How to Brake Downhill Safely | Air Brakes Smart

Learn how to downhill brake in an air brake equipped vehicle. CDL IN-CAB Air Brake CHECKLIST: www.smartdrivetest.com/cdl-ai... SUBSCRIBE TODAY! ► / smartdrivetest
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0:00 How to Brake Downhill Safely
0:44 Big Truck on Runaway Lane:
1:30 Grade Signs:
2:19 Hamilton Hill-Merritt, BC Canada
2:38 One Gear Lower
2:50 - 13 or 18 Speed Transmission
3:35 Engine Brake
4:02 Heavier Vehicles
4:32 Snubbing
4:51Brake Fade
5:31 Conclusion
REMEMBER: You can go down a hill a 1000 times too slow; but the one time you go too fast...well, you may not be around to tell the story.
Downhill braking is an essential skill for bus, truck & RV drivers. Keep yourself and other road users safe by learning the techniques and skills to get down the hill safely.
Advanced engine technology has reduced drivers' reliance of service brakes. A low gear with the engine brake on full-in most situations-will allow the driver to navigate the hill without using the service brakes.
By correctly interpreting grade signs, a driver will know when to prepare for a downhill braking situation, and make it to the bottom safely.
Good luck on your road test!
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Semi-truck brakes fail and uses emergency runaway truck lane
• Semi-truck brakes fail...
#smartdrivetest #airbrake #downhill
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[@unclebullfrog7319]

Brake fade: another thing to remember, when the linings get really hot there is some type of gas emitted that almost prevents any proper contact between the linings and the drum or discs. This happens also with disc brakes. Ask anyone involved in motorsport: there are special linings used that work best only when hot.

[@smartdrivetest]

Hi Uncle Bullfrog - Apologies for the late response. Thank you for your comment. And you are correct: this is a simplified version of what happens when you overheat the brakes. Disc brakes are just starting to make inroads into the industry so it will be interesting to see how these work in the mountains. All the best, Cheers Rick

[@xraybravo7180]

Can you answer my question please ?

[@AngiesDoingIt]

Because U-Haul rents box trucks to people who drive smart cars. It's an oversized station wagon.

[@jean-lucpicard3012]

@@smartdrivetest I hope they do help, that being said from what I'm told from now experienced drivers when it comes to brake fade you just get faster cooling time after you've lost your brakes. Granted that's anecdotal but it's all I have to go on.

[@shazalimo3250]

You're the life saver. Appreciate the time and effort you put into this to others... Your videos are very helpful and the way you explain things is very simple make me understand. Thank you again 😊

[@prae7068]

Thank you, Dr. August. Great video. Just a quick note, not so much to you but to the DOTs out there: In addition to indicating the grade percentage, please add over which distance that will unfold. We really NEED to know how long the downgrade sustains itself. Dr. August mentions this issue in his video. The information is crucial to know how to prepare for a downgrade. I worry less about a 7% downgrade over two miles than a 5% downgrade over six miles. One more note about emergency escape ramps: IF your brakes fail, once your brakes fail, in a fully loaded truck speed really accelerates rapidly. If you have just passed an emergency escape ramp and the next one is five miles away, boy, are you in trouble. You'll be doing a 100 mph by the time you get there.

[@d3adserious555]

Love your lessons Rick. Your voice keeps me interested in actually want to pay attention. Many other instructors on KZbin, after ten seconds I be pulling the plug. I just can’t! Haha!!! Thank you so much for your time and dedication.

[@smartdrivetest]

Hi Rosanna Sotomayor - Thank you for your comment and compliment. And you are most welcome. If there is anything further we can do, drop us a note. Always happy to help. All the best, Cheers Rick

[@DonHavjuan]

"Watch the rest of this video or you WILL die in a firey inferno" That's a pretty solid hook.

[@SD-bn7zl]

Very informative, thank you

[@smartdrivetest]

Hi Daniel - one of the most important rules of downhill braking - never hold the brakes on for longer than 10 or 20 seconds. Employ short, hard, intermittent brake applications in a big truck. Brake hard enough to bring the diesel engine RPMs down by 3-400. In this way, the air can go over the hubs, and keep the brake cool. If you have any questions, drop us a note. Cheers Rick

[@BalwinderSinghDeol]

These are very useful tips Thanks for sharing

[@smartdrivetest]

Hi Balwinder Deol - Apologies for the late response. Thank you for your comment. If there is anything further we can do, drop us a note. Always happy to help. All the best, Cheers Rick

[@PeterJr1985]

We used to also turn the engine fan on ( our trucks had a switch on/auto) it helps holding back on steep loads.

[@smartdrivetest]

Must have been Peterbilt trucks!! Yes, the engine fan is handy to take some power out of the downhill descent. Thanks for the tip. All the best, Cheers Rick

[@pennywise1003]

5% grade jake break blew out in West Virginia 2022 freight liner cascadia currently on the side of road waiting for a wrecker. Blew white smoke exhaust behind me was scary but I realized it wasn’t the brakes smoking heard a loud pop under the hood and saw the white smoke began stabbing brakes automatic wouldn’t not down shift so I had to just lightly stab brakes until came to bottom of hill to pull over.

[@thundermuffin8421]

Great video

[@smartdrivetest]

Hi Thunder Muffin - Thank you for your comment. We're glad we could help. If there is anything further we can do, drop us a note. Always happy to help. All the best, Cheers Rick

[@providencia94]

Hey Mr. Rick, thank you so much for your videos, I love how clear and interesting they are! I am in MT, my next step is learning to drive on icy and snowy mountain roads, and the use of Jake break is discouraged in such weather. I was wondering if you had a few tips to handle bad weather conditions when going downhill. My manual says stab breaking (break until you are 5mph under the speed limit, then let go, and brake again when you reach the speed limit), but if there are better tips, I'm all ears. Thank you!

[@smartdrivetest]

Hi providencia94 - Thank you for your comment and query. Chains aren't just for going uphill my friend, these are for going downhill too. And if it's slippery you may have to chain up the drive axles on the tractor and throw a single on the trailer to prevent it from coming around. On some steep mountain downgrades, you going to need the jake brake to not experience brake fade. Chains are the only way that you're going to be able to do that safely my friend. Have a look at this video for chains: kzbin.info/www/bejne/aKfGe4iCqLaAiNU&list=PL0x-bChcUvwG2bSWReQWnk9Tm92L7WN_O&index=26 If there is anything further we can do, drop us a note. Always happy to help. All the best, Cheers Rick

[@providencia94]

@@smartdrivetest Seems like there's no way around those darn chains! I hate chaining, like every normal person, but I'll certainly do it if that's the safest thing to do. Thanks for the video you linked to, it's as always very helpful, and I just found you have plenty of information about driving in winter conditions. You're officially my new hero.

[@smartdrivetest]

Hi providencia94 - Thank you for your comment. And you are most welcome. We're happy to hear we could help out. There isn't one CDL driver out there that likes to put chains on, but as you stated, it's a matter of safety - especially in the mountains in the winter. If there is anything further we can do, drop us a note. Always happy to help. All the best, Cheers Rick

[@alichoudhry2013]

Amazing video. I love your videos. Such a knowledgeable video and so much to learn from. thanks ✌🏻

[@zackems]

You're awesome Rick

[@smartdrivetest]

Hi Zack Martyn - you are most welcome my friend. All the best, Cheers Rick

[@zackems]

@@smartdrivetest I'm doing my 1A training and we were shown your video. So far its by far the best one we've watched. The perfect mix of serious techniques and humor. Thanks again!

[@keithjaime7254]

I don't know about snowy conditions but I think muddy conditions pose the same problems when Jake braking down hill. you mentioned that there is a potential to lock the drive wheels, but I think its more a potential to reverse them.

[@smartdrivetest]

Hi Keith - yes, mud too could potentially cause the drive wheels to lock; however, most of the time in mud, you're going to have chains installed, or you're going to be stuck. Big trucks and buses do not do well in mud at all. The tires just aren't designed for such "silliness". 80) But anytime you're on compromised road surfaces it is best to neither use the "engine brake" or the "cruise control". If there is anything further we can do, drop us a note. Always happy to help. All the best, Cheers Rick

[@samivoila]

Can we use the Jake brakes in winter when there's snow?

[@Semajjame5]

Any tips on driving with drum brakes. I just finish training with disc brakes and their going to switch me to drums.

[@jasonmerchant8537]

In a 18 speed sir loaded heavy can I go down in over drive third are over drive four

[@DarleneYoungartist]

I have had a setback. I was not ready to do the mountain run yesterday.I have to practice shifting on hills more. I get flustered downshifting and upshifting on a hill. It's because I'm not certain about how to do it without double clutching. We only use progressive shifting and observing the tack. It seems that everything else is going ok except shifting on hills...which seems to be the most safety related skill.Advice?

[@smartdrivetest]

Hi Darlene - Apologies for the late response. You somehow need to practice the fundamentals of shifting with a load on the trailer. And I'm not certain how you're going to get that experience. I'll send you an email. Thank you for your comment. And you are most welcome. If there is anything further we can do, drop us a note. Always happy to help. All the best, Cheers Rick

[@gardenburger]

By the way , Wade here again , I’m in. Vancouver bc

[@gardenburger]

Hi I am looking to buy a used greyhound/ transport bus to convert to a motorhome and I was wondering if you can suggest a school that I can go to learn more about airbreaks and to take lesson for driving the beast? I appreciate your suggestions and advice. Cheers wade

[@smartdrivetest]

Hi wade gibson - Thank you for your comment and query. What is it you're looking for in terms of driving a larger vehicle? And if you want to learn more about air brakes I have an online self-paced air brake course that you could look into. Were you thinking about getting your air brake endorsement? If there is anything further we can do, drop us a note. Always happy to help. All the best, Cheers Rick

[@lorenap2609]

Do you have a video with this topic for regular cars? Need to understand the difference between using breaks and driving in a lower gear.

[@nataliaburova7637]

Regular cars don’t have air brakes

[@bfry38]

I love the Jake, but sounds dangerous if you are going down a hill when it’s bad weather out. Like Donner pass in Colorado during the winter, especially with the Jake in the high setting.

[@smartdrivetest]

Hi bfry38 - Thank you for your comment. In slippery conditions you're probably going to have to chain up to get down the hill safely because you can't rely on the service brakes. See this video for chaining: kzbin.info/www/bejne/aKfGe4iCqLaAiNU If there is anything further we can do, drop us a note. Always happy to help. All the best, Cheers Rick

[@johncalvo1743]

Donner Pass is in California, Sparky!

[@patana256]

Im your 1K like 😁

[@smartdrivetest]

Hi Hol' Up Niqqa - thank you for your comment. If there is anything further we can do, drop us a note. Always happy to help. All the best, Cheers Rick

[@UndefinedBailiwick]

It's kind of hard to find your videos pertaining to CMV's since they're mixed in with the regular driving lesson videos. Do you think you can make a playlist for your CMV videos? You'll also want to make a section for it on your channel page so it doesn't get buried in the 'created playlists' section that all playlists go to by default. You can get more views by linking relevant playlists at the end of videos.

[@690_5]

I love Hamilton hill. I turn off overdrive and I can comfortably sit at 120 and never go faster. (I have a low to the ground car from the 90s)

[@sikitrucking3251]

Hi,what does it mean illegal jack break use?I saw that sign in Oregon when driving down the hill and was thinking how do I get down without using jake brakes.

[@smartdrivetest]

Hi Fita fitoni - Apologies for the late response. Thank you for your query. If you need to use the Jake brake my friend, then use the Jake. Most modern trucks have quiet jakes. The signs are mostly for those super trucks with straight pipes and a jake brake that would wake the dead! Choose safety my friend. If there is anything further we can do, drop us a note. Always happy to help. All the best, Cheers Rick

[@hectorortega9131]

Lmao,, Lepricons with marshmelows!..

[@clarencevilleneuve1625]

Hi Rick, what do the brake manufactures recommend

[@smartdrivetest]

Hi Clarence Villeneuve - Thank you for your comment and query. Most recommend similar techniques. And today with engine brake technology, if you're in the right gear going down the hill you won't have to use the service brakes at all. If there's anything further we can do, drop us a note. Always happy to help. All the best, Cheers Rick

[@boba.8701]

If my tendom dump truck is loaded 48,000 lb as gross weight, at what gear should I be at the intersection to turn left or right?

[@smartdrivetest]

Hi Bob A. - Thank you for your question. For right turns you'll probably want to be in 3rd, and for left turns it's going to be 4th or 5th gear depending on the size of the intersection. All the best, Cheers Rick

[@JustMe-wc9gf]

What about the automatic trucks? You can’t necessarily downshift before going downhill, so would applying the engine brake be enough to make it safely downhill? I’m referring to a automatic freightliner truck

[@smartdrivetest]

Hi Just Me - you have to put the transmission in manual and downshift my friend. The engine brake cannot hold the truck if you don't downshift the transmission. Drop us a note if we can help further my friend. All the best, Cheers Rick

[@zaidchalabi1599]

awesome stuff i seen a 9% here in usa didnt see 10% before anyone knows if there are any in usa ? usually go down 6th gear in 6% and use 2nd stage in jakes and once speed up a bit, take it to 3rd stage jake and it will drop speed then go back to 2nd stage just keep alternating.....

[@liha1472]

Is this apply to 10 speed too? Im going down hill with my 9th gear on 6% its still a little too fast for me. BTW im a new driver. Thanks

[@kingjames7273]

10% in bc is not the worse some are 18% or more depends where your at.

[@duckduckgaming1120]

So I'll be doing Donner Pass to get Into Sacramento in a few weeks. In all likelihood I'll be In An automatic, air equipped Ryder or Penske truck at around 20-25k GVW. I don't think I've ever been in one of these trucks that had a Jake brake. All they really have is High or low gear. What do you think the safest approach to this hill is going to be?

[@smartdrivetest]

Are you taking a box truck? Cheers Rick

[@ObamaoZedong]

So you have any videos about this subject but for stick shift pickemup trucks?

[@smartdrivetest]

Hi I_Dont_Eat_My_Friends - Thank you for your comment and query. At this juncture, I don't have any for pickup trucks, but if that's you're case, you may want to consider a transmission cooler as you're most likely running an automatic transmission. These generate an incredible amount of heat when downhill braking or climbing, which can cause these to fail. If there is anything further we can do, drop us a note. Always happy to help. All the best, Cheers Rick

[@gedonckers]

@@smartdrivetest Hi Rick, thanks for great videos. How about braking downhill with a car (petrol engine, small city car, like wv polo or ford fiesta). Driving down a mountain on a road that is constantly require turning left or right while going downwards seems quite daunting. Any advice on braking in that situation? Thanks!

[@brettduffy1992]

Is a 10% grade in metric the same as a 10% grade in the states

[@smartdrivetest]

Hi brettduffy19992 - Thank you for your comment and query. Yes, a 10% grade is the same, but in imperial for every 100' feet that you go forward you drop 10' feet. So in one mile, the vertical drop would be 528 ft. If there is anything further we can do, drop us a note. Always happy to help. All the best, Cheers Rick

[@samben6805]

Great 👍 will follow that ,Thancks

[@smartdrivetest]

Hi sam ben - you are most welcome my friend. Drop us a note if we can help further my friend. All the best, Cheers Rick

[@johngibson1439]

Use to love my manual trans, my new truck with auto is so much safer. But I do kinda miss it, gave me something to do...

[@smartdrivetest]

How do you figure your new truck is safer my friend? Cheers Rick

[@Crawlerjamie]

The truck I drive is 18,800 lbs. no jake brake. Auto tranny (freightliner flatdeck). My only options for long hills I guess is downshifting or asking it to downshift. Won't always go unless rpm is in the ok range to drop a gear. And service brakes.

[@smartdrivetest]

Hi PbNTheory - thank you for your comment. Yes, unfortunately, there are still some vehicles that do not have engine brakes to help with downhill braking. It is important, as you noted, to have the transmission in a lower gear before you go down over the top of the hill, because you won't get it downshifted on the hill. And when you're going down the hill, make hard, short intermittent brake applications and bring the speed down 10-15mph. Release the brakes and let it run back up and repeat... If there's anything further we can do, drop us a note. All the best, Cheers Rick

[@whiskeyroast8302]

How come I can’t find any videos for box truck to the air brakes and an automated transmission? We only have to drive 32L

[@smartdrivetest]

These should help my friend: kzbin.info/www/bejne/mn7bmp-Xqbljp9k Drop us a note if we can help further. Cheers Rick

[@freedomishealthy1086]

He has a phd in truck driving? He’s a Doctor of Trucking?

[@mrtruckerful]

What about using the jake brake when it's snow and ice on the road?

[@smartdrivetest]

Hi Charlie a - thank you for your great query. If the temperature is around the freezing point--0°C or 32°F--you're probably going to have to mount chains if you're braking downhill. And you'll probably need to throw a single on the trailer just to prevent it from coming around - being able to read the side of the trailer in the mirror is not a good thing - joking of course. When using the jake brake, think of it like the reverse of cruise control. If it's slippery, you could potentially cause the truck's rear tires to lock up, and I have experienced that - it's rare, but it can happen. If you have further questions, drop us a note. Always, happy to help. All the best, Cheers Rick

[@samivoila]

@@smartdrivetest can you make a video how to drive downhill in snow with an automatic transmission

[@patportelance3757]

Hey there...so my issue is I dont have much driving experience at the moment but when I am coming to a light its green and than turns yellow. How can I make this stop without hammering on the brakes...just looking for some sort of tips or tricks. Only have 2 months experience driving

[@smartdrivetest]

Hi Pat Portelance - Apologies for the late response. Thank you for your comment and query. And this is the video you seek my friend: kzbin.info/www/bejne/oImUZGlsqtmVq7s&list=PL0x-bChcUvwENfxb3Gsaj4ZNLWleZCNzG&index=53 If there is anything further we can do, drop us a note. Always happy to help. All the best, Cheers Rick

[@patportelance3757]

@@smartdrivetest Hi there thanks for your reply....so in your video you mention that we have to try to come to a complete stop...but where would you start determining where the point of no return is and how to proceed safely through the intersection..

[@smartdrivetest]

Hi Pat Portelance - Thank you for your comment and query. This video will answer your question: kzbin.info/www/bejne/oImUZGlsqtmVq7s If there is anything further we can do, drop us a note. Always happy to help. All the best, Cheers Rick

[@kennethadams3055]

Stale green light, downshift and be prepared to stop. Light timing varies some as little as 15 or 20 seconds it seems. Haven't timed them, watch for vehicles on side roads as some lights are on triggers.

[@cqammaz53]

Do the new buses and trucks have sencors in them

[@smartdrivetest]

Hi Carolyn Qammaz PA. - these have sensors in them to tell you when there's low air pressure, but not when the vehicle is experiencing brake fade. Drop us a note if we can help further my friend. All the best, Cheers Rick

[@xraybravo7180]

02:48 what is he saying 13 or 18 speed single digit or tandem tandem ? I drive automatic 12 gears freightliner?

[@Bendigo1]

What he is saying is on a grade of less than 10% when driving a 13 or 18 speed, you want to use 5th gear, it would be about 5th or 6th gear in a 12 spd. Maybe even 4th if the gearing is higher. (Built for speed, not power). Tandem-tandem means a 5 axle truck. Steer, tandem drive axles and tandem trailer axles. Anything with more than 5 axles is going to be heavier so you would want a lower gear.

[@deekshithm7754]

Sir before downhill i brake and lower the gear and go slow is that good whether its motorcycle, car. But my friend told use brake no need to lower gear rely on brake . Which is correct

[@smartdrivetest]

Your friend is correct my friend - just use the brakes in a car or motorcycle. This information applies to pickup trucks towing trailers and CDL vehicle (buses and semi-trucks). Drop us a note if you have further questions. All the best, Cheers Rick

[@deekshithm7754]

@@smartdrivetest But downhill we need press brake hard right. Instead we go in lower gear we can control know any way using brake also . India driving school they say to use lower gear in downhill. Here we use old brakes , old bikes is that reason. Engine braking

[@smartdrivetest]

You are correct my friend. if you have an old vehicle with unreliable brakes, then definitely gear down to descend the hill. However, if the brakes work, use hard, short brake applications to reduce speed 15-20mph (20-25kph). With short, hard brake applications, you won't overheat the brakes my friend. Drop us a note if you have questions. Cheers Rick

[@deekshithm7754]

@@smartdrivetest sir i learned through old vehicle unreliable brake and I use these techniques break as well lower down . Any thing wrong or fail test in your country.

[@nataliaburova7637]

What means “if U r in the right gear” if trucks has automatic transmission? I just slow down to the posted speed limit and a little down

[@smartdrivetest]

You have to select a gear manually with the automatic transmission. What kind of automatic transmission are you driving my friend? Cheers RIck

[@smartdrivetest]

You have to shift down manually in the automatic transmission so it locks into 5th gear. See the owner's manual to figure out how to do that my friend. All the best, Cheers Rick

[@fatcattowing8990]

what about a 10 speed with NO Jake brake (or pac) ?

[@smartdrivetest]

Hi Fatcat Towing - Apologies for the late response. Thank you for your comment and query. If you don't have a jake with a 10-speed transmission you're going to need to be in 2nd or 3rd gear and use snub braking. Ensure that you take in the grade information and know how far it is down the hill my friend. If there is anything further we can do, drop us a note. Always happy to help. All the best, Cheers Rick

[@liha1472]

@@smartdrivetest hi sir. Im going down 6% and 5% hill with 10 speed with jake brake. Which gear is best to be in. Im doing 9th gear but there some part its picking up speed fast. Should i go into 8th gear?

[@cybersaltconsulting]

Have you ever had to use one of those runaway lanes?

[@smartdrivetest]

Fortunately, I've never had to use one of the runaway lanes. Most of the time, if you do a good pre-trip inspection and employ the proper braking techniques downhill, your chances of losing your brakes are greatly reduced. Thanks Tim, Cheers Rick

[@Tornadosigiloso]

Hi Rick, What about 10 gear trucks?

[@smartdrivetest]

Hi Angel Rodriguez - these transmissions have 5 low gears & 5 high gears. For the first couple of hills use 5 low and see how it goes. If the engine retarder is holding you back, then go up to 6. Remember to get in the gear before you start going over the top of the hill. If there’s anything further we can do, drop us a note. Always happy to help. All the best, cheers Rick

[@Tornadosigiloso]

Thank you

[@smartdrivetest]

You are most welcome my friend.

[@annpomo3560]

Can anyone tell me what is , Fan the air brakes and is this safe for down hill

[@smartdrivetest]

Hi Ann Pomo - "fan the brakes" is something you do during testing to drop the air pressure in the system. And NO, it's not something you're going to do when driving the vehicle. See this video: kzbin.info/www/bejne/mn7bmp-Xqbljp9k Drop us a note if we can help further my friend. All the best, Cheers Rick

[@jeffchapman9382]

I don't know if automatics are a good idea driving cross country? Locally probably would be more ideal because you don't have to shift all the time. But when I started to think about downshifting for a grade. I thought man not too sure about automatics? I would prefer a manual.

[@smartdrivetest]

Hi Jeff Chapman - Thank you for your comment. Ya, I'm not sure about automatics either my friend. Especially running in the mountains. I would really, really prefer to have a manual for running hills. And most of the trucks still are manual for the mountains. All the best, Cheers Rick

[@Bendigo1]

They are not as bad as one would think. Most can be manually controlled. Some can only be put into a gear hold mode. It takes getting used to and i really prefer a manual in any condition. But automatics are not really that bad.

[@andrivif]

Would love to bring a hydro-retarder equipped, fully laden Euro-truck over there and go over the top at 90 kph in top gear to see the looks on everybody's faces. Those things slow a 49 metric ton truck down when going down a 10% grade and can hold it back in up to something like 16-18% grade before having to use the service brakes.

[@smartdrivetest]

Hi andrivif - thank you for you comment. Well, I'm going to have to plan a trip to Europe and we can do an interview. I would love to make a video about that awesome technology. As you mentioned, truck technology has advanced, but unfortunately the driver training is still teaching techniques and information from 30 years ago. I'll let you know when I'm coming to Europe. All the best, Cheers Rick

[@tugaman1000]

Caterpillar "Brake saver". Worked great.

[@mehdijunior8416]

Jak brake is old technique in americans truck... In europe i feel relax when i use the rotarder

[@smartdrivetest]

Hi Mehdi Junior - Is your truck fitted with a hydraulic or electric driveline retarder my friend? All the best, Cheers Rick

[@hudsondonnell444]

I get passed by idiots on Fancy Gap and several other places in the Rockies on a regular basis. I'll be crawling down a grade four or five gears down and the crazy people will be blowing by me some in heavier vehicles than mine. Expecting no trouble on a grade is insanity. I don't trust Murphy to ignore me down a grade.

[@wolfdale_3m]

What about fluid retarders? European trucks use them all the time.

[@navjotmahar9307]

Is it safe apply j break in snow?

[@Bendigo1]

If used properly jake brakes can be used is snow. Go slow use low rpms use low jake setting keep your foot over the accelerator so if the drive wheels start to slide you can smoothly press the accelerator to get the weels spinning again. If you are using the jake avoid heavy foot brake application as that can lock the drive tires up because the jake is already slowing them. Do not go full jake at high rpms trying to slow the truck. That is very dangerous in snow or really wet roads. Jake brake should never be used while driving on icy roads or really hard packed snow.

[@ranjitdhaliwal6527]

How to use jake brake in winter in snow in steep hill

[@smartdrivetest]

Hi Ranjit Dhaliwal - if it's really slippery you may have to put a single chain on the trailer. And when you're going down the hill go slow and keep you eyes in the mirrors watching the trailer. If the trailer starts to come around, push on the throttle to shut off the jake, let the truck run a little until the trailer straightens, and then get back on the jake. If it's that slippery my friend, they'll probably close the road. Drop us a note if we can help further. All the best, Cheers Rick

[@ranjitdhaliwal6527]

@@smartdrivetest thank you so much sir really appreciate i will let you know if i need further help

[@smartdrivetest]

🖖

[@wap255]

You have to gear down early,before the hill ,and the trans won’t gain any speed ,bcuz your not in overdrive

[@Zmbiekiller-gn3sc]

I'm sorry that style never worked for me I tried it once ,I started driving before anyone knew what a Jake brake was and the light steady pressure method always worked only smoke was with brand new brakes, walmart safty guy told us your method and I hated the speed up slow down so most of us stayed with the light pressure method,Jakes just made it so we didn't half to come off as slow,great video's though I enjoy total ,oh one thin I ran Canada and the kilometer thing always threw me off, I'm old school dumb lol.

[@smartdrivetest]

Hi XxzombiekillerxX mlg pro - thanks for your comment. Yes, I suspect that technology has changed a lot in your time. I too was surprised by the effectiveness of engine brakes when I went back driving a couple of years ago. Now, if you're in the right gear, the engine brake will hold the truck at a steady speed all the way down the hill. Owing to the fact that trucks are now heavier and the rolling resistance is less, engine brakes are now a must, not an option. And yes, this was the video where I realized I was an international driving instructor and needed to use both imperial and metric measurements. An 8% grade drops 80' feet for every 1000' feet you go forward; or drops 422' feet for every land mile (5,280' ft) forward. 10 kilometres is approximately 6 ½ miles, and 63,500 kilograms on a Super 'B' is 140,000 lbs. And I would need to verify this fact, but grade signs in the United States will have a distance on hills farther than ½ mile. All the best, Cheers Rick

[@dadbod7510]

0.27 what does he mean 'driver air'?

[@smartdrivetest]

Hi swissborg $3moonshot - it's "driver error" my friend. In other words, the driver either wasn't trained properly or the driver picked too high a gear and wasn't using the engine and auxiliary braking systems to do the majority of braking when moving down the the long hill. Drop us a note if we can help further. All the best, Cheers Rick

[@c.thompson9771]

Damned if you do, damaged, or dead if you don't. Bylaws; i.e., .. seems ALL of Calgary, Salmon Arm West, Fruitloops (Kamloops) Hwy East, etc. Any update for the new decade coming in? Thanks for these informative vids!

[@deanchrysler9713]

TF is a kilometer?

[@Zmbiekiller-gn3sc]

I'm sorry wrong wrong I've been driving truck since early 70s before Jakes light steady pressure always worked better I hauled on back woods mountain roads with real steep hills light steady pressure I hauled oversized in 90s same but with a Jake I've never had a problem and don't smoke unless new linings, I just always make sure adjustment is good even some self adjusting brakes don't adjust good enough they gap too far before they adjust

[@smartdrivetest]

Hi XxzombiekillerxX mlg pro - thanks for your comment. You're thinking about that braking technique is in the minority of drivers. And I completely DISAGREE. Modern engine brake technology will hold the unit back if you're in the correct gear. I followed a set of loaded Super Bs down a 10 mile hill at 12% grade and that driver never touched the brakes once. If the brakes are on you're generating heat; if the brakes are generating heat, sooner or later those are going to experience brake fade. All the best, Cheers Rick

[@Zmbiekiller-gn3sc]

Smart Drive Test I agree with the Jake operation it's the stab braking I don't agree with or like but my last truck with walmart the Jake was so good with a load of water you never had to touch the brakes but the what you call snubbing we call stab braking it don't work for me

[@smartdrivetest]

Thanks for your reply. Yes, engine brake technology now is really good. And you're right, not all drivers like snub braking. The thinking behind that braking is that you use the brakes intermittently and then the air has a chance to get over it when the brakes are off and dissipate the heat. But that is all going the way of the do do bird with disc brakes becoming more and more widespread. All the best my friend, Cheers Rick

[@madanimations4607]

XxzombiekillerxX mlg pro k

[@sabrinacordell6290]

The 1970's wasn't before engine brakes. Engine brakes have been around since 1905 and Jacobs started design and development in 1957 for production in 1961

[@Matt_Dagostino]

5th gear sounds like it would be way too low of a gear, especially on an 18 speed

[@JakeArmyRetired]

I go down a 6% in 7th over if I have to slow down I go to 7th direct holds at 60mph in 7th over at 89klbs... 18speed Eton with a Detroit...

[@terrance2405]

Drive slow down the hill, is what I’m getting in short,without all of the complicated talk

[@46GarageUSA]

Wish he'd do an American version

[@douglasbeary7890]

What if your truck doesn't have a Jake brake?

[@smartdrivetest]

Hi Douglas Beary - Thank you for your comment and query. If the truck doesn't have an auxillary brake, than you'll have to gear down even farther. How much weight are you hauling and what kind of vehicle? If there is anything further we can do, drop us a note. Always happy to help. All the best, Cheers Rick

[@douglasbeary7890]

Smart Drive Test I'm a new driver and I drive 2005 (?) International flat bed with 2500 gal water tank + a 35ft tandem trailer with a directional drill (vermeer 36-50) I believe last time it was weighed it grossed out at 76k lbs with a full load.

[@smartdrivetest]

Hi Douglas Beary - Thank you for your reply. It's odd that that year of truck doesn't have a auxiliary brake. If you're going downhill, you're simply going to have to put it in a really low gear and go very slow down the hill when loaded. If there is anything further we can do, drop us a note. Always happy to help. All the best, Cheers Rick

[@MrShuntking]

A little bit of late feedback. Most watching couldn't tell you how long a KM actually is. Instead for say a 6% grade simple say for every 100 feet you drop 6. Second bit. 15 and 18? Who where you talking to to get that info? Drove for 15 years with various companies. Only once did I get put in an 18. Everything else was either 10 or 13. Maybe contact Eaton and ask them what there highest selling unit is for transports. Going to hazard a guess and say 10.

[@smartdrivetest]

Hi MrShuntking - Thank you for your comment. And you are correct my friend. This is one of my early videos and I realized that I had to do both imperial and metric. And yes, in the United States, 9 & 10 speed transmissions are the most popular. Here in Canada and other places in the world, trucks are heavier and these are operating in the mountains - in this location 13 & 18 speed transmissions are more common. If there is anything further we can do, drop us a note. Always happy to help. All the best, Cheers Rick

[@williamthurman9082]

Monteagle in Tennessee is 3 miles long....I think east Bound is worse than west ........ive seen at least 500 Trucks smoking em ....not Good!!!

[@williamthurman9082]

If u feel like ur ina too low Gear ....ur probably in the Right ⚙ gear

[@nathanielbarnes2733]

So low gears going down a 6% like 5th gear

[@williamthurman9082]

Most drivers need to be trained in long down hills They just don't get it........... especially if there heavy

[@JustAThought155]

Here is a question: I live in a very populated area. I often hear Jake brakes on semi’s as they roll through town. Should drivers, professional drivers, use the Jake brake in a city as a means of stopping faster: i.e. using the engine brake to slow the truck down rather than keeping the truck in a low gear? I tend to think that style of driving shows a lack of experience. However, I could be wrong; hence, I ask.😉

[@smartdrivetest]

Hi CT! - Thank you for your question. You are correct my friend. It's sheer laziness on the part of the driver. It's just a switch in the cab - on/off. Always happy to help. All the best, Cheers Rick

[@Bendigo1]

Those drivers are usually just annoying show offs.🤦‍♂️ very rarely does someone need those jake brakes in town to slow down. Maybe if someone cuts them off and they need everything they can to get stopped.

[@JustAThought155]

@Bendigo, Thank you. The drivers that do this are driving in a 30 mph zone. Like...WOW!!! That does not make ANY sense, in my opinion. Why would you even NEED an emergency brake set on in such a slow speed zone? Crazy!

[@Bendigo1]

@@JustAThought155 i doubt that it would really be necessary at that speed. Only if its on a steep hill and a heavy load in a unplanned stop like someone walks out in front of the truck or a car pulls out and stops etc but not something a driver needs to be doing all the time. As i said some drivers just like to show off or be annoying. Most towns and cities have ordinances banning or limiting use of them in city limits.

[@brettduffy1992]

If worst came to worst you could pull your air brakes correct in an emergency

[@smartdrivetest]

Hi brettduffy19992 - Thank you for your comment and query. No, that won't work if you lose your brakes on a downhill. Have a look at this video: kzbin.info/www/bejne/aGekd4ycr5Zne8U&index=14 Brake fade is a failing of all braking systems, not just air brakes. However, due to downhill braking and the weight of larger vehicles, these braking systems are exposed to conditions that could bring about brake fade. If there is anything further we can do, drop us a note. Always happy to help. All the best, Cheers Rick

[@ljn1477]

Cummins engine brakes cut out below 35 mph

[@smartdrivetest]

Hi ljn1477 - Thank you for that information. Is it 35mph, or is it that you're in a high gear and the engine brake cuts out below a certain RPM? I'm asking because I don't know and am clarifying the information. All the best, Cheers Rick

[@ljn1477]

So far on my truck when the speed is below 35 the jakes disengage. Im guessing its to avoid the noise if youre just going through areas that they arent needed. Whoever didnt keep in mind going through steep grades it seems

[@smartdrivetest]

Hi ljn1477 - Thank you for your reply. I suspect you're right my friend. I'm going to ask around and see if I can get some further information. All the best, Cheers Rick

[@reyes967]

Why are you talking in kilometers when in America we use miles, I am just curious?

[@samivoila]

He's in Canada

[@a.h.s5152]

💖💖💖💖💖🦋💕

[@jasongreene7878]

Snubbing or stabbing creates more heat than light steady pressure, and that takes longer to cool. Rub your hand on some carpet....the harder you press, the hotter it gets and you burn your hand. Press lightly- you don't burn yourself and you can keep going as long as you want. Correct gear and jake, follow posted truck speed limits and you don't need to worry about it.

[@smartdrivetest]

HiJason Greene - thanks for your comment. The issue is that we're not talking about carpet and your hand. We're talking about heavy vehicles, often in excess of 100,000lbs (45,000), that generate enormous amounts of heat, even with light brake applications. The technique to proper downhill braking is dissipating that heat, or as you said, not generating that heat in the first place. Short, hard, intermittent brake applications allow more time between brake applications for that heat to be dissipated. New drivers require a technique the works every time. And you are correct: modern retarder technology allows you to get in the correct gear, and the driver rarely has to touch the service brakes, if at all. All the best, Cheers Rick

[@sabrinacordell6290]

Stab braking needs to be more definitive. For example the number of brake applications in a given time or distance. Too many x's and y's being omitted in the equation. The stab technique would be fine if the brakes were only applied oh say twice within two miles ,minutes seconds etc. The perfect procedure is the proper speed and gear selection with no or minimal use of the brakes. To determine the benefits of one method over the other would be to establish a data set from instrumentation mounted on the vehicle's braking system.

[@jerrycoggin9434]

Think of speed as heat or better, kinetic energy. When you use a snub brake technique what you are doing is letting speed build up then converting that speed or kinetic energy into heat and storing that heat in the brakes. Then repeat and convert more speed into heat and put in the brakes. Each time you sharply apply your brakes you are storing more and more heat in your brakes.The brakes may cool some but will actually take hours to cool OFF. If I snub my brakes it is to reduce speed and select a lower gear very carefully. Use left foot braking technique so the right foot can control the fuel. Sometimes I use light steady pressure for control sometimes also. SPEED is key. Double speed, heat is increased square

[@jerrycoggin9434]

Double speed, increase heat EXPONENTIALLY! Couldn't think of the word.

[@ronspring7738]

Its not all about the heat. The reason for snubbing was developed because ALL the brakes may not apply at the same time, due to mechanical issues ( crack pressure of valves, worn components) Snubbing gets a high enough pressure that you are almost always assured of ALL brakes functioning. Rick told you what gear to be in before descending the grade - that IS VITAL info for this technique

[@maddog11ful]

Just saw a semi mangled at the bottom of a pass in the rockys today on I-70. Indeed whoever was in that truck died in a fiery inferno

[@buckeyedarren]

I assume he didn't plough into stopped traffic?

[@williamthurman9082]

Long down hills .....thats Thats what Jake brakes Are for

[@danlam9906]

Are your brakes adjusted? Is the real question…..

[@smartdrivetest]

You are correct my friend. All the best, Cheers Rick

[@djfiestamix]

Sixty meters????? That s not correct.

[@smartdrivetest]

On a 6% grade it's 6'ft per 100ft or 60m per 1000m. All the best, Cheers Rick

[@djfiestamix]

@@smartdrivetest thank you!

[@smartdrivetest]

You are most welcome my friend. All the best, Cheers Rick

[@LiterallyGod]

“Rise over run” means absolutely nothing and makes no sense

[@smartdrivetest]

Hi God - if you have a 6% grade, it means that for every 100' ft that you travel forward (run), the hill drops 6' ft (rise) my friend. The bigger the number on the grade sign, the steeper the hill. Drop us a note if we can help further my friend. All the best, Cheers Rick

[@LiterallyGod]

@@smartdrivetest thanks. But i dont get the nomenclature, you are not running you are driving and its not rising its dropping. Should be “drop under drive”

[@pstpupful]

13 or 18? bullshit. 10 speed is standard

[@smartdrivetest]

Hi David Gentry - thank you for your comment and information. My experience in the industry has been different in regard to transmission. However, companies have told me that 10-speed transmissions get better fuel economy. As well, if they are running a lot on the flat, then it makes sense to have a 10-speed. And for downhill braking, it is the same gear--5th--if you're driving a tandem-tandem with less than 80,000lbs (36,300kg) and on a grade less than 10%. If there's anything further we can do, drop us a note. Always happy to help. All the best, Cheers Rick

[@pstpupful]

Smart Drive Test I've been at this for 40 yrs. and have done alright with the help of some pretty smart old timers, like my dad and 4 uncles. Think I have a handle on what I'm doing. And the only 18 speed trucks in the U.S. are owner operators. Companies are strictly 10 speed or now automatics since most new drivers don't have a clue how to shift.

[@smartdrivetest]

Hi David Gentry - thank you for that information. That helps all the new drivers coming into the industry. If there's anything further we can do, drop us a note. Always happy to help. All the best, Cheers Rick

[@sabrinacordell6290]

Every company in the United States uses ten speeds in it's trucks? Really you checked all of them?

[@VOOODOOO37]

all this metric sht

[@smartdrivetest]

Hey VOODOOO - thanks for your comment & my apologies for my oversight. When next I'm in the States, I'll get a downhill video done in imperial measurements. An 8% grade drops 80' feet for every 1000' feet you go forward; or drops 422' feet for every land mile (5,280' ft) forward. 10 kilometres is approximately 6 ½ miles, and 63,500 kilograms on a Super 'B' is 140,000 lbs. And I would need to verify this fact, but grade signs in the United States will have a distance on hills farther than ½ mile. Thanks Cheers Rick

[@VOOODOOO37]

fair enough! thanks!

[@smartdrivetest]

My pleasure - if there is anything else we can help you with, drop us a note. Thanks Cheers Rick

[@batliff]

Keep in mind that every country in the world uses the metric system except the US.

[@akbychoice]

Makes sense being he is in Canada. Been up and down Hamilton numerous times, rarely see any trucks pull in and check their brakes before descending. Same as in US TN into GA, followed a guy down watching his drums glow red and eventually igniting the tires on fire. DOT was waiting for the driver at the bottom. Luckily no one was killed.

[@tonytony6945]

He is trying to hard to sound super technical...he needs to think about not scaring the rookies,an driver's not from this country

[@smartdrivetest]

What is it that you find scary my friend? With the right questions, I'm sure we can help you out. Cheers Rick

[@shanechristian3144]

Kilometers do not help US drivers

[@jennzifur]

You can Google like everyone else.

[@Fausto_Fauquer]

Why go through all the trouble...just release your emergency braking(drag) parachute and come to a smooth, complete stop with no issues. LOL LOL LOL.🚚🪂😁