Proper use of brakes

raceman · Oct 28, 2004

This may be better suited for the newbies area but based on recent topics, I am guessing a lot of newbies are reading this area as well. If you want to move it I understand. Today was the last straw for me. I have to speak out. I have noticed many folks in staright trucks do not seem to know how to brake properly for fuel savings and more importantly, safety. I was behind two different trucks today and both times they just cost me my speed but if they are braking like this all the time, or in mountains they could actually get killed. DO NOT RIDE YOUR BRAKES DOWN SMALL DECLINES AND MORE IMPORTANTLY GOING DOWN A MOUNTAIN. I am guessing many of the younger folks have been through driving school and if so they should have taught you stab braking. Don't ride those brakes they will glaze and you will be done for if it happens on a mountain side. Please forgive me I am not attacking anyone. I am just pointing out the need to use your brakes correctly. You will save yourself a little fuel money too but you may save your life. Be careful and if unsure ask someone to remind you how to use them. Stay safe.

raceman

Lawrence · Oct 28, 2004

Very good topic. This needs to be discussed.

Lawrence,
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Glen Rice · Oct 28, 2004

Point taken! Safety first...Always

redytrk · Oct 28, 2004

Engine brakes are a good investment.We trade trucks at about 350,000 mi and have never had to have brakes relined.

Broompilot · Oct 29, 2004

From a Newbee, It was very clearly written in the N.C. CLD book I had to study. Remembered it and understood it. I am amazed how many trucks going down Fancy Gap or Wythville VA doing 75-80 with brake lights on entire time, and the smell of brakes. I will stay to right stabbing my brakes. Just wanted to comment some of us do comprehend what we read.

NoProblem · Oct 30, 2004

Good topic!

I have seen trucks have to make an emergency stop on the shoulder with smoke billowing from the brakes - never safe and always happens because of one reason - riding the brakes because they are trying to run too fast down a mountain grade.

Another point to consider on this subject is going down hill in winter.

Slow down before you get to the grade and don't be afraid to use your flashers before the grade as well as on the way down.

Use the CB to warn super truckers behind you in plain english your direction, location, and intentions and let them pass if they choose.

Stabbing the brakes must be done with extra caution in winter, especially around curves - stab BEFORE the curve, not in the curve. Bridges in a curve are flat out dangerous in winter and warrant additional caution.

Let those super truckers who wish to pass do so - just hope ya don't see them on their side a mile or two up the road - as I have on 6 separate occasions after I was passed on slick mountain roads.....I guarantee they were no longer in a big rush after that experience.

#1 Rule to always live by is "If you don't know, GO SLOW....or don't even go."

X1_SRH · Oct 30, 2004

No Problem, Excellent post. I commend Raceman for bringing up "stab" braking. Anyone not familiar with this term needs to rush right down to the local BMV and pick up a copy of the cdl test book. A large number of drivers don't totally comprehend just how brakes really work. In the mountains an engine brake is your best friend - right along with common sense. Excellent advice from everyone, Thanks - X

Jimmy · Oct 31, 2004

Hey,
Broompilot, I read your post & couldn't agree with you more!!!
How often do you smell their brakes coming of that little hill.
I don't have a "jake" but I use engine compression to slow me down,
sometime too much about mile marker 3.
Now this is just jimmy's opinion & ya'all know what that's like....LOl
But going north or south on I-77 if you are careful safe & watchful of your surroundings you shouldn't have to use your brakes except going into the toll booths or the scale houses. Said my peace.
And anyway if they really want to try one try cabbage patch with 11,500 in the box!!!!LOL.
Jimmy

ATeam · Oct 31, 2004

As a driver with a class B CDL, 14 months on the road, and no formal truck driving training, I'm not surprised by the post, but am surprised by the burning brakes we see out there; both on straight trucks and big rigs.

My wife and I saw it stated plainly in our Minneosta state-issued CDL study guides (issued free of charge). Questions about it appeared on our written tests. Stab braking was described and emphasized. Until we got out on the road, we knew of no other downhill braking technique.

Then we met a handfull of experienced drivers, some with over 10 years behind the wheel that told us brakes are designed to be ridden steady down hill and that's the way to do it. Where do they get that from? They couldn't be more wrong.

We've also met expediters in straight trucks that don't have Jake brakes. As one driver put it, "I'm Jake!" Those folks have their hands full in the mountains. I can't imagine buying an over-the-road truck new or used that is not equipped with an engine brake.

We've driven three different trucks in our 14 months, all with engine brakes and auto-shift transmissions. With that configuration, we can ride down the steepest grades barely touching the brakes. Instead we drop a gear or two to raise the revs and let the engine brake to its thing. Its a great comfort to know our brakes are cool and at the ready if we really need to use them.

raceman · Oct 31, 2004

A-Team. If you talked to truckers that told you brakes were designed for riding downhill, they were doing one of two things. Being and idiot or assuming they were talking to an idiot. Many big rig drivers tend to talk to new folk or even expediters like they or we are idiots. It is like being in the AirForce and having a mechanic tell you to go GET him 5 gallons of rotorwash. DON'T RIDE YOUR BRAKES OR YOU WILL SEE THE LORD LONG BEFORE THE LORD WANTS TO SEE YOU.

raceman

redytrk · Oct 31, 2004

The controversity over "Stab vs Constant" braking is prob due to the old school of driver training.In 1988 when I trained with Schnieder National,stab braking was forbidden.It was explained that keeping the brake shoes in constant contact prevented oxygen fron entering the space therfore a fire could not develop. In more recent years this has been proven to be false.Prob due to the fact that a large number of drivers refuse to gear down and reduce speed.
I am sure there are still many drivers out there driving by the "Old School"

TWO CENTS WORTH...(my change please)

jasonsprouse · Nov 2, 2004

>The controversity over "Stab vs Constant" braking is prob
>due to the old school of driver training.In 1988 when I
>trained with Schnieder National,stab braking was
>forbidden.It was explained that keeping the brake shoes in
>constant contact prevented oxygen fron entering the space
>therfore a fire could not develop. In more recent years this
>has been proven to be false.Prob due to the fact that a
>large number of drivers refuse to gear down and reduce
>speed.
>I am sure there are still many drivers out there driving by
>the "Old School"
>
>TWO CENTS WORTH...(my change please)

Oh boy. Taking what you learn in Schneider school on the road can be hazardous to your health! I still remember going around and around the driveway in Green Bay, then the next day venturing out bobtail into the industrial parkway.

I once followed a rig going down a hill with smoke billowing from all axles.... I was waiting for him to start speeding up as his brakes went out. Simply pulling off and stopping, then starting again in a low gear is the safest way to handle it. Downshifting going downhill can be fatal. If you miss the shift, it may not go back in. Especially if the engine is already up against the rev limiter.

ATeam · Nov 5, 2004

Thanks for bringing light to the two schools of thought on braking and how two opinions came into play over the years.

Tennesseahawk · Nov 5, 2004

Wow, this is a good post!
Here's something I've done, and it's worked every time.
At 65 or so, put on the cruise and head on downhill.
All the way down Jellicho Mtn. (I-75 @ KY/TN border) the truck never got above 68. Never had to use the brakes.

T-Hawk