What condition can occur if oil and water collect in the air tanks?

What condition can occur if oil and water collect in the air tanks?

• A. The brakes could fail.
• B. The brakes could become too firm.
• C. The brakes could smell burnt.
• D. The brakes could glow red.

Answer: (A)

Air brakes rely on a clean, dry supply of compressed air. When oil and water collect in the air tanks, they contaminate that supply and can disrupt how the brakes operate. Water can cause corrosion and, in freezing conditions, block lines or reduce air pressure. Oil can coat valves and other components, leading to leaks or improper valve operation. The overall effect is a loss or inability to maintain the required air pressure, so the brakes may not apply properly when you need them, which is effectively brake failure. Brakes being too firm, a burnt smell, or glowing red are symptoms of other issues like binding components, overheating, or excessive friction, not the contamination of the air tanks.

Air brakes rely on a clean, dry supply of compressed air. When oil and water collect in the air tanks, they contaminate that supply and can disrupt how the brakes operate. Water can cause corrosion and, in freezing conditions, block lines or reduce air pressure. Oil can coat valves and other components, leading to leaks or improper valve operation. The overall effect is a loss or inability to maintain the required air pressure, so the brakes may not apply properly when you need them, which is effectively brake failure.

Brakes being too firm, a burnt smell, or glowing red are symptoms of other issues like binding components, overheating, or excessive friction, not the contamination of the air tanks.