In an air brake system, the air compressor governor controls when the air compressor pumps air into the air storage tanks.

In an air brake system, the air compressor governor controls when the air compressor pumps air into the air storage tanks.

Before driving a vehicle with air brakes, you should ensure that the spring brakes come on automatically when air tank pressure falls to a level between 20 and 45 psi. You can do this by chocking the wheels and releasing air from the braking system by stepping on and off the brake pedal. Once the pressure drops to an unsafe level, the parking brake valve should pop out and spring brakes should come on.

Foundation brakes are used at each wheel. The most common type is the S-cam drum brake.

It is essential that your low pressure warning light functions properly. After allowing the system to charge, you can test the warning signal by rapidly applying and releasing the brake pedal. This will release air from the braking system and the warning signal should come on when pressure drops to a dangerous level.

It is essential that your low pressure warning light function properly. After allowing the system to charge, you can test the warning signal by rapidly applying and releasing the brake pedal. This will release air from the braking system and the warning signal should come on when pressure drops to a dangerous level.

Check each slack adjuster after setting wheel chocks and disengaging the parking brake. Pull the slack adjusters to make sure they do not move more than about one inch from where the push rod is attached. If they move more than one inch, they may be out of adjustment and will need to be fixed.

The parking brake in a vehicle with air brakes should be used every time the vehicle is parked.

An Anti-Lock Braking System (ABS) helps prevent wheel lockup during hard braking. While it provides better control, it does not necessarily shorten a vehicle's stopping distance.

Check each slack adjuster after parking on level ground, setting wheel chocks, and disengaging the parking brake. Pull the slack adjusters to make sure they do not move more than about one inch from where the push rod is attached. If they move more than one inch, they may be out of adjustment and will need to be fixed.

When driving a vehicle with air brakes, if the low air pressure warning light comes on, it is important for you to stop and safely park your vehicle as soon as possible. There may be a leak in the system. Controlled braking will remain possible only as long as there is enough air left in the tanks.

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.

Truck tractors with air brakes that were manufactured on or after March 1, 1997 are required to be equipped with Anti-Lock Braking Systems (ABS). ABS is required in any other type of vehicle with air brakes that was manufactured on or after March 1, 1998.

Subject to certain conditions, a tank endorsement is required to operate a tank vehicle that is used to haul either liquids or gases.

Never apply the brake pedal if your spring breaks are activated. Brakes can be damaged if they are subject to both springs and air pressure.

If brakes are used too much, they will overheat and become less effective. This is referred to as brake fade.

In a newer vehicle with air brakes, the parking brake is controlled by a diamond-shaped yellow knob. The knob is pulled out to apply the parking brakes and pushed in to release them.

In an air brake system, pressing and releasing the brake pedal unnecessarily can release air from the braking system faster than the compressor can replace it.

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.

The most common type of foundation brake is an s-cam drum brake.

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

Brakes are particularly prone to getting out out adjustment if they are hot. Use proper braking techniques to avoid letting your brakes overheat.

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.

In an air brake system, the air storage tanks hold enough air for brakes to be used several times if the compressor stops working.

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.