If brakes get wet in heavy rain, what hazard can occur when applying brakes?

If brakes get wet in heavy rain, what hazard can occur when applying brakes?

• A. Trailer jackknife
• B. Brake fade
• C. Wheel lock
• D. ABS activation

Answer: (A)

Wet brakes reduce the friction between the brake shoes/discs and the wheel, so when you press the pedal firmly, the wheels can lock up. A locked wheel can’t roll, and you lose steering control, which leads to a skid and a longer stopping distance in wet conditions. That’s why in rain you should apply brakes gradually and allow extra following distance; if your vehicle has ABS, you’ll feel the pedal pulse as the system modulates braking to prevent lock. The idea of a trailer jackknife isn’t the typical risk here unless you’re towing a trailer, and ABS activation isn’t a hazard—it's the safety feature kicking in to prevent wheel lock.

Wet brakes reduce the friction between the brake shoes/discs and the wheel, so when you press the pedal firmly, the wheels can lock up. A locked wheel can’t roll, and you lose steering control, which leads to a skid and a longer stopping distance in wet conditions. That’s why in rain you should apply brakes gradually and allow extra following distance; if your vehicle has ABS, you’ll feel the pedal pulse as the system modulates braking to prevent lock. The idea of a trailer jackknife isn’t the typical risk here unless you’re towing a trailer, and ABS activation isn’t a hazard—it's the safety feature kicking in to prevent wheel lock.