Question

You are on a steep downgrade and have reached your "safe" speed of 40 MPH. You would apply the service brakes until your speed drops to ___ MPH.

a) 25

b) 30

c) 35

Answer 1

Apply the service brakes until your speed drops to 35 MPH to maintain control and prevent brake overheating on a steep downgrade.

Step-by-step explanation:

When you are on a steep downgrade and have reached your "safe" speed of 40 MPH, you should apply the service brakes until your speed drops to 35 MPH. The general rule for controlling speed on downgrades is known as the 'stabilize and modulate' technique, where after reaching a safe speed you use light, steady pressure on the brake pedal to reduce your speed by 5 miles per hour, then release the brakes to cool before the speed climbs back to the safe speed, at which point you would repeat the process. This technique helps prevent the brakes from overheating and losing effectiveness, also known as brake fade.