What should you do to check for any air leaks from the air brake system?

Listening for any air leaks is a crucial step in checking the air brake system because air leaks can significantly impair the performance and safety of the braking system. Air brake systems operate under pressure, and even a small leak can lead to a loss of pressure, which affects the brakes’ effectiveness. By using your ears to detect hissing sounds or other indicators of air escaping, you can identify potential problems before they escalate into more serious safety issues.

Adopting this approach allows for a thorough examination of the air brake system without requiring extensive equipment or tools, making it a practical and effective method for operators. Additionally, while the other methods might contribute to identifying issues indirectly, they do not directly target the air leaks like listening does. Observing trailer lights, inspecting air lines visually, or feeling for vibrations can provide some information about the truck's condition, but they won’t specifically pinpoint problematic air leaks in the same efficient manner as auditory checks.