Air Brake Practice Test

Which type of brake is designed to activate when air pressure drops?

1. Service brake

2. Emergency brake

3. Parking brake

4. Drum brake

The correct answer is: Emergency brake

The emergency brake is specifically designed to activate when there is a drop in air pressure. This mechanism serves as a crucial safety feature that helps to prevent accidents in the event of an air pressure failure in the air brake system. Typically, if the air pressure falls below a certain threshold, the emergency brake engages automatically to ensure that the vehicle can stop safely. The emergency brake system employs springs to create braking force, which means it operates independently of the vehicle's normal air brake forces. This ensures functionality even when the primary air brake system is compromised due to a leak or failure. The other types of brakes mentioned have different functions. The service brake is used for normal stopping during vehicle operation and relies on sufficient air pressure to function correctly. The parking brake is designed to hold the vehicle stationary when parked but is also dependent on air pressure in some systems. Finally, a drum brake refers to a specific brake style and does not inherently denote a system activated by air pressure drops. The design and functionality of the emergency brake make it essential for maintaining safety on the road.