What is the Difference Between Air Brake and Oil Brake?
🆚 Go to Comparative Table 🆚The main difference between air brakes and oil brakes lies in the working medium used to apply the braking force. Here are the key differences between the two systems:
- Working Medium: Air brakes use compressed air as the working medium, while oil brakes use oil or hydraulic fluid.
- Power: Air brakes generally have more power than oil brakes, which is why they are commonly used in heavy vehicles like trucks, buses, and trains.
- Vehicle Application: Oil brake systems are typically used in light vehicles such as cars and light-duty trucks, while air brake systems are used in heavy vehicles.
- Leakage: Oil brake systems can fail due to leakages in the brake fluid, which can result in a loss of braking power. Air brake systems do not have this issue, as they do not rely on fluid pressure.
- Brake Pad Release: Air brakes do not release the brake pads until the system is pressurized again to the required level, while oil brakes do not have this feature.
- Reaction Speed: Oil brakes have a slower reaction speed compared to air brakes, which have a faster response time.
In summary, air brake systems are more powerful and suitable for heavy vehicles, while oil brake systems are more common in light vehicles. Air brakes do not fail due to leakages, and they have a faster reaction speed compared to oil brakes.
Comparative Table: Air Brake vs Oil Brake
Here is a table comparing the differences between air brakes and oil brakes:
Aspect | Air Brake System | Oil Brake System |
---|---|---|
Working Principle | Uses compressed air to apply pressure on brake components | Employs hydraulic fluid to transmit pressure to brake components |
Medium | Compressed air | Hydraulic fluid (brake fluid) |
Transmission Efficiency | Slightly slower due to air compression and release time | Faster response due to direct transmission of hydraulic fluid |
Maintenance | Requires periodic checks for air leaks and moisture buildup | Requires periodic checks for brake fluid levels and leakages |
Used in | Heavy vehicles like trucks, buses, and trains | Light vehicles such as cars and light-duty trucks |
Power | More powerful | Less powerful |
Failure due to leakages | Less likely to fail due to leakages | Can fail due to leakages in the system |
Brake Release | Does not release the brake pads until pressurized again to the required level | Releases the brake pads when the brake pedal is released |
Air brake systems use compressed air as the working medium, while oil brake systems use hydraulic fluid (brake fluid) to transmit pressure to the brake components. Air brake systems are more powerful and are typically used in heavy vehicles like trucks, buses, and trains, while oil brake systems are less powerful and are used in light vehicles such as cars and light-duty trucks. Air brake systems require periodic checks for air leaks and moisture buildup, while oil brake systems require checks for brake fluid levels and leakages.
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