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What does it mean if you have to brake harder and harder on a downgrade to get the same slowing effect?
- A.The brakes are breaking in and will soon work better
- B.The trailer tanks are overcharged and need draining at speed
- C.The brakes are fading from heat, and you should slow down, use a lower gear, and stop to let them cool if a safe place exists
- D.It means the ABS has switched the brakes off
Correct answer
C. The brakes are fading from heat, and you should slow down, use a lower gear, and stop to let them cool if a safe place exists
Why
Needing more and more pedal for less and less effect is the classic sign of brake fade. Continuing down the grade will only make it worse, so reducing speed and load on the brakes has to happen before they fade completely.
Manual topic: Combination Vehicles - Skids and Jackknifing · From the Combination Vehicles practice bank (CV-143).