In what road conditions is the technique of engine braking particularly recommended when driving an agricultural tractor?
Show the correct answer
Correct answer
A. On a slippery surface.
Explanation
The question is about the conditions in which the technique of engine braking is particularly recommended when driving a tractor. It is most useful on a slippery surface - answer A.
Engine braking slows the wheels down gently and evenly, without the sudden jump in braking force that you can easily cause with the pedal. On a slippery surface, pressing the brake hard locks the wheels, and a tractor with locked wheels slides and stops responding to the steering wheel. By braking with the engine, you reduce this risk, and you support it with the service brake only gently. You shift down smoothly, without jerks, because a sudden downshift on ice can also make the wheels skid. Engine braking is also useful in the mountains, but the word "only" makes answers B and C wrong.
Legal basis: Art. 19 para. 1 of the Road Traffic Act (Prawo o ruchu drogowym)