What is a common cause of air brake system failure?

Air brake systems rely on compressed air to function properly, making the integrity of air lines and components crucial to their performance. Leaks in the air lines or other components can lead to a loss of pressure, compromising the system's ability to generate enough force to engage the brakes effectively. This can result in diminished braking power or brake failure altogether, posing significant safety risks while operating a vehicle.

In contrast, while low brake fluid levels could affect hydraulic brake systems, they are not applicable to air brakes since they operate on air pressure. Worn-out brake pads are also a concern but relate more to friction-based braking systems rather than a direct failure of the air brake mechanism. Similarly, issues with an anti-lock braking system (ABS) can impact overall brake performance but do not constitute a primary failure of the air brake system itself. Therefore, addressing and inspecting for leaks in air lines or components is a vital aspect of air brake maintenance to ensure safety and efficiency during operation.