-duty vehicles, such as trucks, buses, and large commercial vehicles, the braking system plays a critical role in ensuring safety and performance. Unlike passenger cars, which typically use hydraulic disc or drum brakes, heavy-duty vehicles require a more robust and reliable braking system to handle their immense weight and demanding operating conditions. In this article, we’ll explore the type of brakes most commonly used in heavy-duty vehicles and why they are the preferred choice.
Air Brakes: The Standard for Heavy-Duty Vehicles
The majority of heavy-duty vehicles are equipped with air brakes. Air brakes are a type of braking system that uses compressed air to apply pressure to the brake pads or shoes, slowing down or stopping the vehicle. This system is specifically designed to meet the needs of large, heavy vehicles that require more stopping power than traditional hydraulic brakes can provide.
Why Are Air Brakes Preferred for Heavy-Duty Vehicles?
Air brakes are the standard choice for heavy-duty vehicles for several reasons:
- Reliability: Air brakes are highly reliable because they use compressed air, which is readily available and does not run out like hydraulic fluid. This ensures consistent braking performance even in demanding conditions.
- Power: The compressed air system generates significant force, making it capable of stopping heavy vehicles effectively, even when fully loaded.
- Safety Features: Air brakes are equipped with fail-safe mechanisms. For example, if there is a loss of air pressure, the brakes automatically engage, preventing the vehicle from moving and reducing the risk of accidents.
- Durability: Air brake systems are built to withstand the wear and tear associated with heavy-duty use, making them a long-lasting solution for commercial vehicles.
- Ease of Maintenance: Air brake systems are relatively simple to maintain and repair, which is essential for vehicles that are in constant use.
These advantages make air brakes the ideal choice for heavy-duty vehicles, ensuring both safety and efficiency on the road.
Components of an Air Brake System
An air brake system consists of several key components that work together to provide reliable braking performance:
- Compressor: Generates compressed air and stores it in the air tanks.
- Air Tanks: Store the compressed air needed for braking.
- Brake Pedal: Activates the system by releasing compressed air to the brake chambers.
- Brake Chambers: Convert the compressed air into mechanical force to apply the brakes.
- Slack Adjusters: Maintain the correct distance between the brake shoes and the drum, ensuring consistent braking performance.
- Drum or Disc Brakes: The final component that applies friction to slow down or stop the vehicle.
Each of these components plays a vital role in ensuring the air brake system operates effectively and safely.
Conclusion
Air brakes are the go-to braking system for heavy-duty vehicles due to their reliability, power, and safety features. They are specifically designed to handle the unique challenges posed by large, heavy vehicles, making them an essential component of the commercial transportation industry. If you own or operate a heavy-duty vehicle, ensuring your air brake system is well-maintained is crucial for safe and efficient operation. At Kevin's Autos, we specialize in brake maintenance and repair for all types of vehicles, including heavy-duty trucks and buses. Contact us today to keep your vehicle’s braking system in top condition!
Frequently Asked Questions
What braking is used in heavy commercial vehicles?
Heavy Goods Vehicles use an air brake system based on a design from the 1800's originally intended for use in trains - but the principles behind the system still endure today and are almost universally applied to all HGV's, buses and trains with remarkable compatibility across the globe.
Are disc brakes used on heavy duty trucks?
Since the late 1980s, many heavy duty and extra heavy duty truck and trailer manufacturers have offered optional air operated disc brakes. Unlike the hydraulic versions, these brakes are used on all tractor axles, steering as well as driving. Trailer manufacturers now offer air operated disc brakes.
What are the braking systems on a heavy goods vehicle?
The three main braking systems are the secondary brakes, service brakes, and parking brakes. The service brake system is the main solution to stopping the HGV or PSV when you apply the foot pedal. The secondary brake system comes into play should the primary solution fail.
What brake pads are usually used for high performance or severe duty vehicles?
Semi-Metallic Brake Pads
Better Performance: They offer improved braking performance, especially under high temperatures, making them a great choice for high-performance vehicles and heavy-duty use.
What type of brakes must be fitted on a heavy motor vehicle?
Most heavy vehicles have full air brakes. It is important that brakes are properly adjusted and well maintained.
Why do heavy vehicles use air brakes?
Since semi-trucks are carrying so much weight, they rely on air because compressed air can be constantly produced, unlike hydraulic fluid, which requires refills and can leak, causing the brakes to fail.
What is the brake system on most large commercial vehicles use?
Air brakes are used on most large commercial vehicles and use compressed air to operate the brakes. A split-second delay in brake reaction is present in all air brake systems. Vehicles with air brakes may use either drum or disc type components.
What type of brakes do most heavy duty vehicles use?
Most heavy-duty vehicles use dual air brake systems for safety. A dual air brake system has 2 separate air brake systems, which use a single set of brake controls. Each system has its own air tanks, hoses, lines, etc. One system typically operates the regular brakes on the rear axle or axles.
What type of brakes are used in trucks?
Air Brakes
For large vehicles such as buses and trucks, the dominant type of brake is the air brake system. They are known for their reliability and are heavily used for commercial freights. Air is pressurised by an engine-mounted compressor. The compressed air is then stored in the air storage tanks.
Which type of brake is used in heavy vehicle parking?
Air brakes
Air brakes are used in large heavy vehicles, particularly those having multiple trailers which must be linked into the brake system, such as trucks, buses, trailers, and semi-trailers, in addition to their use in railroad trains.
