As the cold wave sweeps through and the temperature plummets, the road surface becomes slippery, presenting a significant challenge to the driving safety of trucks. One crucial aspect that directly impacts this safety is braking. The question then arises: should truck drivers opt for gentle braking or sudden braking? Which method offers better braking effectiveness while also preventing trucks from skidding and overturning? Today, truck-mounted crane driver Master Li will share the braking experience accumulated by veteran drivers with novice drivers, shedding light on this important matter.
In years past, truck drivers often held a misconception that gentle braking was superior to sudden braking. This was primarily due to the fact that many trucks were not equipped with an ABS (Anti-lock Braking System). However, with the increasing popularity of ABS in trucks, the question of how to brake is no longer a one-sided choice with a definite answer. Whether a truck driver should choose gentle braking or sudden braking now largely depends on whether the vehicle is equipped with ABS.
First and foremost, if the truck you are driving lacks an ABS tire anti-lock system, it is advisable to choose gentle braking as much as possible. When the braking resistance of a tire is excessively large, the tire can lock up. This leads to a situation where the steering wheel becomes stuck and unable to turn, which can easily result in the vehicle losing control. In such cases, gentle braking can effectively prevent the tire from locking up and significantly reduce potential safety hazards. For instance, imagine driving on a slippery road without ABS. If you apply sudden braking, the tires may lock up instantly, causing the truck to skid uncontrollably. This can lead to collisions with other vehicles, obstacles on the road, or even rollovers. On the other hand, by using gentle braking, you gradually slow down the vehicle, allowing the tires to maintain some grip on the road and giving you more control over the steering.
Secondly, if the truck is equipped with an ABS anti-lock system, truck drivers need not be overly 纠结 about choosing between gentle braking and sudden braking. They can simply brake normally while ensuring speed and stability. The working principle of ABS is that when the vehicle is braking, the system automatically controls the braking force applied to the tires. This ensures that the tires do not become completely locked up, thereby preventing rollovers and skidding. No matter how hard you brake suddenly, ABS functions like an automatic mechanism that creates a higher frequency and faster gentle braking for you. This keeps the wheels constantly rolling without locking up. In this context, if your truck is equipped with ABS, choosing gentle braking during driving may seem somewhat redundant. For example, suppose you are driving a truck with ABS and suddenly encounter an obstacle. You can immediately apply the brakes firmly without worrying about the tires locking up. The ABS system will kick in and modulate the braking force to ensure safe stopping.
Novice truck drivers should remember to step on the brake hard when facing an emergency. This is because if the brake is not pressed all the way to the end, ABS will not activate. Only when the brake system detects that the wheels are on the verge of locking up will ABS intervene. In an emergency situation, when stepping on the brake all the way to the end, many novice drivers will feel a rebound of the brake pedal (although it may not be very obvious) and may think that the brake pedal cannot be pressed all the way down. At this time, there is no need to panic. This indicates that the ABS anti-lock system is working to prevent the brakes from locking up and keep the vehicle from getting out of control. For instance, if a novice driver is driving on a busy highway and suddenly a vehicle cuts in front of them. By instinctively stepping on the brake hard, the ABS system will engage and help the driver avoid a collision.
Finally, it should be emphatically pointed out to novice truck drivers that even if your truck is equipped with ABS, it is not omnipotent. ABS will not shorten the braking distance to the maximum extent. It only serves to prevent skidding and overturning caused by tire locking. Therefore, regardless of the vehicle’s configuration, reasonable control of vehicle speed is the key. Truck drivers should keep in mind the following driving braking secrets:
Using engine braking is safer than directly stepping on the brake at any time. The braking effect of the engine is better, and it is more fuel-efficient and less prone to slipping. Engine braking involves downshifting to a lower gear, which uses the engine’s resistance to slow down the vehicle. This method not only reduces the wear on the brakes but also provides a more stable and controlled deceleration. For example, when going down a long slope, instead of relying solely on the brakes, the driver can downshift to a lower gear and let the engine’s resistance slow down the truck. This helps prevent overheating of the brakes and reduces the risk of brake failure.
The ABS system is designed for trucks with normal loads. If your truck is overloaded, the effectiveness of the ABS system will be reduced. When a truck is overloaded, the weight on the tires increases, which can lead to longer braking distances and reduced stability. Even with ABS, the system may not be able to handle the increased load effectively. For instance, an overloaded truck may take longer to stop even with ABS engaged, and there is a higher risk of skidding or overturning. Therefore, it is crucial for truck drivers to ensure that their vehicles are not overloaded to maintain the effectiveness of the ABS system and overall driving safety.
If your vehicle is not equipped with an ABS system, even for safety reasons, do not continuously use gentle braking when going down a long slope. Frequent gentle braking can cause overheating of the brakes and a drop in air pressure, resulting in brake failure. In such cases, it is advisable to slowly step on the brake pedal all the way, quickly shift into a low gear after decelerating, and let the braking force of the engine control the vehicle speed. For example, imagine driving a truck without ABS down a steep mountain road. If you constantly use gentle braking, the brakes may overheat and lose their effectiveness. By using a combination of hard braking to slow down initially and then shifting into a low gear, you can rely on the engine’s braking power to maintain a safe speed and avoid brake failure.
In short, regardless of the braking method used, the ideal state is for the driver to predict in advance while driving and try to avoid using sudden braking as much as possible. According to experimental results, the service life of the brake pads of trucks that frequently use sudden braking will be shortened by half. This not only increases maintenance costs but also poses a safety risk if the brakes fail prematurely.
So, having read this, truck drivers must understand how to brake properly. No single braking method can guarantee absolute driving safety. Remember to drive slowly at low speeds and predict potential hazards in advance. By doing so, you can use the brakes less frequently and have a safe journey. For example, by maintaining a safe following distance and being aware of the road conditions ahead, you can anticipate when to slow down or stop without having to resort to sudden braking. This not only makes your driving experience more comfortable but also reduces the risk of accidents and ensures the safety of yourself and others on the road.
