Final answer:
Oil and water collecting in the air tanks can decrease the efficiency of the brakes, resulting in reduced braking power and longer stopping distances. Regular maintenance, such as draining and refilling the air tanks, is important to maintain optimal brake performance.
Step-by-step explanation:
When oil and water collect in the air tanks, it can lead to a decrease in the efficiency of the brakes.
The presence of oil and water can cause the brake pads and shoes to become less effective at gripping the brake rotors or drums. This can result in reduced braking power and longer stopping distances.
To maintain optimal brake performance, it is important to regularly drain and refill the air tanks to remove any oil and water accumulation.