Final answer:
To move a car with inoperative air brakes safely into a shop, it should be towed or pushed at a slow speed. Air brakes rely on compressed air, which requires bleeding for efficiency if compromised. Alternative braking systems and physics principles highlight the complexity of braking mechanisms.
Step-by-step explanation:
The proper way to move a car with inoperative air brakes from a lay-up track into the shop is to ensure the vehicle is towed or pushed at a very slow speed by another vehicle that has functional brakes. This process should be performed with extreme caution and in compliance with any applicable safety regulations and guidelines. Since air brakes rely on compressed air to function, an inoperative system means there is no way to safely slow down or stop the vehicle once it's in motion, unless using an alternative method such as a secondary vehicle or a controlled environment like a downhill ramp with loose gravel designed for stopping vehicles with brake failure.
The information provided suggests that when force is applied to a compressible gas, such as air in brake lines, it must be bled out for the brakes to work efficiently. Moreover, mechanical energy (kinetic and potential) in a vehicle can transform into heat energy due to friction, which can be observed when brakes come to a stop. Some systems, like power brakes in cars and bulldozers, have a motorized pump to assist the braking process. Lastly, regenerative braking in hybrid and electric vehicles converts mechanical energy into electrical energy, showcasing an alternative method of slowing down a vehicle.