Trucks and buses as commercial vehicles have heavy loads, thus they need a more powerful braking system to carry out their duties. Brake failure would be a nightmare for drivers if they found it difficult to control their vehicle if the brakes are damaged or cannot function optimally.
The braking mechanism found on buses and trucks is certainly very different from other types of vehicles, such as sedans, SUVs, and MPVs. This is because the braking device used must be adapted to the dimensions and weight of a very large vehicle.
Air disc brakes are becoming more popular in the trucking sector due to their safety, efficiency, and, in some cases, reducing the total cost of ownership. Disc brakes are safer than drum brakes because they provide shorter stopping distances and improve trailer in-line braking stability. Disc brakes can reduce stopping distance by 25 to 30 feet compared to drum brakes, depending on the tire size, speed, weather, and the tractor's braking system. When both the tractor and the trailer are equipped with air disc brakes, the stopping power is substantially boosted, especially when the vehicle is travelling at higher speeds.
In general, disc brakes require less maintenance than drum brakes, because they provide stable and uniform braking, which helps brake components last longer. This means they provide superior braking efficiency and remain in optimum adjustment. Moreover, air brakes mechanism allows air to flow over the pads and rotors. This cools the brake mechanism and can extend the life of a disc brake’s friction material up to twice as long as that found in drum brakes.
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