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Difficulty: MediumRetarders Usage and Cautions

Because auxiliary retarders direct their braking force solely to the drive axles, using them on wet, icy, or snow-covered roads can cause the drive wheels to break traction and initiate a skid.

Answer: Answer

Answer

True
The statement is true because auxiliary retarders apply retarding power solely to the drive wheels. When tire-to-surface traction is compromised by wet, snowy, or icy conditions, this localized braking resistance readily exceeds tire adhesion limits, creating an immediate drive-wheel skid hazard.

Step-by-Step Solution

1
Identify where auxiliary retarder braking force is applied.
Retarders deliver braking resistance directly to the drive axles rather than across all steering, drive, and trailer wheels.
Understanding axle-specific force distribution is essential to assessing vehicle stability.
2
Assess the effect of concentrated drive-wheel braking on slick road surfaces.
On wet, snowy, or icy pavement, the available traction is too low to sustain concentrated retarder torque, leading to drive-wheel slippage.
Loss of drive-wheel traction on slippery roads is the primary trigger for commercial vehicle jackknifing and loss of directional control.
3
Verify the standard CDL safety directive for retarder operation in adverse conditions.
Commercial driving safety standards mandate turning off all auxiliary retarders whenever road conditions are wet, icy, or snow-covered.
The statement accurately reflects standard safety rules regarding retarder hazards on slick roads.

Key Concept

Auxiliary Retarder Operating Cautions on Reduced-Traction Surfaces
Estimated Time:45s
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Topics

Retarders Usage and Cautions

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