Air brakes have been in use for 70 years. Although technology has changed, the concept of air brakes remains the same. Technology has developed better piping and valves needed to stop today's heavy-duty trucks.
      Air Brake Systems
Air brake systems turn compressed air into useful energy that produces mechanical force. Most heavy-duty vehicles use air brake systems. The air brake system is comprised of the emergency brake, the parking brake and the service brake.
      Vehicles That Use Air Brakes
Air brakes are mainly used in semi-trailer trucks, but school buses and public transit buses also use the air brake system. These truck and bus drivers require an air brake endorsement or certification.
      Endorsement and Certification
Certification or endorsement for air brakes requires the driver to have knowledge of how the brake systems functions and how to inspect the system. It is equally vital the driver understand how to identify problems in the brake system.