What is the characteristic of an air-over-hydraulic braking system?

An air-over-hydraulic braking system is designed to leverage the advantages of both air brakes and hydraulic systems. This characteristic means that it combines air pressure to activate a hydraulic system which can amplify the force applied at the brake pedal. The air part of the system compresses and then activates hydraulic fluid, leading to more efficient stopping power than hydraulic systems alone, particularly in heavier vehicles.

This integration enhances braking performance and helps in managing the braking process effectively, especially under heavy loads. Vehicles employing this type of braking system benefit from the reliability of air brakes for large loads while utilizing the responsiveness of hydraulic brakes. This combination is key to the safety and efficiency of many commercial vehicles that require robust braking mechanisms.