For reasons of safety and operational ease, both your truck and trailer should have a drain valve installed. Vehicle operators that use a low to moderate amount of air should drain an air tank drain valve, at the minimum, approximately every three months. If you drive a truck that uses high amounts of air, then drain the air tank drain valve at least monthly to prevent any maintenance issues from developing in the interim.
Make It a Point to Drain Air Tanks Regularly
Make a point to drain the air tank drain valve regularly in order to clear an air tank of any kind of contaminants. Performing this kind of routine preventative maintenance will also assist you in discovering any impending problems.
Address an Impending Problem Before It Becomes a Major Repair Issue
Opening up the drain valve for cleaning enables you to see what types of pollutants are being drained. For example, if you are draining a good bit of oil, then you can further investigate the fluid leakage before it turns into a major mechanical issue.
Air Delivery to Brakes
If you are assigned to drive a rig that pulls more than one trailer, each of the trailers and converter dollies feature at least one air tank and air tank drain valve. These tanks are used to hold the air pressure that operates the brakes. The air pressure is transported from air tanks to air-assisted brakes that feature relay valves. The pressure noted in the service line indicates the amount of compressed air that is delivered to the brakes. Air pressure is controlled by operating the trailer hand brakes and brake pedal.
Keep Your Air Brakes Operational
If you want your brakes to work correctly then, it is essential to drain the air tanks by opening up each tank’s air tank drain valve. Tanks with water and oil build-up can impair the operation of the brakes. Although trucks with automatic drains will work at keeping condensation out of the tank, you still need to open the drains in order to ensure the moisture has been removed.
Special Air Delivery Requirements for Trucks That Tow More Than One Trailer
What’s more, when you are towing more than one trailer, cut-out cocks, also referred to as shut-off valves, are utilized in the service lines at the back of the trailers that serve as tows. Therefore, all the shut-off valves must be placed in the open position on each trailer except the last trailer, whose shut-off valve remains closed.
Preventative Maintenance
The above information is important to note if you drive a big rig, especially a truck that is designed to tow more than one trailer. Even one small item, such as a drain valve, can influence truck braking to a significant degree.
