CDL Tanker Endorsement Practice Exam

What indicates that your brakes are fading while driving downhill?

1. You feel a vibration

2. You must push harder on the brake pedal

3. You hear a grinding noise

4. Your steering becomes heavy

The correct answer is: You must push harder on the brake pedal

When driving downhill, the indication that your brakes are fading is that you must push harder on the brake pedal to achieve the same braking effect. This happens because the braking system is overheating due to the sustained pressure on the brakes while trying to control the downhill momentum. As the brake components, such as the pads or shoes, become excessively hot, their effectiveness diminishes, resulting in a need for increased pedal force. Recognizing this symptom is crucial for maintaining control of the vehicle and ensuring safety during descent. The other options, while they may indicate various issues related to vehicle operation and safety, do not specifically correlate with brake fading in a downhill scenario as effectively as the need to apply more pressure on the brake pedal. For instance, vibrations and grinding noises can suggest mechanical problems or wear but are not direct indicators of brake fading. Heavy steering might indicate issues with steering or alignment but does not directly relate to the performance of the braking system.