The main reasons for the difficulty of braking large trucks are as follows:
Large load capacity: Large trucks need longer braking distances to slow down or stop due to their large load capacity. In an emergency, even if the braking system is working normally, it may be difficult to stop in time because the braking distance is too long.
Frequent use of brakes: In long downhill sections, large trucks need to use brakes frequently to control speed, which may lead to overheating of the brake system, especially the heat exhaustion of brake pads and brake drums due to high temperature caused by friction, thus affecting the braking effect.
Problems with the air brake system: Large trucks typically use air brake systems, which rely on air pressure to brake. If the air pressure is insufficient or the pneumatic line leaks, it will cause the brakes to fail. In addition, frequent braking may cause the air pressure supplement to not keep up with the braking demand, resulting in brake failure.
Inadequate maintenanceIf the braking system of a large truck is not properly maintained and maintained, such as worn brake pads, damaged brake drums, and malfunctioning of the air pressure system, it may lead to a decrease in braking performance.
Design and structural constraints: The design and structural characteristics of large trucks, such as high center of gravity and long wheelbase, will also affect their braking performance. During emergency braking, the stability and handling of the vehicle may not be as good as that of a smaller vehicle. Design Structure References:
Driver operation: In some cases, the driver may not be able to brake well due to improper operation or untimely response. For example, the driver may not be using the brake assist system correctly or not adopting the optimal braking strategy in an emergency.
In order to deal with these problems, large truck drivers should regularly perform maintenance checks on their vehicles to ensure that the brake system is in good condition. On long downhill sections, engine braking or secondary braking systems such as exhaust brakes should be used to reduce the burden on the braking system, and water spray should be used if necessary to reduce the temperature of the brake components. At the same time, the driver should maintain a proper distance between the vehicles so that there is enough reaction time and braking distance.