Operating on Wet Slippery Pavement

Operating on Wet Slippery Pavement - Gen 5 DD15 - Ops - #7628

Experience with the engine brake system on dry pavement is recommended before attempting to use it on wet or slippery roads.

Operate the engine brake system on wet or slippery pavement as follows:

  1. On wet or slippery pavement, start with the status in the OFF position and use the gear that would normally be used under these conditions.
  2. Caution: 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 the trailer brakes.
  3. If the vehicle is maintaining traction, turn ON the engine brakes to the LOW position. If the drive wheels are maintaining traction and greater slowing power is desired, move the braking position to the next highest position.
  4. If the vehicle 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.
  5. Check the engine brake status often for proper position (LOW/MED/HIGH) since road conditions can change quickly. Never skip a step when operating the engine brake system. Always go from OFF to LOW and then to a higher position.
Note:
Document Number: 0000009822
Manual Publication Date: 2024-01-03
Topic Publication Date: 2023-12-10