What instrument should you check if you have air brakes?

The air pressure gauge is an essential instrument to monitor when you have air brakes in a commercial vehicle. This gauge provides real-time information about the air pressure levels in the braking system, which is crucial for ensuring safe operation. Proper air pressure is vital for the efficient functioning of air brakes; if the pressure is too low, it can lead to brake failure, compromising safety.

Maintaining the correct air pressure levels ensures that the brakes respond appropriately when applied. Drivers are trained to regularly check the air pressure gauge as part of their pre-trip inspections, ensuring their braking system is fully operational and reliable.

While temperature gauges, ammeters/voltmeters, and cargo covers are important in various contexts, they do not specifically pertain to the functionality or safety of the air braking system. These instruments serve different purposes, such as monitoring the engine's temperature, electrical system status, and securing cargo, but they do not provide information necessary for the operation of air brakes. Therefore, knowing how to monitor and interpret the air pressure gauge is critical for any driver operating a vehicle equipped with air brakes.