When do you use the mechanical brake (also called parking brake)?
Show the correct answer
Correct answer
B. Only in the final stage of braking and during a stop.
Explanation
This question is about using the mechanical brake, also called the parking brake. It is used only in the final stage of braking and during a stop - the answer is B.
A tram brakes mainly with the electrodynamic brake, in which the traction motors work as generators. At very low speed, the electrodynamic brake loses its effectiveness, so in the final stage of braking the mechanical brake comes on; it stops the tram and holds it in place during the stop. Using it in all stages of braking (answer A) would lead to rapid wear of the brake linings, and limiting it only to stops (answer C) would not allow the tram to be brought to a complete stop.
Legal basis: Art. 66 para. 1 point 1 of the Road Traffic Act (Prawo o ruchu drogowym)