An air brake valve helps control compressed air within a heavy vehicle or trailer braking system. Different valves perform different functions, such as controlling air flow, releasing air pressure or activating brake chambers. In most instances a correctly function valve is essential to the safe operation of your equipment, so it is essential that your air brake system is regularly inspected and maintained.

A quick release air brake valve is designed to release air quickly from the brake chamber when the brakes are released. This can help reduce brake drag and provide more consistent braking performance across trucks and trailers.

Air brake systems are fundamental to how trucks and trailers breaking and many other essential functions work. Air is used rather than an electrical or hydraulic system to control many functions in trucks & trailers, and valves are used extensively to regulate air as it travels through the system. For example when a brake is applied in a prime mover, air is applied to the trailer brake boosters which in turn work to apply the brakes, bringing the trailer and truck to a stop. When the air brake system fails it can have catastrophic outcomes.

One of the most common reasons for failure in a truck, trailer and bus air brake system is the ingrease of water into the system. Naturally air carries condensed water which is why air brake systems always use desiccant filters to remove water. Filters are a consumable part and will clog or loose efficiency over time, so they can allow water to access the air brake system. Similarly over time even small parts of water and/or dust can ingress into the air brake system causing rust and other forms of mechanical failure with valves. Simple wear and tear over time and small or large impacts through normal commercial use all will have the potential to impact the entire air brake system causing failures or a degradation in performance. Even a split air brake hose caused over time can lower pressure in the entire system and lead to failures, so regular daily inspections as part of a pre-start is essential combined with an indepth inspection at each major service interval tol ensure you identify emerging issues before they can cause any significant accidents or even downtime.

Choosing the right truck air brake relay valve depends on a range of factors, including make, model, braking system, port configuration and operating requirements. Because braking components are safety-critical, it’s important to match the correct part to your application. Our experienced parts interpreters can help identify the right OEM or aftermarket option.