What is a significant risk associated with ice forming in the air storage tanks?

The significant risk associated with ice forming in the air storage tanks is potential brake failure. When moisture in the air system freezes, it can block the air lines and inhibit the proper functioning of the braking system. This can result in reduced air pressure, which is crucial for the operation of air brakes. If the system fails to build adequate pressure or if the brakes don’t engage correctly due to frozen components, it could lead to a complete failure of the braking system. This is especially critical in situations requiring immediate stopping, as it poses a serious safety hazard not only to the driver but also to other road users.

While increased braking distance, unstable vehicle handling, and increased fuel consumption are concerns in their own right, they do not pose the immediate and severe risk of total brake system failure that ice in the air storage tanks does. Brake failure can lead to accidents and severe consequences, making it the most significant risk in this scenario.