Georgia Commercial Driver License Practice Test

When brakes get wet, what issues might you experience?

1. Wheel lockups, pulling to the side, or loss of braking power

2. Excessive heat, unusual sounds, or brake fade

3. Soft pedal, hard braking, or low fluid warning

4. Brake noise, vibration, or steering problems

The correct answer is: Wheel lockups, pulling to the side, or loss of braking power

When brakes get wet, you may experience issues such as wheel lockups, pulling to the side, or a loss of braking power. This occurs because moisture can cause the brake pads to lose their effectiveness or create a slippery surface that makes it harder for the pads to grip the brake rotors. When brakes are applied in wet conditions, the water can lead to a temporary reduction in friction until the brake system dries out. In severe cases, this can cause a vehicle to pull to one side due to uneven braking or even lead to wheel lockups if one wheel's brakes are more affected than others, resulting in compromised control. The other options describe issues that are typically associated with different brake malfunctions. For example, excessive heat, unusual sounds, or brake fade relate to prolonged use or overheating of the braking system rather than wet conditions. A soft pedal, hard braking, or low fluid warning usually indicate hydraulic system problems, which are separate from the effects of wet brakes. Lastly, brake noise, vibration, or steering problems could stem from underlying wear and tear or misalignment issues, but these do not specifically connect to the effect of moisture on brakes.