What happens if air tanks are not drained regularly?

If air tanks are not drained regularly, oil and water can accumulate within the tank. This buildup can lead to several issues, especially in colder conditions where the moisture can freeze. When this happens, ice can obstruct lines or components in the braking system, potentially causing brake failure. The presence of moisture in the air system can also lead to corrosion and rust, which further compromises the integrity and performance of brake components. This is critical to understand for maintaining safety and reliability in vehicles equipped with air brakes. Proper maintenance, including regular draining of air tanks, is essential to ensuring that the braking system functions effectively under all operating conditions.