What do I need to know about air brakes?
I have driven my DP about 20,000 miles so far and everything is good but I was wondering why commercial licenses require an airbrake certificate and what you are expected to know to get that certifica...
Forum Discussion
To all those who made nice comments to my post,
I most certainly want to thank all of you for that. Very much appreciated. I sometimes get a bit "long winded" in some of my explanations of things on here but, based on the way the OP presented his question and, from his statement(s), I wanted him to get as clear of a picture as I could present, without going into much of the infinite detail of air systems and more.
And, yep, I wanted to add the "low air warning" buzzer etc. info but, I elected to leave it out because I was over loading with info anyway. My thoughts were/are, I gave the real basics of how things work. If he likes what he reads and, WANT'S to know more, then go to some of the manuals and websites out there and he can read 'till his hearts content.
I have been chastised before because I presented that much information on a particular subject. Again, I just want the OP to know and realize what's going on so that he/they, have a better understanding and, that MIGHT help to analyze a problem if and when crops up. Thanks again to all. Hope the OP has a better "feeling" for the operation of his brakes and all that's tied to them.
Scott
P.S. By the way, yep, it was mentioned that, if you get a low air warning while cruising down the interstate, do one thing immediately! And that is, CHECK YOUR AIR PRESSURE GAUGES. Note where they are when you first glance at them and, where they are in a matter of a few seconds etc. This will give you time to think and, make that move to get to the side of the road, depending on how fast those air pressure gauges are descending.
I'm sure all of you have seen the FOUR skid marks that start in the right lane and, rapidly move to the side of the road. Yep, that truck DEFINITELY LOST AIR rapidly. And, also as stated, HERE COME THE REAR BRAKES.
Scott
I most certainly want to thank all of you for that. Very much appreciated. I sometimes get a bit "long winded" in some of my explanations of things on here but, based on the way the OP presented his question and, from his statement(s), I wanted him to get as clear of a picture as I could present, without going into much of the infinite detail of air systems and more.
And, yep, I wanted to add the "low air warning" buzzer etc. info but, I elected to leave it out because I was over loading with info anyway. My thoughts were/are, I gave the real basics of how things work. If he likes what he reads and, WANT'S to know more, then go to some of the manuals and websites out there and he can read 'till his hearts content.
I have been chastised before because I presented that much information on a particular subject. Again, I just want the OP to know and realize what's going on so that he/they, have a better understanding and, that MIGHT help to analyze a problem if and when crops up. Thanks again to all. Hope the OP has a better "feeling" for the operation of his brakes and all that's tied to them.
Scott
P.S. By the way, yep, it was mentioned that, if you get a low air warning while cruising down the interstate, do one thing immediately! And that is, CHECK YOUR AIR PRESSURE GAUGES. Note where they are when you first glance at them and, where they are in a matter of a few seconds etc. This will give you time to think and, make that move to get to the side of the road, depending on how fast those air pressure gauges are descending.
I'm sure all of you have seen the FOUR skid marks that start in the right lane and, rapidly move to the side of the road. Yep, that truck DEFINITELY LOST AIR rapidly. And, also as stated, HERE COME THE REAR BRAKES.
Scott
