How should you test the service brakes of a truck-tractor?

Testing the service brakes of a truck-tractor is crucial for ensuring safety on the road. Driving forward slowly and stopping is the most appropriate method for several reasons.

When you drive forward slowly and apply the brakes, it allows you to assess the braking response without excessive risk. This method helps to identify any immediate issues like strange noises, delayed braking response, or uneven braking that could indicate problems with the brake system. It also provides a controlled environment to observe how the truck-tractor reacts when the brakes are applied, ensuring you maintain safety for yourself and others around you.

In contrast, driving in reverse quickly and stopping can lead to complicated handling due to the vehicle's dynamics, making it difficult to accurately evaluate brake performance. Braking suddenly from high speed poses a significant risk of losing control and can provoke tire skidding or other dangerous reactions, which does not effectively test the brakes under normal operating conditions. Performing an air brake check is an essential maintenance step, but it does not replace the necessity of physically testing the service brakes on the road, as it does not account for factors such as road conditions and vehicle load.

Testing brakes while driving forward slowly embodies a standard practice that combines safety and efficiency in evaluating brake functionality.