Illinois CDL Practice Exam

The correct method to test the Air Leakage Rate for vehicles involves timing the air pressure drop with the engine off and the parking brake released. This approach allows you to properly assess the system's ability to retain air pressure when it is not actively being replenished by the engine. By determining how much air pressure is lost over a fixed period, you can evaluate the integrity of the vehicle’s air brake system.

If there is a significant drop in pressure during this test, it indicates potential leaks or issues within the air system that need to be addressed to ensure safe operation. This process is crucial for the maintenance of effective brake function, which is vital for vehicle safety.

Turning on the engine and observing the air pressure gauge may provide an indication of the system's current pressure but does not give information on air leaks. Checking tire pressure is unrelated to the testing of the air brake system and measuring sound levels of the air brakes does not assess the leakage rate directly.