Your brakes can get wet when you drive through a heavy rain. What can this cause when the brakes are applied?

Your brakes can get wet when you drive through a heavy rain. What can this cause when the brakes are applied?

• A. Trailer jackknife
• B. Brake fade
• C. Brake squeal only
• D. Stall the engine

Answer: (A)

Wet brakes reduce braking power because water between the braking surfaces lowers friction. In a tractor–trailer, if the trailer brakes lock up when you brake in rain, the trailer can skid and push the tractor sideways. That loss of directional control is what leads to a trailer jackknife. Brake fade is caused by overheating, not moisture, and stalling the engine isn’t a direct result of wet brakes, while squealing is just noise and not the main danger described here. In wet conditions, brake gently to dry them and avoid abrupt stops; if you feel the trailer starting to skid, ease off and straighten the wheels.

Wet brakes reduce braking power because water between the braking surfaces lowers friction. In a tractor–trailer, if the trailer brakes lock up when you brake in rain, the trailer can skid and push the tractor sideways. That loss of directional control is what leads to a trailer jackknife. Brake fade is caused by overheating, not moisture, and stalling the engine isn’t a direct result of wet brakes, while squealing is just noise and not the main danger described here. In wet conditions, brake gently to dry them and avoid abrupt stops; if you feel the trailer starting to skid, ease off and straighten the wheels.