The braking system is a very critical configuration on the vehicle. To judge the performance of a vehicle, the braking capacity is crucial. Generally speaking, the common vehicle braking methods are mainly air brake and oil brake. As a light truck with relatively awkward vehicle positioning, you can use both air brake and oil brake, but which is better?

Air brake and oil brake have different structures

The structure of the air brake is relatively complex, consisting of the brake master cylinder, the slave cylinder, the brake pipeline, the air pump, the air reservoir, the high-pressure controller, the relay valve, the barometer, etc. Therefore, the requirements for the installation space are relatively high, and it is suitable for medium and large vehicles.

In contrast, the structure of the oil brake is much simpler. It is generally composed of a master cylinder, a slave cylinder, an oil cup and a connecting pipe. It requires less installation space, so it is suitable for small vehicles.

The principle of air brake is different from that of oil brake

The air brake uses air as the braking medium, which pushes the brake pads to work after being pressurized. If the air pressure is insufficient, the braking force cannot be obtained.

The brake medium of the oil brake is special brake oil. When the brake pedal is depressed, the piston and sealing cup in the brake master cylinder will be pushed, and then the oil will be transmitted to the pistons of each brake wheel cylinder through the push rod, so as to push the brake pads to work.

Air brake and oil brake have different parking brake modes

Under the oil brake structure, the parking brake directly applies the braking force to the wheels by pulling up the brake handle.

Under the air brake structure, the parking brake directly applies the torque to the transmission shaft. In order to enhance the braking safety, the air break brake is generally used for the parking brake of air brake vehicles. Usually, the brake is in the normal braking state through a strong spring. When the vehicle needs to drive, the spring is pushed open by pressurized air to contact the braking state.

Main features of air brake and oil brake

By comparison, the air brake has fast reaction speed and strong braking force, and it is not easy to slide on the uphill and downhill roads. It can achieve high-speed emergency stop when the vehicle is fully loaded, and it is not easy to roll on the emergency brake. However, the later maintenance is more complicated, and the wear of the brake system is also obvious. On some long downhill sections, if the brake pedal is frequently stepped on, it is easy to cause the vehicle to have insufficient air pressure and brake failure.

The power output of the oil brake is relatively soft, driving comfort is good, and maintenance is relatively convenient. However, the braking reaction speed is a little slow, and the braking force strength is relatively weak. In addition, the oil circuit of the braking system also needs to pay attention to maintenance.

Light truck braking mode shall be selected according to working conditions

In terms of vehicle type, light trucks can neither be classified as large trucks nor small vehicles. After all, the load capacity of 1-3t is placed there. Which is more suitable for air brake or oil brake?

If the weight of the goods usually transported by the car owner is not high, and the requirements for cargo damage are relatively strict, it is more appropriate to choose the oil brake than if the roads of vegetables, cold fresh flowers, flowers, etc. are mainly urban roads, and occasionally contact the highway;

If the goods transported at ordinary times are heavy, such as bagged cement, sand and gravel, putty powder, etc., and the distribution line is mainly lower, it is better to choose air brake to provide sufficient braking force;

If the goods you usually face are uncertain, such as moving, building materials, and bulk cargo, and the road conditions you drive include both urban roads and the next road, it is recommended that you choose the air brake more reliably, because under the condition of long-term overload transportation, the oil brake will soon have problems, so it is better to choose the air brake directly. In addition, from the perspective of domestic hot light truck models, the air brake is more popular.

How to maintain the air brake and oil brake at ordinary times

The brake management of the air brake is relatively durable, but pay more attention to the wear of the brake drum and brake pad, replace them regularly, adjust them regularly, and pay attention to whether there is air leakage or water inflow in the air brake pipeline.

The maintenance of the oil brake is relatively easy. Regularly check and replace the brake fluid, and pay attention to the wear of the brake disc and brake pad.

No matter what kind of braking system, always remember to give priority to safety in daily use, and do not overload or overspeed. After the vehicle wades in water, the braking system should be inspected on the flat road.