Air Brake Practice Test

What component is responsible for storing compressed air in the air brake system?

1. Brake pads.

2. Air compressor.

3. Storage tank.

4. Brake chambers.

The correct answer is: Storage tank.

The component responsible for storing compressed air in the air brake system is the storage tank. Storage tanks, commonly referred to as air tanks, are designed to hold the compressed air generated by the air compressor. This stored air is vital for operating the braking system, as it provides the necessary pressure to activate the brakes when required. The tanks are also equipped with safety features to ensure that pressure levels remain within safe operating limits. In contrast, while the air compressor generates the compressed air, it does not store it; instead, it continuously supplies air to the storage tanks. Brake pads are components of the braking mechanism that create friction to slow down or stop the vehicle, and brake chambers are part of the air brake system that use the stored air from the tanks to engage the brakes, but they do not store air themselves. Thus, the storage tank plays a crucial role in ensuring the air brake system functions effectively by housing the compressed air needed for braking operations.