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What can retarders do that requires caution on slippery roads?
- A.Retarders lock the steering axle first
- B.Retarders drain the air tanks when used in rain
- C.Retarders always stop every wheel evenly
- D.Some retarders apply braking force only through the drive wheels, which can make those wheels skid when traction is low
Correct answer
D. Some retarders apply braking force only through the drive wheels, which can make those wheels skid when traction is low
Why
Because retarder force comes through the drive axle, limited grip can let those wheels slow faster than the vehicle and start a skid or jackknife tendency. The manual guidance is to turn retarders off when the road is wet, snowy, or icy.
Manual topic: Air Brakes - Retarders · From the Air Brakes practice bank (AB-185).