What happens when you have a major leak in the service line while applying the brakes?

When there is a major leak in the service line while applying the brakes on a combination vehicle, the trailer emergency brakes will activate. This is a critical safety feature designed to prevent uncontrollable movement of the trailer in the event of a brake system failure.

In a combination vehicle, the braking system relies on air pressure to function properly. If there is a significant leak in the service line, the air pressure can drop to a point where it can no longer maintain the normal function of the brakes. As a safeguard, the trailer is equipped with emergency brakes that are designed to engage automatically when there is a loss of air pressure. This mechanism acts quickly to secure the trailer, preventing it from rolling away and ensuring the safety of the vehicle and those around it.

The activation of the trailer emergency brakes under such conditions allows the driver to safely bring the vehicle to a stop, thereby mitigating potential accidents caused by brake failure. Understanding this feature is crucial for operating combination vehicles safely and effectively.