Home › CDL Practice Tests › Air Brakes Questions › Question 214
Why can using an engine retarder on a slippery road be a problem even on an ABS vehicle?
- A.Retarder force acts through the drive wheels and can disturb their grip, so retarders should be switched off when traction is poor as the manual directs
- B.Retarders drain the ABS battery instantly
- C.ABS requires the retarder to stay on at all times
- D.Retarders lock the steering wheels directly
Correct answer
A. Retarder force acts through the drive wheels and can disturb their grip, so retarders should be switched off when traction is poor as the manual directs
Why
Drive-wheel braking from a retarder is not the same as balanced service braking and can start a drive-axle slide on ice or wet pavement. Turning the retarder off and relying on gentle, controlled service braking keeps the combination more stable.
Manual topic: Air Brakes - ABS · From the Air Brakes practice bank (AB-214).