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Driving
Footbrake
If the wheel brakes are used without caution when driving
down steep and long inclines, they will heat up very quickly
to extreme temperatures. As this is normally accompanied
with low speeds, the brakes will not be cooled as efficiently
as on level roads.
Select the same gear when driving downhill on long and
steep inclines as you would when driving uphill. The engine
braking capacity will then be utilized to maximum and the
brakes will be saved. Utilize the exhaust brake/retarder first
when driving downhill with the wheel brakes being used as
supplementary braking (most buses have at least one of
these auxiliary braking systems).
Do not pump the brakes if they are needed when driving
downhill, as this will only use up the compressed air. Brake
just hard enough and then release the pedal completely or
to retarder position. Heat builds up very quickly in the
brakes, causing brake lining wear and reduced brake effi-
ciency.
See the following pages on exhaust brakes and retarder.
Brakes
Select the same gear before driving downhill on long
and steep inclines as you would when driving up the
same hill. The engine braking capacity will then be
utilized to maximum and the brakes will be saved.
Warning!
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