Which of the following statements is true about spring brakes?

Spring brakes serve an essential role in the braking system of heavy vehicles, where they are designed to assist with emergency stopping. These brakes are typically applied when the vehicle's air pressure drops to a certain level, activating the spring mechanism. This automatic function ensures that the vehicle can stop safely in case of a failure in the regular air brake system, thus preventing runaway situations. Their primary purpose is to enhance safety by providing an effective way to halt the vehicle when pressure loss occurs.

The other choices present statements that do not accurately reflect the function or purpose of spring brakes. Racing vehicles generally rely on different braking systems more suited to high-speed performance rather than the heavy-duty applications for which spring brakes are intended. While maintenance is important, spring brakes are not subject to frequent adjustments as part of their normal functioning; they are designed for reliability without the need for constant tweaking. Additionally, while environmental conditions can impact brake performance, spring brakes are engineered to operate effectively across a wide range of temperatures, including cold weather, making that statement misleading.