What maintenance procedure should be performed regularly to ensure proper function of the air brake system?

Regular visual inspections are crucial for ensuring the proper function of the air brake system. This procedure allows you to identify any visible signs of wear, leaks, and damage in various components, such as hoses, valves, and the brake chambers. By performing these inspections consistently, you can detect potential issues before they escalate into serious problems, which is essential for maintaining safety and reliability.

Visual inspections are typically part of a routine maintenance program and are often required by regulations governing commercial vehicles. These checks provide an opportunity to ensure that all parts of the air brake system are functioning correctly, thus helping to prevent brake failure or other malfunctions while on the road.

While air pressure testing can provide insights into the operational efficiency of the air brake system, it is often a more specialized procedure that may not cover all potential issues that visual inspections can detect. Brake shoe alignment and wheel balancing are important for overall vehicle performance but do not directly address the integrity and functionality of the air brake system specifically.