If the spring brakes are activated, you should never:
Answers
Push down the brake pedal.
Open the hood.
Release air from the air storage tanks.
Open the door to the cab.
The Correct Answer and Explanation is :
The correct answer is: Push down the brake pedal.
Explanation:
When spring brakes are activated, it means that the vehicle’s emergency braking system is engaged. Spring brakes are a type of fail-safe brake system that use powerful springs to apply the brakes when air pressure in the braking system drops to a certain level or when the air supply is exhausted. These brakes are typically used to prevent the vehicle from moving when the main air brake system fails.
Pushing down the brake pedal while the spring brakes are activated can be dangerous for several reasons:
- Compromising Safety: The brake pedal is connected to the service brakes, which rely on air pressure to function. If the spring brakes are already engaged due to a loss of air pressure, pressing the brake pedal can result in ineffective braking or inconsistent brake response. This could create a hazard, especially if the vehicle is on a slope or moving.
- Risk of Damage: Pushing down on the brake pedal while the spring brakes are activated could put excessive stress on the brake system, potentially leading to damage or wear that affects the entire braking mechanism. This damage could cause the vehicle to have reduced braking capacity once the system is restored to normal operation.
- Loss of Control: If the driver attempts to apply the brake pedal while the spring brakes are already engaged, there can be a sudden change in braking pressure. This could lead to unpredictable vehicle behavior, such as skidding or sudden stopping, increasing the risk of an accident.
In addition to this, the other options mentioned are not related to the direct safety concerns of pressing down the brake pedal when spring brakes are active:
- Opening the hood and opening the door to the cab are not hazardous in relation to spring brake function, although they might not be practical when troubleshooting or driving under emergency conditions.
- Releasing air from the air storage tanks could be harmful if done unintentionally, as it would exacerbate the loss of braking pressure and potentially trigger the spring brakes to activate.