Commercial Driver License (CDL) Class B Practice Test

What should you do after crossing through water to ensure your brakes are dry?

1. Maintain light pressure on brakes to heat and dry them

2. Stop immediately to check brake function

3. Drive normally without adjusting speed

4. Leave brakes unused until they feel normal

The correct answer is: Maintain light pressure on brakes to heat and dry them

Maintaining light pressure on the brakes after crossing through water is the correct approach to ensure they are dry. This technique allows for the heat generated by the friction between the brake pads and rotors to help evaporate any moisture that may have accumulated. When brakes get wet, they can lose effectiveness, leading to longer stopping distances or even brake failure. By applying light pressure, you also help keep the brake components working optimally, which assists in preventing them from rusting and ensures that they will respond properly when needed. Stopping immediately to check brake function or driving normally without adjusting speed can be risky, as both do not address the potential for slippage or reduced braking power after wet conditions. Leaving brakes unused until they feel normal could result in a dangerous situation if immediate braking is required. Therefore, applying light pressure is the most proactive and effective method for maintaining brake safety after driving through water.