The braking power of the spring brakes depends on what?

The braking power of the spring brakes primarily depends on the adjustment of the service brakes. In air brake systems, the spring brakes serve as a backup system that is applied when air pressure is lost. The effective application of these brakes is closely related to how well the service brakes are adjusted. Proper adjustment ensures that there is sufficient braking force and response from the spring brakes when they are engaged.

If the service brakes are out of adjustment, it may lead to inadequate power from the spring brakes, causing longer stopping distances or reduced overall braking efficiency. This underlines the importance of regularly checking and maintaining the adjustment of the service brakes to ensure the spring brakes perform optimally when needed.

While other factors like the weight of the vehicle, air pressure in the tanks, and the type of braking system installed may influence overall braking performance, they do not directly dictate the strength and effectiveness of the spring brakes as much as the adjustment of the service brakes does.