Brake Fade and Downgrade Driving Flashcards

Before descending a steep grade, where should you check your brakes?

Answer: At the top of the grade before beginning the descent

Always check your brakes at the top of a steep grade before beginning the descent to ensure they are functioning properly.

What role does the transmission play in controlling speed on long downgrades?

Answer: Lower gears provide greater engine braking to help control speed

Lower gears provide greater engine braking because the engine works against higher compression, helping slow the vehicle without relying on service brakes.

What is a runaway truck ramp designed for?

Answer: An emergency escape route for vehicles that have lost braking ability on a descent

Runaway truck ramps provide an emergency escape route filled with gravel or sand that stops vehicles that have lost brake effectiveness on a downgrade.

What happens to brake drums as they heat up during prolonged braking?

Answer: They expand, which can reduce contact with brake shoes and lessen braking force

Brake drums expand when heated, which can reduce contact with brake shoes, contributing to brake fade and reduced stopping power.

Why should you NOT use brakes continuously to hold a constant speed on a long downgrade?

Answer: Continuous application causes heat buildup that leads to brake fade

Continuous brake application generates excessive heat that causes brake fade, making the brakes ineffective when you need them most.

What material are runaway truck ramp arrestor beds typically filled with?

Answer: Loose sand or pea gravel that creates resistance to stop runaway vehicles

Runaway truck ramps are typically filled with loose sand or pea gravel that creates drag resistance to safely stop an out-of-control vehicle.