Examkin

Question

Difficulty: HardWinter Driving, Snow, and Black Ice

During winter driving conditions, vehicle assistance features interact differently with slippery road surfaces. Which of the following best explains why drivers should avoid using cruise control on snow-covered, wet, or icy roadways?

  1. If the drive wheels lose traction on ice, the cruise control system may automatically increase engine power to maintain speed, triggering a severe skid.Answer
  2. B
    Activating cruise control automatically disables the vehicle's anti-lock braking system (ABS), preventing emergency stopping capability.
  3. C
    Cruise control forces the engine to downshift into first gear on slippery surfaces, creating excessive engine braking torque that locks the wheels.
  4. D
    Using cruise control locks the steering column into a straight alignment, preventing the driver from steering into a skid.

Answer

Cruise control should never be used on icy, snowy, or slippery roads because if the vehicle loses traction, the system will attempt to maintain the set speed by accelerating, causing the drive wheels to spin rapidly and leading to a loss of vehicle control.
Cruise control maintains a constant speed by automatically adjusting engine throttle. On icy or snow-packed roads, if the drive wheels lose traction, the system senses a drop in vehicle speed and responds by opening the throttle to accelerate. This sudden application of engine power causes the drive wheels to spin rapidly, eliminating remaining traction and causing a sudden skid.

Step-by-Step Solution

1
Analyze how cruise control operates on dry versus slippery surfaces.
Cruise control maintains a set speed by automatically adjusting engine throttle.
Understanding the mechanical operation of cruise control explains its automated response to speed drops.
2
Evaluate the system's reaction when tires encounter snow or black ice.
Traction loss causes wheel slippage, prompting the cruise control system to detect speed reduction and open the throttle further.
Applying additional throttle to tires without traction causes drive wheels to spin wildly, eliminating vehicle stability.
3
Identify the correct preventative winter driving technique.
Drivers must manually manage speed and throttle in winter conditions by keeping cruise control turned off.
Manual control allows immediate easing off the accelerator at the first sign of surface slipperiness.

Key Concept

Hazards of Automated Speed Control on Winter Roadways
Estimated Time:1m 30s
Rate this question

Topics

Winter Driving, Snow, and Black Ice

More questions from this topic