Air Brake Practice Test

What happens when you lock up the wheels while braking?

1. You maintain constant pressure and grip the steering wheel tightly

2. You can steer the vehicle effectively

3. You will start to slide

4. It increases stopping distance

The correct answer is: You will start to slide

When the wheels lock up while braking, the tires lose traction with the surface of the road. As a result, instead of maintaining contact and grip, the vehicle begins to slide uncontrollably. This loss of traction occurs because the brakes apply more force than the road can handle, causing the wheels to stop rotating, which in turn eliminates the ability to steer the vehicle effectively. The slide can lead to instability and makes it challenging to control the direction of the vehicle. This phenomenon can be particularly dangerous in adverse weather conditions, where road surfaces may already lack sufficient friction. Understanding this concept is crucial for safe vehicle operation, as it emphasizes the importance of modulating brake pressure to avoid locking up the wheels. Recognizing the dynamics of braking can help drivers maintain better control in various driving scenarios.