DD15 Operator Guide – Driving On Wet or Slippery Pavement

Driving On Wet or Slippery Pavement

Do not attempt to use the engine brake system on wet or slippery roads until you have some experience with it on dry pavement. ‪

LOSS OF VEHICLE CONTROL ‪

To avoid injury from loss of vehicle control, do not activate the Engine Brake system under the following conditions:‪ On wet or slippery pavement, unless the vehicle is equipped with ABS (anti-lock braking system) and you have had prior experience driving under these conditions. When driving without a trailer (bobtailing) or pulling an empty trailer. If the tractor drive wheels begin to lock or there is fishtail motion after the Engine Brake is activated, deactivate the brake system immediately if this occurs.

Note: On single trailers or combinations, a light air application of the trailer brakes may be desirable to help keep the trailer stretched out. Follow the manufacturer’s recommended operating procedure when using your trailer brakes.

On wet or slippery pavement, start with the master switch in the OFF position and use the gear you would normally use under these conditions.‪

If the vehicle is maintaining traction, place the selective braking switch in the LOW position and turn ON the engine brake system. If the drive wheels are maintaining traction and you desire greater slowing power, move the braking switch to the next highest position.‪

However, if the tractor drive wheels begin to lock or there is a fishtail motion, turn the engine brake system OFF immediately and do not activate it until road conditions improve.
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Check your progressive braking switch often for proper position, since road conditions can change quickly. Never skip a step when operating the progressive braking system. Always go from OFF to LOW and then to a higher position.‪