Can Truck Brakes lead to Accidents?
Most automobiles utilize hydraulic brakes. When you step on the brake pedal, hydraulic fluid pressure is generated in a master cylinder that is transmitted to the actuators, i.e. the wheel cylinders and caliper pistons throught the brake lines thus applying the brakes. Big rigs do not use hydraulic brakes, they utilize air brakes. Air brakes use high pressure air which is supplied by an engine driven air compressor. This air is stored in tanks on the tractor. When the brakes are applied, the air comes from the tanks at about 100 psi and is forced into an air chamber in the brake drum. A push rod moves out turning a slack adjuster which in turn rotates an “S” cam which forces the brake shoes into the drum. Most people assume that because trucks are big, they must have the best brakes. What they fail to realize is that large trucks cannot stop nearly as quickly as a passenger vehicle. A car driving at 55 miles per hour can stop in about 225 feet with its hydraulic brakes. However, a truc
