Comparison between Hydraulic Brake and Air Brake
Contents
Summary
- In vehicles, there are two types of Breaks, Hydraulic Brake and Air Brake. The Key Difference between Hydraulic Brake and Air Brake is that Hydraulic Brake uses hydraulic fluid or Oil as a medium whereas Air Brake uses compressed air as a medium.
- Hydraulic brake is also known as Oil break.
- Air break is also known as a Pneumatic brake.

Comparison Chart
Hydraulic Brake | Air Brake | |
---|---|---|
1 | A large effort is required to operate the brake pedal. | Less effort is required to operate the brake pedal. |
2 | Hydraulic brake has less power. | Air brake has more power. |
3 | Hydraulic brakes are used in light vehicles. | Air brake used in heavy vehicles. |
4 | The break shoe will be destroyed if the brake fluid leaks out on it. | The brake shoe will not be affected due to leakage of air. |
5 | Brake fluid can not be for other purposes. | The compressed air can also be used for tyre inflation, windscreen wiper, etc. |
6 | It is a self-lubricating system, hence offering less friction. | Frictional losses are more. |
7 | It requires fewer moving parts, hence construction is simple. | It requires relatively more parts, hence construction is complicated. |
8 | Engine power is not required to run the system. | The compressor requires engine power to operate the system. |
9 | The brakes will not work even if a small amount of fluid leaks out. | The brakes will work if there is a small amount of air leakage. |
10 | The initial cost is less. | The initial cost is more. |
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