What happens if you continuously use the service brake on a long slope?
2 Answers
Continuously using the service brake on a long slope will cause the brake temperature to rise, leading to a sharp decline in braking effectiveness. Persistent use of the brakes can cause the brake pads to overheat, and in severe cases, it can lead to brake system thermal fade, resulting in reduced braking force or even a complete loss of braking ability. Therefore, it is advisable to use a lower gear on long downhill slopes and appropriately utilize the engine's traction for braking. This is why, when traveling on long downhill roads, you may see cooling pools for large trucks and emergency escape ramps. Due to their higher weight, large trucks place a greater burden on their brakes. Extended downhill driving can easily cause brake thermal fade, leading to loss of braking force and potential danger. Now, do you understand the consequences of continuously using the service brake on a long slope?
As a seasoned driver with over a decade of experience, I've had my fair share of encounters with continuous braking on long downhill slopes. Once, returning from a mountainous area, I kept pressing the brakes out of inexperience, only to find the pedal getting softer and the speed barely decreasing. Luckily, there was a buffer zone nearby where I managed to stop. Later, I learned that continuous braking can cause the brake discs to overheat, potentially leading to deformation or accelerated wear. The brake fluid might even boil and create air bubbles, causing complete brake failure, which is extremely dangerous. Now, I've developed the habit of shifting to a lower gear in advance when approaching a long slope, using the engine to slow down. This not only protects the braking system but also ensures safe driving. Also, remember to regularly check the brake pads and fluid levels, especially before and after long trips. In short, safety comes first—don't skimp on these efforts.
