What is the Difference Between Air Brake and Oil Brake?

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:

1. Working Medium: Air brakes use compressed air as the working medium, while oil brakes use oil or hydraulic fluid.
2. 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.
3. 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.
4. 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.
5. 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.
6. 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:

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.