An application pressure gauge shows:
Answers
How much air pressure is being applied to the brakes.
How much air pressure is available.
How much air pressure is required to stop a vehicle.
The correct answer and explanation is:
The correct answer is:
How much air pressure is being applied to the brakes.
Explanation:
An application pressure gauge is a critical component in the air brake system of vehicles, particularly in commercial trucks and buses that use air brakes. It measures the amount of air pressure being applied to the brake chambers. This pressure is directly proportional to how much force is being applied to the brakes, thereby controlling the vehicle’s deceleration and stopping power.
In an air brake system, the pressure in the brake system is carefully controlled and measured to ensure proper braking performance. The application pressure gauge displays the amount of pressure from the air reservoirs that is being directed to the brake system. When the driver presses the brake pedal, it sends a signal to the air system, which then directs air pressure to the brake chambers, applying force to the brake shoes or pads. The application pressure gauge allows the driver to monitor this process and adjust the braking force as needed.
The gauge typically measures the pressure in pounds per square inch (psi), indicating how much air is being applied to the brake system. For instance, in many heavy-duty vehicles, application pressures can range from 60 to 90 psi, depending on the design of the brake system and the amount of braking required.
The other options provided in the question are not accurate representations of what an application pressure gauge measures:
- How much air pressure is available: This refers to the overall air supply in the system, typically measured by the supply or storage pressure gauge, not the application pressure gauge.
- How much air pressure is required to stop a vehicle: The amount of pressure needed to stop the vehicle is influenced by several factors such as vehicle weight, road conditions, and braking system design, but this is not what the application pressure gauge shows. It only measures the pressure actively being applied to the brakes at any given moment.
Thus, the application pressure gauge is an important tool in ensuring that the air brake system functions properly, providing the driver with real-time data on how much braking force is being applied.