How to Step on the Air Brake of a Truck Correctly?
2 Answers
Apply a little brake in third or fourth gear; do not coast in neutral or tap the brake. Here is some relevant information: 1. Air Brake: The braking system of large trucks is extremely important. Since current regulations require a minimum air pressure of 5 or 6 Bar to operate, daily maintenance should pay special attention to preventing air leaks in the brake lines. The characteristic of air brakes is their power-assisted, highly responsive, and strong automatic braking effect. Therefore, when driving a large truck, frequent braking is common, and only a light press on the brake pedal is needed for each braking action. 2. Precautions: For long or continuous downhill sections, it is necessary to shift to a lower gear in advance to let the engine provide resistance and avoid excessive speed. The choice of lower gear depends on the steepness and length of the downhill section. For example, with a ten-speed gearbox, an unloaded truck can use seventh or eighth gear, while a fully loaded truck should use fifth gear or even third gear.
After driving trucks for so many years, I always pay special attention to smooth operation when using the air brake. Before starting, I check the air pressure gauge and only proceed when the needle is within the normal range. When braking, I press the pedal slowly, avoiding sudden full pressure, and gently increase the force until the vehicle begins to decelerate. Sudden braking can cause the air pressure to drop too quickly, leading to dangerous wheel lock-up, especially on rainy days or downhill sections. I combine engine braking, such as shifting to a lower gear on downhill slopes to reduce the load on the air brake. Regular maintenance is essential—I check the air pressure tank and brake pads weekly to prevent issues from accumulating. Safety comes first. An experienced driver's advice is: slow down the rhythm, control the pressure well, and ensure reaction time keeps up; otherwise, the risk of losing control increases. Once you master the feel, you'll naturally handle all road conditions with ease, making long-distance driving much more reassuring.
