When a truck makes an emergency stop, several tonnes of weight must be brought to a halt as quickly as possible. This can only be reliably achieved with high-quality brake components and a well-maintained and perfectly functioning brake system – because in an emergency, every centimetre counts.
Every Centimetre Counts
Due to their great weight, commercial vehicles require particularly powerful braking systems. Trucks with a maximum gross weight of more than 7.5 t therefore almost always operate with compressed air braking systems.
The compressed air is controlled via pneumatic valves, such as foot-operated brake valve, four-circuit protection valve, or a trailer brake valve. The parking brake only releases when there is sufficient pressure in the system. Once that is the case, the mechanical parts of the wheel brakes are applied when the driver steps on the brake pedal and the compressed air reaches the brake cylinders.
Two Different Braking Systems
There are two different braking systems in heavy commercial vehicles – disc brakes and drum brakes. Disc brakes do not have many moving parts. This makes it easier to make adjustments. Maintenance is also easier compared to drum brakes.
Drum brakes, on the other hand, are more durable and are used, for example, for off-road or construction site applications. Due to the enclosed design, these brake parts are ideally protected from dirt and corrosion caused by water and salt.
Currently, both brake types are still used in commercial vehicles
