The air that enters air storage tanks in an air brake system usually contains a certain amount of water and compressor oil. Because accumulations of these materials can damage the braking system, tanks are equipped with drains to allow their removal.

An alcohol evaporator can help prevent ice from building up in an air brake system. In cold weather, the evaporator should be checked and refilled every day.

While driving, spring brakes are generally held in place by air pressure. If the air pressure gets low enough, the springs will activate the brakes.

It is important to know the maximum air loss rate that is safe for your specific vehicle. A single vehicle with air brakes should have a leakage rate no higher than 3 psi in a minute during an applied leakage test.

It is important to know the maximum air loss rate that is safe for your specific vehicle. A single vehicle with air brakes should have a leakage rate no higher than 3 psi in a minute during an applied leakage test.

In an air brake system, air tanks have drains to remove accumulations of water and compressor oil. Allowing water and oil to accumulate in the system could cause damage to the brakes. Manually operated drains should be used daily.

Any vehicle with air brakes must be equipped with a low air pressure warning signal.

After the brake pedal is pushed down in a vehicle with air brakes, it takes a half-second or more for air to flow through the lines and make the brakes work. This contrasts with hydraulic brakes used in cars and light and medium trucks, which instantly begin working when the pedal is pushed.

Vehicles with Anti-Lock Braking Systems (ABS) have yellow malfunction lights to alert the driver if something is wrong with the braking system. If these lights activate, the driver may have lost ABS on one or more wheels.

Truck tractors with air brakes built on or after March 1, 1997, and other vehicles with air brakes built on or after March 1, 1998, must be equipped with anti-lock brakes.

Compressed air in an air brake system usually contains a certain amount of water and compressor oil. The water and oil can damage the brakes if left to accumulate in the system. Manually operated air tank drains must be opened daily to remove this build-up.

A one-way check valve is required to be between an air compressor and the first main reservoir. This valve prevents air from escaping the system if the air compressor develops a leak.

Tractors, trucks, and buses with Anti-Lock Braking Systems (ABS) have yellow malfunction lamps located on their instrument panels. Trailers have yellow ABS malfunction lamps on their left side, either on the front or rear corner.

Truck tractors with air brakes built on or after March 1, 1997 must be equipped with Anti-Lock Braking Systems (ABS).

Some older vehicles with air brakes have front brake limiting valves. These valves were intended to reduce the risk of front wheels skidding. However, research has shown that such devices are unnecessary, so they should be left in the "normal" position.

Front wheel braking is effective under all road conditions. It is unlikely that you will experience a front wheel skid, even on ice.

If you need to make an emergency stop, you can use either the controlled braking method or the stab braking method. It's important to brake in a way that keeps your vehicle traveling in a straight line while still allowing you to turn, if necessary.

Both systems in a dual air brake system share a single air compressor. If the air compressor is damaged, neither system will be able to operate properly.

Anti-Lock Braking Systems (ABS) are compatible with air brakes and help a driver maintain control of their vehicle by preventing wheel lockup.

When performing a static leakage test on a single vehicle with air brakes, the leakage rate should be no more than 2 psi in a minute. If air leaks from the air brake system at a quicker rate, the vehicle should not be driven because something likely needs to be repaired.

Front wheel braking is effective under all road conditions. It is unlikely that you will experience a front wheel skid, even on ice.

Most newer heavy-duty vehicles use dual air brake systems. A dual air brake system has two separate air brake systems which use a single set of brake controls.

Air storage tanks are used to hold compressed air. The number and size of air tanks in an air brake system varies among vehicles.

In an air brake system, the air tanks are equipped with drains that allow water and compressor oil to be removed from the system. If allowed to build up, water and compressor oil can damage an air brake system.

In an air brake system, the application pressure gauge shows how much air pressure is being applied to the brakes. Not all vehicles with an air brake system have this gauge.