Brake Fade and Downgrade Driving Flashcards

What is brake fade?

Answer: The loss of braking power caused by overheated brakes

Brake fade occurs when brakes overheat, causing a significant loss of braking effectiveness that can be extremely dangerous on long downgrades.

What is the correct technique for driving down a long, steep grade with air brakes?

Answer: Select a low gear before starting down and use controlled, intermittent brake applications

Select a low gear before descending so engine braking helps control speed, and use controlled applications rather than continuous braking to prevent overheating.

What is 'snub braking' when used on a downgrade?

Answer: Applying brakes firmly to reduce speed by about 5 mph, then releasing until speed rises again

Snub braking means applying brakes firmly to slow about 5 mph below your target speed, then releasing so brakes can cool before the next application.

What is a safe speed limit when driving down a long, steep grade?

Answer: A speed at which you could still control the vehicle if brakes failed completely

Your safe downgrade speed is one at which you could still safely control the vehicle even if your brakes completely failed.

How does brake fade affect stopping distance?

Answer: Stopping distance increases significantly as brakes overheat

As brakes overheat and fade, stopping distance can increase dramatically, making it impossible to stop within a safe distance.

What is 'glazing' in the context of brake drums?

Answer: A smooth, hard surface that forms on overheated brake drums, reducing friction

Glazing occurs when overheated brake drums develop a smooth, hard surface that significantly reduces friction and braking effectiveness.