What is a dual air brake system?

A dual air brake system refers to a configuration where the front and rear brakes operate separately, enhancing the braking efficiency and safety of a vehicle. This type of system is particularly important for larger vehicles, such as buses and trucks, as it allows for better control and reduces the risk of losing braking power if one part of the system fails.

In a dual air brake system, there are typically two air tanks, each serving different parts of the brake system—one for the front brakes and another for the rear brakes. This means that if one system fails, the other can still function, providing an additional layer of safety.

This design contrasts with a single brake system, which would apply brakes uniformly to all wheels, lacking the redundancy and control offered by the dual system. Furthermore, it is not exclusive to commercial vehicles, nor does it use oil as a braking medium; rather, it relies on compressed air, which is standard in pneumatic brake systems.