Manitoba Airbrake Practice Exam

The air dryer plays a crucial role in the air brake system by removing moisture and contaminants from the compressed air. In hydraulic and pneumatic systems, moisture can cause several problems, including corrosion in the air lines, freezing in cold temperatures, and the formation of sludge within the system, which can interfere with normal operation. By effectively eliminating these contaminants, the air dryer helps ensure that the compressed air supplied to the brake system is clean and dry, which maintains the integrity and reliability of the brakes.

Additionally, while enhancing brake performance, increasing air pressure, and storing compressed air are important functions in the overall braking system, these specific roles are not the primary focus of the air dryer. Therefore, the air dryer's primary function is correctly identified as moisture and contaminant removal, which is essential for preventing issues that could compromise the braking system's performance.