Question

Difficulty: Very hardWinter Driving

When navigating a slippery, snow-covered curve, if you experience a drive-wheel skid caused by excessive drag from the engine retarder, the correct recovery procedure requires you to immediately turn off the retarder, depress the clutch to completely disconnect engine braking force from the drive axles, and steer in the direction you want the vehicle to go, while strictly avoiding any application of the service brakes.

Answer: Answer

Answer

True
The statement accurately reflects the standard commercial driving procedure for recovering from a drive-wheel braking skid on snow or ice. When the engine retarder causes the drive wheels to lose traction, the immediate priority is to remove that braking force. Depressing the clutch achieves this instantly. Concurrently turning off the retarder, counter-steering, and avoiding the service brakes ensures the wheels can begin to roll freely again, which is necessary to regain directional control.

Step-by-Step Solution

1
Analyze the cause of the skid described in the scenario
The skid is identified as a drive-wheel skid triggered by excessive engine retarder drag on a slippery surface.
Identifying the skid's root cause determines the correct mechanical countermeasure.
2
Evaluate the instruction to depress the clutch
Depressing the clutch is verified as a mandatory and correct emergency action.
Pushing the clutch instantly disconnects the engine from the drivetrain, stopping the retarder's braking force from reaching the drive wheels.
3
Evaluate the instructions regarding steering and service brakes
Steering in the desired direction and avoiding service brakes are verified as correct.
Applying the service brakes would further lock the wheels and exacerbate the skid, while counter-steering realigns the tractor with the trailer.

Key Concept

Drive-Wheel Skid Recovery and Retarder Management
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