Tractor Trailer Brake Systems: Essential for Safety

“A well-maintained vehicle lasts longer,” my friend, Mr. Ba, a long-haul truck driver for Thanh Cong Trucking on Nguyen Van Linh Street, District 7, told me as he cleaned his Howo 4-axle truck. He said that trucks are like people; to stay healthy and durable, you must pay attention to every component, especially the “heart” (engine) and the “brakes.” Today, let’s delve deeper into tractor trailer brake systems with XE TẢI HÀ NỘI – the silent guardians that protect you on every road.

What is a Tractor Trailer Brake System? Its Crucial Role

A tractor trailer brake system is a complex mechanism, a crucial “stopper” responsible for slowing down or completely stopping the vehicle, ensuring the safety of people and cargo on all routes. With heavy loads and continuous operation across diverse terrains, the brake system plays a pivotal role, impacting your safety and that of other road users.

Common Types of Tractor Trailer Brake Systems

Depending on the manufacturer and model, tractor trailers are typically equipped with one of two main brake systems:

• Air Brakes: These systems use compressed air to generate braking force and are common in heavy-duty trucks and tractor trailers due to their ability to provide strong and stable braking power.
• Hydraulic Brakes: These systems utilize brake fluid pressure to transmit braking force and are often found in lighter trucks.

Structure and Working Principles of Tractor Trailer Brake Systems

Whether air or hydraulic, tractor trailer brake systems operate based on the principle of converting the vehicle’s kinetic energy into heat energy through friction.

General Components of a Brake System:

• Control Unit: This includes the brake pedal, control valves, etc., which receive signals from the driver and regulate the oil or air pressure within the system.
• Transmission Unit: This comprises lines, valves, brake cylinders, etc., responsible for transmitting pressure from the control unit to the braking components.
• Braking Unit: This includes brake shoes, brake drums, or brake discs, which directly generate frictional force, converting kinetic energy into heat energy, enabling the vehicle to decelerate or stop.