Question

Difficulty: HardSkid Control and Recovery

When attempting to recover from a drive-wheel skid on an icy road surface, maintaining the transmission in gear to utilize engine compression braking is recommended to stabilize the rear drive wheels.

Answer: Answer

Answer

False
On slippery surfaces like ice, any retarding force applied to the drive axle—whether from service brakes, retarders, or engine compression braking—inhibits the drive wheels from rolling freely. To regain steering control and lateral stability, the driver must remove all braking forces and depress the clutch to allow the wheels to roll and restore traction.

Step-by-Step Solution

1
Analyze the effect of engine compression braking on drive axle traction during a skid on an icy surface.
Engine compression applies retarding torque to the drive wheels, similar to mechanical service braking.
Any braking or retarding torque prevents the drive tires from rolling freely, which is required to re-establish traction.
2
Evaluate the standard CDL recovery protocol for drive-wheel skids on low-friction surfaces.
Standard CDL procedures instruct drivers to stop braking, depress the clutch on ice, and counter-steer.
Removing engine driveline drag allows the tires to match road speed and re-establish directional control.
3
Determine the truth value of the statement.
The statement recommends using engine compression braking during skid recovery on ice, which directly contradicts standard safety recovery procedures.
The correct action is to eliminate rotational resistance by pushing in the clutch rather than relying on engine braking.

Key Concept

Drive-Wheel Skid Recovery and Elimination of Driveline Retarding Forces
Estimated Time:1m 30s
Rate this question