Subsection 5.1 Test your Knowledge

What are spring brakes?

All trucks, Tractors- Trailers and buses are equipped with emergency and parking brakes. These brakes are applied by the mechanical force produce by the spring brake. When you are driving, the powerful springs are held back by air pressure. A leak in the air pressure system causes the spring to engage the brakes.

Front wheel brakes are good under all conditions. True or False?

True

All vehicles with air brakes must have a low air pressure warning signal. True or False

True

How do you know if the vehicle is equipped with antilock brakes?

Vehicles with ABS have yellow malfunction lamps to tell you if something isn't working. Tractors, Trucks, and buses will have yellow ABS malfunction lamps on the instrument panel. Trailers will have yellow ABS malfunction lamps on the left side, either on the front or rear corner.

Why must air tanks be drained?

You must drain your air tanks completely to remove water buildup from them to prevent the water from freezing in cold conditions

What is a supply pressure gauge used for?

The supply pressure gauge shows how much air pressure you have in the storage tanks.