What is a common sign of air brake lag?

A common sign of air brake lag is the delayed engagement of the brakes. In air brake systems, there is a certain amount of time that it takes for the air to travel through the lines and apply pressure to the brake shoes. This delay is referred to as air brake lag and can be especially noticeable in vehicles with longer air brake lines.

When a driver presses the brake pedal, the air must travel from the compressor to the brake chambers, which takes a fraction of a second. If a driver is not aware of this lag, they may find themselves misjudging stopping distances, particularly in emergency situations where quick stopping is necessary. Knowing about air brake lag is crucial for safe driving, particularly in larger vehicles that rely on air brakes, to ensure that drivers account for this delay when planning their stopping distances.

Recognizing this phenomenon can directly impact safety and overall driving performance since it highlights the importance of maintaining a safe following distance and reacting appropriately to road conditions.