What happens if you have a major leak in the service line and you apply the brakes?

When a major leak occurs in the service line of a vehicle, the most critical safety feature that kicks in is the activation of the trailer emergency brakes. This is particularly important in combination vehicles, where maintaining control is essential. The emergency braking system is designed to prevent a runaway situation that could result from a loss of air pressure due to a significant leak.

When the service line is compromised, the emergency brakes respond automatically, thereby ensuring that the trailer brakes engage and help slow down or stop the vehicle safely. This mechanism is vital for driver and public safety, as it activates without requiring any manual input from the driver in the event of a loss of air pressure, which could lead to complete brake failure if left unchecked.

In this scenario, if you were to apply the brakes manually, they might not function optimally due to the leak. However, the safety feature of the emergency brakes ensures that there remains a backup system to assist in bringing the vehicle to a halt, highlighting the importance of this function in combination truck operations.