Air Brake Practice Test

What can legitimately hold an emergency or parking brake together for a truck tractor, truck, or bus?

1. Fluid pressure

2. Air pressure

3. Spring pressure

4. Any of these

The correct answer is: Spring pressure

The correct answer is based on the principle that emergency or parking brakes in a truck tractor, truck, or bus primarily rely on spring pressure. In air brake systems, the emergency and parking brakes are activated by spring forces. When the air pressure in the system is released—typically when the driver pulls the parking brake—springs engage to secure the brakes in a locked position, which prevents the vehicle from rolling. Fluid and air pressure are used in the service brakes to provide stopping force while driving. However, in the event of an emergency or when engaging the parking brake, the system operates based on the force exerted by springs. This design ensures that even if there’s a loss of air pressure, the vehicle can still be secured, which is critical for safety. This distinction is important for understanding how different components of the braking system function and why spring pressure is the legitimate mechanism for holding emergency or parking brakes in place in such vehicles.