What would likely happen if air pressure in an air brake system drops significantly?

If the air pressure in an air brake system drops significantly, the brakes become ineffective. Air brakes rely on a certain level of compressed air to function properly. If the pressure falls below a certain threshold, the braking mechanism is unable to engage effectively, which could result in the inability to slow down or stop the vehicle safely.

This deterioration in braking performance is critical since air brake systems are designed to be fail-safe; they automatically apply the brakes if the pressure falls too low, which serves to prevent a total loss of braking capability in emergency situations. Understanding this mechanism emphasizes the importance of regular maintenance and monitoring of air pressure levels in vehicles equipped with air brakes.