Practice question

What is the recommended way to control your speed on a long, steep downgrade to avoid overheating the air brakes?

Shift into neutral and coast down the grade to save fuel
Select a lower gear before starting down so engine braking helps hold your speed, using the foot brake intermittently so the brakes can cool
Hold the parking (spring) brakes partly applied for the whole grade
Use only the trailer hand valve, applied continuously, to control the combination's speed

Answer: B — Select a lower gear before starting down so engine braking helps hold your speed, using the foot brake intermittently so the brakes can cool

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