Georgia Commercial Driver License Practice Test

What can be used to release the spring brakes for a short period of time?

1. Electric pump

2. A separate air tank

3. Hand-operated controls

4. Regular air pressure

The correct answer is: A separate air tank

The ability to release the spring brakes for a short period of time is facilitated by using a separate air tank. This air tank is specifically designed to provide the necessary air pressure to release the spring brakes. When spring brakes are engaged, they rely on spring force to keep them applied, and releasing them requires an external source of air pressure. In this context, a separate air tank supplies a controlled amount of air that can be directed to the brake chamber to momentarily release the brakes, making it easier to maneuver the vehicle under specific conditions, such as when performing maintenance or adjusting the brakes. While electric pumps or regular air pressure from the vehicle's air system are capable of managing brake systems, they aren't primarily designed for the short-term release of spring brakes in the same way that a dedicated separate air tank is. Hand-operated controls serve more to activate or deactivate brakes rather than provide the air pressure needed for releasing spring brakes effectively.