Georgia Commercial Driver License Practice Test

What happens when you overuse your service brakes?

1. The brakes become more effective

2. The brakes cool down

3. The brakes overheat

4. The brakes become lighter

The correct answer is: The brakes overheat

When service brakes are overused, they generate excessive heat due to the friction created during braking. This heat causes the brakes to overheat, which can lead to several issues affecting their performance. An overheated braking system can result in brake fade, where the braking power diminishes, making it harder to stop the vehicle effectively. Additionally, overheating can cause damage to the brake components, such as warping brake drums or rotors, which jeopardizes vehicle safety. The other options do not accurately describe the implications of overusing the service brakes. For instance, while the brakes might seem to become more effective momentarily during use, over time, especially with excessive use, their effectiveness actually diminishes due to heat buildup. Cooling down occurs when the brakes are not used, rather than as a result of overuse. Lastly, the brakes do not become lighter with overuse; any reduction in braking effectiveness would not correlate to a reduction in their overall weight.