When you brake hard on slippery surfaces in a vehicle without ABS, your wheels may lock up. When your steering wheels lock up, you lose steering control. When your other wheels lock up, you may skid, jackknife, or even spin the vehicle.
ABS helps you avoid wheel lock-up and maintain control. You may or may not stop faster with ABS, but you should be able to steer around an obstacle while braking and avoid skids caused by over braking.

2.18.5 – ABS on the Tractor Only or Only on the Trailer

Having ABS on only the tractor, only the trailer, or even on only one axle still gives you more control over the vehicle during braking. Brake normally.
When only the tractor has ABS, you should be able to maintain steering control and there is less chance of jackknifing. But keep your eye on the trailer and let up on the brakes (if you can safely do so) if it begins to swing out.
When only the trailer has ABS, the trailer is less likely to swing out, but if you lose steering control or start a tractor jackknife, let up on the brakes (if you can safely do so) until you regain control.

2.18.6 – Braking with ABS

When you drive a vehicle with ABS, you should brake as you always have. In other words:

Use only the braking force necessary to stop safely and stay in control.
Brake the same way, regardless of whether you have ABS on the bus, tractor, trailer, or both.
As you slow down, monitor your tractor and trailer and back off the brakes (if it is safe to do so) to stay in control.
There is only one exception to this procedure. If you drive a straight truck or combination with working ABS on all axles, in an emergency stop, you can fully apply the brakes.

Multiple-Choice Questions:

Question #160 (1 of 4)

Report This Question

Give a brief explanation of the problem:

Optional: Leave your email address if you would like a reply:

Report Cancel

Which of the following are true about ABS systems?

ABS will help the wheels lock up under hard braking, allowing you to stop faster with ABS, but you will not be able to steer around an obstacle while braking or avoid skids caused by over braking.
ABS will sometimes cause wheel lock-up under hard braking but will help you maintain control, even during a jackknife. You may or may not be able to stop faster with ABS, but you can put more air pressure into the braking system to help you lock up the tires.
ABS helps you avoid wheel lock-up but can compromise your ability to control the vehicle. You will certainly stop faster with ABS, but only in a straight line. You will not be able to steer while under heavy braking.
ABS helps you avoid wheel lock-up and maintain control. You may or may not be able to stop faster with ABS, but you should be able to steer around an obstacle while braking and avoid skids caused by over braking.

Click here to look up the answer

ABS helps you avoid wheel lock-up and maintain control. You may or may not be able to stop faster with ABS, but you should be able to steer around an obstacle while braking and avoid skids caused by over braking.

Question #163 (2 of 4)

Report This Question

Give a brief explanation of the problem:

Optional: Leave your email address if you would like a reply:

Report Cancel

When you drive a vehicle with ABS, you should brake as you always have. There is only one exception to this procedure:

If you drive a straight truck or combination vehicle with working ABS on the trailer only, you must only use controlled braking and never try stab braking
If you drive a straight truck or combination with working ABS on all axles, in an emergency stop, you can only apply the brakes fully on slick roads. Doing so on dry roads will lock up the tires.
If you drive a combination vehicle with working ABS on the tractor only, make sure you use stab braking only
If you drive a straight truck or combination with working ABS on all axles, in an emergency stop, you can fully apply the brakes.

Click here to look up the answer

There is only one exception to this procedure. If you drive a straight truck or combination with working ABS on all axles, in an emergency stop, you can fully apply the brakes.

Previous Next

Question #162 (3 of 4)

Report This Question

Give a brief explanation of the problem:

Optional: Leave your email address if you would like a reply:

Report Cancel

Which of the following is true about having ABS on only the tractor, only on the trailer, or only on one axle?

Having ABS on only the tractor, only the trailer, or even on only one axle does almost no good whatsoever. You should brake as if you do not have ABS at all.
Having ABS on only the tractor, only the trailer, or even on only one axle still gives you more control over the vehicle during braking, but greatly increases your chances of jackknifing on slick roads if you don't use stab braking
Having ABS on only the tractor, only the trailer, or even on only one axle gives you less control over the vehicle during braking than without any ABS at all. Brake more cautiously than without ABS.
Having ABS on only the tractor, only the trailer, or even on only one axle still gives you more control over the vehicle during braking. Brake normally.

Click here to look up the answer

Having ABS on only the tractor, only the trailer, or even on only one axle still gives you more control over the vehicle during braking. Brake normally.

Previous Next

Question #161 (4 of 4)

Report This Question

Give a brief explanation of the problem:

Optional: Leave your email address if you would like a reply:

Report Cancel

What is the primary reason ABS was invented?

To lock the steering in a straight line during hard braking, preventing a possible jackknife
To help you avoid wheel lock-up during hard braking and maintain control
To add additional braking force to the system during emergency stops
To apply enough braking force to lock up the tires when needed

Click here to look up the answer

Previous Next

Complete!

You can Return To The Table Of Contents

Go To The Dashboard

Why Join Trucking Truth?

We have an awesome set of tools that will help you understand the trucking industry and prepare for a great start to your trucking career. Not only that, but everything we offer here at TruckingTruth is 100% free - no strings attached! Sign up now and get instant access to our member's section:

The High Road Training Program
The High Road Article Series
The Friendliest Trucker's Forum Ever!
Email Updates When New Articles Are Posted

Apply For Paid CDL Training Through TruckingTruth

Did you know you can fill out one quick form here on TruckingTruth and apply to several companies at once for paid CDL training? Seriously! The application only takes one minute. You will speak with recruiters today. There is no obligation whatsoever. Learn more and apply here: