What is the purpose of the brake application pressure gauge?

The brake application pressure gauge serves the crucial function of indicating the pressure being applied to the brake system. This gauge provides real-time feedback to the driver about how much air pressure is being used to apply the brakes. A proper understanding of this pressure is essential for safe driving, as it helps ensure that the brakes are functioning effectively. If the pressure is too low, it may signal that the brakes are not engaging properly, which could lead to reduced braking power and increase the risk of accidents. Therefore, monitoring this gauge helps drivers maintain control and safety while operating a vehicle equipped with air brakes.

The other options do not represent the purpose of the brake application pressure gauge. Monitoring brake component temperatures, alerting about maintenance needs, and displaying vehicle speed serve different functions that are not related to brake application pressure.