Winter is a tough time of year for any transportation fleet. Snow and ice can quickly build up on roads, making even short trips dangerous. That’s why it’s crucial to have a braking system that can handle winter conditions. But with so many options on the market, how do you choose the right one for your needs? Here’s Bludot Manufacturing’s quick guide to help you make the best decision for your winter fleet.
When it comes time to choose a braking system for your winter needs, there are three main factors to consider: weight, terrain, and conditions. By taking these factors into account and doing your research, you can ensure that your vehicle has the stopping power it needs to safely navigate whatever winter throws your way.
Weight Considerations
The amount of weight your vehicle is carrying plays a big role in determining which braking system is right for you. If you’re carrying a lot of weight, you’re going to need a system that can handle the extra load. On the other hand, if you don’t have a lot of weight to worry about, you might be able to get away with a less robust system. Either way, it’s important to know how much weight your vehicle will be carrying so you can choose a system that’s up for the job.
Terrain Considerations
Another factor to take into consideration is the type of terrain you’ll be driving on. If you’re going to be driving on icy or snowy roads, you’re going to need a braking system that can handle those conditions. Conversely, if you’re only going to be driving on dry roads, you might not need a system that’s quite as robust. Again, it’s important to know what kinds of conditions you’ll be driving in so you can choose a system that’s up for the task.
Condition Considerations
Finally, you need to take into consideration the conditions you’ll be driving in—ice, snow, or both. If you’re only going to be driving in one type of condition or the other, then you can focus your search on systems that are designed for those specific conditions.
However, if you’re going to be driving in both ice and snow, then you’ll need a system that can handle both—and those are harder to come by. So if you find yourself in this situation, it might be worth considering getting two separate systems—one for ice and one for snow—so you can be sure your vehicle will always have to stop power when and where you need it most.
Now that you’ve considered these factors, you need to decide which type of brake works best for you.
Disc Brakes vs. Drum Brakes
The first thing you need to decide is whether you want disc brakes or drum brakes. Disc brakes are generally considered superior to drum brakes because they’re more effective at dissipating heat, which is important in winter conditions when roads are icy and drivers may need to brake more frequently. Disc brakes are also less likely to fail in winter conditions than drum brakes. However, disc brakes are also more expensive than drum brakes, so you’ll need to weigh your budget against your needs.
Air Disc Brakes vs. Hydraulic Disc Brakes
If you decide that disc brakes are the right choice for your fleet, you’ll then need to choose between air disc brakes and hydraulic disc brakes. Air disc brakes are a newer technology that offers several advantages over hydraulic disc brakes.
First, air disc brakes are less susceptible to freezing in cold weather than hydraulic disc brakes. Second, air disc brakes provide shorter stopping distances than hydraulic disc brakes, which is important in winter conditions when visibility is often reduced. Third, air disc brake systems are easier to maintain than hydraulic disc brake systems. However, air disc brake systems are also more expensive than hydraulic disc brake systems. Again, you’ll need to weigh your budget against your needs.
There’s no one-size-fits-all answer when it comes to choosing the right braking system for your winter needs. The type of braking system you choose should be based on a number of factors, including a budget, vehicle type, and anticipated driving conditions.
However, in general, disc brakes are considered superior to drum brakes and air disc brakes are considered superior to hydraulic disc brakes for winter use.
Whichever type of braking system you choose, make sure it’s been tested and approved for use in winter conditions before putting it into service. And if your fleet is in need of a superior braking kit system, look no further than Bludot Manufacturing, an AGS Company. Contact us at https://bludotinc.com/.