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How often should manually operated air tank drains be used to prevent oil and water buildup?

  1. Once a week

  2. Every day

  3. Once a month

  4. Every two weeks

The correct answer is: Every day

Manually operated air tank drains should be used every day to effectively prevent the buildup of oil and water in the air brake system. Over time, moisture and contaminants can accumulate in the air tanks, which can lead to various problems such as reduced braking efficiency or even failure of components within the air brake system. Daily draining helps to ensure that any accumulated moisture and contaminants are removed before they can create issues, maintaining the overall health and performance of the brakes. This regular maintenance routine is crucial for safety and reliability in commercial driving, as moisture can freeze in cold weather, leading to brake failure. Other intervals, such as once a week, once a month, or every two weeks, may not be sufficient to keep the air system clear of contaminants, especially in environments with high humidity or heavy usage of the brakes.