Commercial Driver License (CDL) Class B Practice Test

What should occur when the air pressure falls in a vehicle?

1. The parking brake should automatically engage

2. The engine should shut off

3. The warning sound should be disabled

4. The wheels should lock

The correct answer is: The parking brake should automatically engage

When the air pressure falls in a vehicle, especially in those equipped with air brakes, the parking brake should automatically engage to ensure safety. This system is designed to activate when the air pressure drops below a certain threshold, which helps prevent the vehicle from rolling or moving unexpectedly when the air pressure required for the brakes to function is insufficient. This automatic engagement of the parking brake serves as a critical safety feature, ensuring that the driver has time to react to the loss of air pressure and can address the issue before continuing to operate the vehicle. The other options do not correctly represent appropriate vehicle responses to low air pressure; for instance, shutting off the engine, disabling warning sounds, or locking the wheels could lead to unsafe situations instead of ensuring the vehicle remains secure.