Spring brakes are a safety feature on commercial vehicles. They are designed to automatically engage when the air pressure in the vehicle's air brake system drops below a certain level. This prevents the vehicle from rolling away in the event of a brake failure.
Spring brakes are typically located on the rear wheels of a vehicle. They consist of a spring that is held in place by an air piston. When the air pressure in the system is sufficient, the piston holds the spring compressed. If the air pressure drops, the spring is released and it forces the brake shoes against the brake drums, stopping the vehicle.
Spring brakes are a important safety feature for commercial vehicles. They help to prevent accidents and protect lives.
Here are some additional details about spring brakes:
* Spring brakes are required by law on all commercial vehicles with a GVWR of over 10,000 pounds.
* Spring brakes are typically set to engage when the air pressure in the system drops below 60 PSI.
* Spring brakes can be released manually by pulling on the emergency brake handle.
* Spring brakes are not as effective as air brakes, but they are a valuable safety feature in the event of a brake failure.
Here are some tips for using spring brakes safely:
* Check the air pressure in your vehicle's air brake system regularly.
* Make sure that the spring brakes are set to engage at the correct pressure.
* Test the spring brakes regularly to make sure that they are working properly.
* Be aware of the limitations of spring brakes and drive accordingly.
