Rail Car Repairer how-to

How to Run a Single Car Air Brake Test

Brake tests confirm safe stopping.

Updated By the Career Education Institute Curriculum Team
Quick answer

Brake tests confirm safe stopping. In short: connect; charge; check, then complete the remaining steps below.

Step by step

  1. Connect the test device.

  2. Charge the system.

  3. Check for leaks.

  4. Apply brakes.

  5. Check piston travel.

  6. Release and record.

Safety reminders for rail car repairers

  • Use blue flag protection
  • Wear PPE
  • Never step between moving cars
  • Follow lockout rules

Carman · Rolling stock · Coupler · Draft gear · Truck · Wheelset: see the full rail car repairer glossary.

More rail car repairer how-to guides

Learn this in Rail Car Repairer trainingTake the practice test
Enroll in trainingTake fit quiz