Brakes out of adjustment will fade before those that are properly adjusted. Brake adjustment must be checked frequently to help prevent brake issues.

As long as the brakes are properly maintained, using air brakes is a safe and effective method of stopping large, heavy vehicles.

It is important to know the maximum air loss rate that is safe for your specific vehicle. A triple combination should have a leakage rate no higher than 6 psi in a minute during an applied leakage test.

Friction inside a brake drum is caused when the brake shoes and linings push against the inside of the drum. The friction in the drums will slow and stop the vehicle.

Brakes can get out of adjustment quickly, especially if they are used to the point of overheating. Brake adjustment should be checked frequently.

Water and compressor oil are removed from air storage tanks through a drain valve. The water and oil can damage the brakes if left to accumulate in the system. Manually operated tanks must be drained every day to remove this build-up.

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

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.

An Anti-Lock Braking System (ABS) helps to provide additional control during hard braking, but does not necessarily shorten a vehicle's stopping distance.

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.

The parking brake should be applied every time you park your vehicle.

Foundation brakes are used on each wheel of a CMV. The most common type of foundation brake is the s-cam drum brake.

The service brake system applies and releases the brakes when a driver presses the brake pedal while driving normally.

Before starting down a hill, be sure to switch into a low gear. Gravity will increase your vehicle's speed as you travel downhill.

A vehicle's total stopping distance is made up of perception distance, reaction distance, brake lag distance, and braking distance. With all of these factors included, an air brake-equipped vehicle traveling at a speed of 55 mph under ideal driving conditions will need approximately 450 feet to come to a complete stop.

In general, a tank endorsement is required to a drive tank vehicle used to transport liquids or gases. This applies to both hazardous and non-hazardous materials.

In an air brake system, air tank drains are used to remove water and compressor oil from the air tanks. When operating a drain, be sure to drain the tank completely.

An air brake system has a safety relief valve, which releases air from the tanks if the pressure gets too high. If the valve must operate, something in the system is wrong and should be addressed by a mechanic.

Anti-Lock Braking System (ABS) malfunction lamps are usually yellow. Even if the ABS isn't working properly, a driver will still have access to the vehicle's usual braking functions.

On a long or steep downgrade, brakes should only be used to supplement the braking effect of the engine. Apply the brakes just enough to feel a definite slowing down, then release them once you are about 5 mph below your target "safe" speed. Once your vehicle reaches its safe speed again, repeat this process.

Never push down the brake pedal while the spring brakes are activated. The combined force of springs and air pressure could damage the brakes.

Before driving a vehicle with a dual air brake system, allow time for the compressor to build up pressure to at least 100 psi in both systems.

Some vehicles with air brake systems manufactured before 1975 have a front brake limiting valve with "normal" and "slippery" settings.

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.

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.