Revision question · Braking systems

How can a lorry driver avoid brake fade?

Revision material from the imported DVSA bank includes source-checked Lanekind learning corrections. These corrections are not newly issued official examination questions, and practice does not reproduce a live test paper.

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Ensure that the air tanks are drained before journeys

Check that the air pressure is correct

Make sure that the parking brake is applied before stopping

Select an appropriate gear before downhill gradients

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Select an appropriate gear before downhill gradientsThis was the right answer

Using the brakes to control a lorry's speed as it's driven down a hill will cause them to get hot. If they overheat, they can become less effective - a condition known as brake fade. By selecting a low gear, the engine's resistance will slow the lorry. This reduces the demands on the brakes, making them less likely to overheat.

Reviewed reading for this question

Save the service brakes on a long descentReviewed guidance summary · These test brake fade’s heat cause, downhill risk, suitable gearing, retarder purpose and reduced friction-lining wear; air loss and worn linings are different faults.

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