New Jersey Air Brakes Practice Test

What action might cause the brake drums to overheat?

1. Gentle braking during long descents

2. Frequent hard braking

3. Constantly riding the brakes

4. All of the above

The correct answer is: All of the above

Overheating of brake drums can occur for several reasons, and one significant cause is the continuous application of the brakes during driving. When brakes are applied, friction is generated, which converts kinetic energy into heat. Gentle braking during long descents might seem manageable; however, if a driver does this consistently without allowing the brakes to cool, it could contribute to overheating. Frequent hard braking generates a considerable amount of heat quickly due to the significant force applied in a short timeframe, which can lead to excessive temperature increases in the drum brakes. Riding the brakes, which involves keeping pressure on the brake pedal either partially or fully while driving, creates sustained friction, causing the brakes to heat up continuously without adequate cooling periods. This action is particularly detrimental on long downhill stretches where the brakes are consistently engaged to control speed. Thus, all these actions, whether gentle, hard, or continuously applied pressure, can lead to overheated brake drums, making it essential for drivers to use braking techniques that minimize this risk.