Air Brakes

SHOP AIR BRAKES AT NAPA

Your car's brake system is one of the most vital components of a safe driving experience. Air brakes, like conventional hydraulic brakes, must be maintained regularly to sustain optimal performance. At NAPA, we have all the components you need when your air brakes need some fixing.

1. Air compressors and valves
2. Air brake dryers and tanks
3. Anti-lock brake system
4. Calipers and caliper hardware

WHAT ARE AIR BRAKES?

Air brakes, unlike the hydraulic brakes mainly found in passenger cars, are used in heavy-duty commercial vehicles, such as trucks and buses. The brake system utilizes compressed air to transmit force and engage the braking system, allowing the vehicle to brake with more control, more power, and less wear on the brake components. Keeping air brakes properly maintained is crucial to ensuring your vehicle remains safe, and you can count on NAPA to offer you the highest quality replacement parts for your brakes.

HOW DOES AN AIR BRAKE WORK?

Air brakes are made up of four main components:

• Air compressor - compresses the air to create air pressure, which powers the system.
• Reservoirs - air tanks where the pressurized air is stored.
• Valves - control and regulate the release of air from reservoirs.
• Brake chambers - convert compressed air to mechanical force.

When the compressed air is released from the reservoirs, the brake chamber's diaphragm expands and activates push rods that transfer force onto the brake pads. This creates friction on the wheels, which causes the vehicle to slow down or stop.

Heavy duty vehicles use air brake systems to avoid relying on hydraulic brakes used in conventional car braking systems. In the event of a leak, hydraulic brake fluid could run out and cause brakes to become faulty- with the size and weight of these vehicles, they cannot afford to have ineffective brakes when hauling heavy loads.

WHEN SHOULD YOU REPLACE YOUR AIR BRAKES?

Maintaining your air brakes is crucial to preventing accidents on the road. Regular inspections can prevent potentially dangerous situations with your vehicle. Here are some signs that your brakes may need to be changed:

• Unusual sounds - grinding, squealing, or hissing may indicate worn out pieces that need replacing
• Decreased braking efficiency - noticing your vehicle takes longer to stop or slow down
• Air leaks - reduced pressure that decreases braking ability (these leaks may sometimes be audible)

Do not ignore these signs, as they can indicate problems with your air brake system. When it's time to get them repaired, NAPA Auto Parts has all the products you need to keep your air brakes as good as new.

The interval at which you change your brakes will depend on a variety of factors:

• Frequency of use - frequent use of your brakes over long distances will wear them down faster.
• Environmental factors - extreme temperatures, dirt, moisture, and corrosive substances may reduce the longevity of your brakes.
• Driving habits - individual driving habits, like using proper braking technique, will affect the lifespan of your brakes.
• Quality of parts - Quality air brake components will require fewer changes.
• Regular maintenance - if you do routine maintenance on your brakes, you will not need to undergo major part replacements as often.