Why Big Trucks Use Air Brakes
Big trucks use air brakes due to their ability to provide a high level of safety, reliability, and efficiency in handling immense weights. Unlike hydraulic brakes used in passenger vehicles, air brakes are designed to overcome potential failures and provide a failsafe mechanism.
Key Differences Between Hydraulic and Air Brakes
- Hydraulic brakes rely on a closed system filled with brake fluid, which can fail if there’s a leak in the system.
- Air brakes use compressed air to operate, providing several advantages, including being failsafe in the event of an air leak.
How Air Brakes Work
The air brake system consists of several components, including:
- Air compressor: powered by the truck’s engine to pressurize air.
- Air tanks: store compressed air for later use.
- Brake chambers: contain a diaphragm or piston that moves when air pressure is applied.
- Valves and lines: control the flow of air to the brake chambers.
Unique Aspects of Air Brakes
- Dual circuit system: provides two separate air circuits, each controlling different sets of brakes, ensuring that even if one circuit fails, the other can still operate.
- Air dryer: removes moisture from the compressed air to prevent freezing or corrosion.
- Safety valves: control the air compressor’s output and release air if the pressure exceeds safe levels.
Maintenance and Safety
Regular maintenance is crucial to ensure the air brake system functions properly. This includes:
- Inspecting the air compressor, air tanks, brake chambers, and associated valves and lines.
- Draining the air tanks to prevent water buildup.
- Checking the slack adjusters to maintain the correct distance between the brake shoes and drums.
Conclusion
Air brakes are the standard braking system for large trucks due to their ability to provide a high level of safety, reliability, and efficiency. Their failsafe nature, dual circuit design, and scalability make them the ideal choice for heavy vehicles.
Key Vocabulary
| Term | Definition | Example Usage |
|---|---|---|
| Air Brakes | A type of braking system that uses compressed air to operate, commonly used in large trucks and vehicles. | Big trucks use air brakes due to their ability to provide a high level of safety and reliability. |
| Hydraulic Brakes | A type of braking system that relies on a closed system filled with brake fluid to operate, commonly used in passenger vehicles. | Hydraulic brakes can fail if there’s a leak in the system, making them less reliable than air brakes. |
| Air Compressor | A component of the air brake system that pressurizes air, powered by the truck’s engine. | The air compressor is a crucial component of the air brake system, providing the compressed air needed to operate the brakes. |
| Brake Chambers | Components of the air brake system that contain a diaphragm or piston that moves when air pressure is applied. | The brake chambers play a key role in the air brake system, converting the compressed air into mechanical energy to apply the brakes. |
| Dual Circuit System | A design feature of air brakes that provides two separate air circuits, each controlling different sets of brakes. | The dual circuit system ensures that even if one circuit fails, the other can still operate, providing a failsafe mechanism. |
| Air Dryer | A component of the air brake system that removes moisture from the compressed air to prevent freezing or corrosion. | The air dryer is an essential component of the air brake system, helping to maintain the system’s reliability and efficiency. |
| Safety Valves | Components of the air brake system that control the air compressor’s output and release air if the pressure exceeds safe levels. | The safety valves play a critical role in preventing accidents and ensuring the safe operation of the air brake system. |
| Slack Adjusters | Components of the air brake system that maintain the correct distance between the brake shoes and drums. | Regular checking and adjustment of the slack adjusters is crucial to ensure the proper functioning of the air brake system. |
Watch The Video
Vocabulary Quiz
1. What is the primary reason big trucks use air brakes instead of hydraulic brakes?
A) Air brakes are less expensive to maintain
B) Hydraulic brakes are more efficient for smaller vehicles
C) Air brakes provide a higher level of safety and reliability
D) Air brakes are lighter in weight
2. What happens to the air brake system in the event of an air leak?
A) The entire system fails
B) The system becomes less efficient but still operational
C) The system is failsafe and can still operate
D) The air compressor stops working
3. What is the function of the air dryer in the air brake system?
A) To pressurize the air
B) To control the flow of air to the brake chambers
C) To remove moisture from the compressed air
D) To store compressed air for later use
4. What is a key advantage of the dual circuit system in air brakes?
A) It allows for faster braking
B) It reduces the overall weight of the vehicle
C) It provides two separate air circuits for added safety
D) It increases the cost of maintenance
5. Why is it important to drain the air tanks regularly?
A) To reduce the pressure in the system
B) To prevent water buildup and corrosion
C) To increase the efficiency of the air compressor
D) To reduce the weight of the air tanks
Answer Key:
1. C
2. C
3. C
4. C
5. B
Grammar Focus
Grammar Focus: Using the Present Simple for General Truths and Habits
Grammar Quiz:
Choose the correct answer for each question:
- Which of the following sentences best illustrates the use of the present simple for general truths?
A) If it rains, the road becomes slippery.
B) Air brakes are more reliable than hydraulic brakes.
C) The company will introduce new safety measures next year.
D) By the time I arrived, they had already left. - Why do we use the present simple in the sentence “The air compressor is powered by the truck’s engine”?
A) To describe a completed action in the past.
B) To express a habit or routine.
C) To state a general truth about how air compressors are powered.
D) To talk about a future plan. - Which sentence uses the present simple to describe a habit or routine?
A) The mechanic checked the air tanks yesterday.
B) Regular maintenance is crucial for the air brake system.
C) The company will hire new staff next month.
D) By next year, the new policy will be in effect. - What is the purpose of using the present simple in “Hydraulic brakes rely on a closed system filled with brake fluid”?
A) To describe a change that occurred in the past.
B) To express a future intention.
C) To state a general truth about hydraulic brakes.
D) To narrate a sequence of events. - Which of the following is an example of using the present simple for a general truth?
A) The air brake system was designed with safety in mind.
B) Air brakes provide a high level of safety and reliability.
C) The truck’s engine will be replaced next year.
D) By the time the driver applied the brakes, it was too late.
Answer Key:
- B) Air brakes are more reliable than hydraulic brakes.
- C) To state a general truth about how air compressors are powered.
- B) Regular maintenance is crucial for the air brake system.
- C) To state a general truth about hydraulic brakes.
- B) Air brakes provide a high level of safety and reliability.