Air brake systems are used on most heavy-duty vehicles for reasons of efficiency and reliability. The major advantage to an air brake system is that since air never runs out, the air brake system can always be replenished. An air brake system is also functional even if it has a small leak.


Heavy trucks use a Dual Air Brake System, which consists of two separate air brake systems that use a single set of brake controls. It is designed to retain braking ability in the event one system fails.


The various components in an air brake system work together to create and maintain a supply of compressed air, direct and control the flow of that air and to transform air pressure energy into mechanical force.