If you must stop on the side of the road, make sure to use your four-way emergency flashers. This is particularly important at night.

While driving downhill, you should hold down the brake pedal until your vehicle reaches a speed 5 mph below your safe speed, then release the brake pedal. Repeat this process.

There should be at least 4/32 of an inch of tread depth in every major groove on front tires and 2/32 of an inch on other tires. Valve stems should not be cut or cracked. Tire sizes should not be mismatched.

It is essential that your low pressure warning light functions properly. After allowing the system to charge, you can test the warning signal by rapidly applying and releasing the brake pedal. This will release air from the braking system and the warning signal should come on when pressure drops to a dangerous level.

If you are not sure which kind of extinguisher should be used on a fire in your vehicle, particularly a hazardous materials fire, you should wait for the firefighters to arrive and allow them to extinguish it.

Braking after a tire fails can result in a loss of control. Stay off your brakes, if possible, until your vehicle has slowed considerably.

Landing gear, or trailer supports, should always be completely raised before a vehicle is driven. Landing gear that is not entirely raised could catch on railroad tracks or other hazards on the roadway.

Federal and state laws require drivers to inspect their vehicles before every trip, regardless of length.

In some emergencies, the best strategy for avoiding a hazard may be to drive onto the shoulder. Most shoulders are strong enough to support the weight of a large vehicle.

Backing is always dangerous and should be avoided whenever possible. When parking, you should seek a space that allows you to pull forward when exiting. Try not to park near smaller vehicles to help you avoid maneuvering issues.

It is best to avoid driving through large puddles or moving water. If there is no way to avoid driving through water, you should slow down, shift into a low gear, and gently apply the brakes. Pressing linings against the brake drums or discs will keep water, mud, silt, and sand from getting inside the brake mechanisms.

The heavier a vehicle is, the more the brakes will need to work to bring the vehicle to a complete stop.

When inspecting the convertor dolly, ensure that all components are present and in proper working condition. Be sure to check the upper and lower fifth wheel, the air lines, and the electric lines. The air lines should be securely attached to the proper glad hands and should not contain any leaks. They should be attached with enough slack to allow easy turning.

Drum brakes are attached to the wheels and located on the axles of a vehicle. The braking mechanisms that cause the vehicle to stop can be found inside of a drum brake.

Splitting driving responsibilities with a second driver lowers the chance that either of you will drive while fatigued. You can also reduce the risk of fatigue by avoiding heavy foods and keeping the interior of the cab cool.

The safety relief valve in an air brake system releases air if necessary to prevent pressure in the system from becoming too high. If the valve starts releasing air, there is something wrong. Have a mechanic fix the problem.

Rough acceleration can cause mechanical damage, so be sure to accelerate smoothly and gradually.

You should not brake while making a quick turn to avoid a hazard. Doing so could cause your wheels to lock and make your vehicle skid out of control.

Most heavy vehicles with manual transmissions require double clutching to shift gears. Learning to effectively change gears by double clutching takes practice.

Aggressive driving is defined as operating a motor vehicle in a selfish, bold, or pushy manner. Road rage is defined as operating a motor vehicle with the intent of doing harm to others, or the intent of physically assaulting another driver or their vehicle.