What is the safest action if your pre-trip brake test shows the vehicle does not stop as it should at low speed?

• A.Drive slowly in traffic until the brakes improve
• B.Pump the compressor by racing the engine and try again on the highway
• C.Do not continue the trip; park the vehicle and have the brake system inspected and repaired
• D.Use the parking brake as your main service brake

Why

A failed low-speed test is the system telling you it cannot be trusted at real speed or in an emergency. The time to repair a brake defect is in the yard, not during the first hard stop on the road.

Manual topic: Air Brakes - Brake Inspection · From the Air Brakes practice bank (AB-152).

Practice this subject as a full test

More Brake Inspection Steps & Defects questions

• During a pre-trip inspection of an air brake system, what is the main purpose of checking each brake component before driving?
• When you inspect rubber air hoses for the service brakes, which condition should be reported as a defect?
• What should brake drums (or discs) be checked for during an inspection?
• Which finding on brake linings makes the brake unsafe until it is corrected?
• How do you test the low air pressure warning device during a pre-trip check?