One advantage that air brake systems have over hydraulic brake systems is their ability to tolerate what?

The ability of air brake systems to tolerate small leaks is a significant advantage over hydraulic brake systems due to their design and operational principles. Air brake systems utilize compressed air to create braking force, which means that a small amount of air loss does not prevent the system from functioning effectively. In fact, even if there is a minor leak, the system can still maintain an adequate level of braking power, as the supply of compressed air can be replenished from the air tanks during operation.

In contrast, hydraulic brake systems rely on a closed fluid system where leakage can lead to a loss of pressure. This loss can completely compromise braking effectiveness, as the hydraulic fluid directly transfers force from the brake pedal to the braking mechanism. Therefore, while small leaks might be tolerable in air brake systems, they can be detrimental to the reliability and safety of hydraulic brakes. This makes the ability to handle minor leaks a notable advantage of air brake systems in various operational contexts.