Idaho CDL DMV Air Brakes 2

If the low air pressure warning signal comes on while you are operating a vehicle with air brakes, you should stop and safely park the vehicle as soon as possible. It is essential that you are able to stop safely while you still have some braking power remaining.

In an air brake system, the air compressor pumps air into the air storage tanks. The air compressor is controlled by the air compressor governor.

Some air brake systems include an alcohol evaporator. The evaporator introduces alcohol into the braking system to prevent the formation of ice, which can cause damage.

When pressing the brake pedal in a vehicle with S-cam brakes, air will enter the brake chambers. The added air pressure will push out the rods and move slack adjusters, twisting the brake camshafts.

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.

Air brakes function through the use of compressed air.

In an air brake system, a low air pressure warning signal must come on if air pressure in the tanks falls below 60 psi. This warning signal may come in the form of a light, a buzzer, or a wig wag.

The safety valve protects air tanks and the rest of an air brake system from accumulating too much air pressure. The safety valve is usually set to open at 150 psi.

When performing a static leakage test on a triple combination vehicle with air brakes, the leakage rate should be no more than 5 psi in one minute. If the air leaks from the air brake system at a quicker rate, the vehicle should not be driven because something likely needs to be repaired.

The purpose of an Anti-Lock Braking System (ABS) is to prevent wheel lockup while brakes are being applied.

When inspecting a vehicle with a dual air brake system, you should wait for air pressure to build from 85 to 100 psi in both the primary and secondary systems. This should take about 45 seconds.

In general, you should always use the parking brake when parking your vehicle. However, you should not apply the parking brake if your brakes are very hot or if your brakes are wet and temperatures are below freezing.

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.

Before driving a vehicle with a dual air brake system, allow time for the air compressor to build up a minimum of 100 psi pressure in both the primary and secondary systems. Watch the air pressure gauges to monitor the pressure levels.

If your vehicle has air brakes, the air compressor drive belt should be checked before each drive. Check the tightness of the belt and verify that it is in good condition.

In an air brake system, the air storage tanks hold compressed air to be used by the brakes. The number and size of air tanks varies among vehicles.

Brake linings should not be loose or soaked with oil or grease. They shouldn't be dangerously thin.

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.

Brakes are designed to take a lot of heat, but drivers should not rely solely on the brakes to slow their vehicle. Brakes may fade and lose their ability to slow down the vehicle if they become too hot, so drivers should also rely on the engine braking effect.

Some air brake systems include an evaporator that introduces alcohol into the system. The alcohol can help prevent ice from forming within the system.

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 the air leaks from the air brake system at a quicker rate, the vehicle should not be driven because something likely needs to be repaired.

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

In single air systems, air pressure should build from approximately 50 to 90 psi within three minutes.

If you have an Anti-Lock Braking System (ABS) equipped on only the tractor, only the trailer, or only one axle, you will still have more control over the vehicle when braking than you would without ABS. You should brake normally.

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 levels drop to an unsafe level, the parking brake valve should pop out and spring brakes should come on.