Why is it essential to ensure the glad hands are correctly seated?

Ensuring that the glad hands are correctly seated is crucial for preventing air leaks and ensuring a proper connection between the trailer and the truck's air supply system. Glad hands are the connectors used in air brake systems, and if they are not properly connected, air pressure can drop, leading to insufficient braking power and potential safety hazards while driving. A secure connection guarantees that the braking system functions effectively, which is vital for the safety of the vehicle, its cargo, and others on the road.

While aesthetic appearance, registration requirements, and fuel efficiency may be considerations in a broader context, they do not directly relate to the functional necessity of properly seated glad hands. The primary focus should be on the integrity of the air supply system to ensure safe operation of the vehicle.