Air Brake Practice Test

Excessive use of speed brakes can allow what to accumulate in the air brakes?

1. Water

2. Heat

3. Air

4. Dirt

The correct answer is: Heat

The correct answer is heat. Excessive use of speed brakes generates additional friction, which leads to increased heat buildup within the air brake system. Heat accumulation can diminish braking efficiency and potentially damage components. While moisture can affect brake performance, water accumulation specifically is less likely to happen directly from the usage of speed brakes; instead, it can enter the air system through condensation or leaks. Air, as a component of the brake system, is always present and is utilized for brake actuation, so its accumulation wouldn't be a direct result of speed brake use. Likewise, dirt usually accumulates due to environmental exposure and lack of maintenance, rather than excessive speed brake use itself. Therefore, heat is the primary concern stemming from excessive speed brake use, making it the most suitable answer.