A brake cylinder with a cylinder body having a first flange extending radially therefrom to form a radial edge with a bevel and a non-pressure head having a second flange extending radially therefrom, wherein the second flange is spaced apart from the first flange to define a first gap and includes an angled portion that extends over the bevel of the first flange to define a second gap in communication with the first gap. The two flanges form a gap in communication with the interior of the brake cylinder that extends outwardly to a V-shaped gap between the bevel of the first flange and the angled portion of the second flange to define a brake cylinder vent. The vent may be limited to four predetermined locations spaced equidistantly about the brake cylinder or the vent may extend circumferentially about the brake cylinder.