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Vehicle Operations & Maintenance Flashcards

7 cards from real CDT practice questions. Tap to flip, then mark Knew It or Still Learning — missed cards come back until you master them.

Read the first 7 Vehicle Operations & Maintenance flashcards as text

  1. What does the 'pushrod travel' measurement indicate during an air brake inspection?

    Answer: The distance a brake chamber pushrod moves when brakes are applied

    Pushrod travel (stroke) measures how far the pushrod extends when brakes are applied; excessive travel indicates out-of-adjustment brakes.

  2. When coupling a semi-trailer to a tractor, the LAST step before moving should be:

    Answer: Tug test — pull forward against locked trailer brakes to confirm coupling

    The tug test confirms the kingpin is properly locked in the fifth wheel jaws before the driver moves the combination vehicle.

  3. What is the purpose of automatic slack adjusters on commercial vehicles?

    Answer: To maintain proper brake adjustment as linings wear

    Automatic slack adjusters continuously maintain the correct distance between the brake lining and drum as linings wear, reducing manual adjustment needs.

  4. A driver smells something burning after a long downhill grade. The MOST likely cause is:

    Answer: Overheated service brakes from excessive use

    A burning smell after a downgrade almost always indicates overheated brake drums and linings from excessive brake use instead of proper engine braking.

  5. Under FMCSA regulations, which defect found during a pre-trip inspection requires the vehicle to be placed Out of Service immediately?

    Answer: A cracked brake drum

    A cracked brake drum is an Out of Service condition per FMCSA regulations because it compromises braking effectiveness and safety.

  6. What is the recommended procedure when a tire blows out on the front axle of a truck?

    Answer: Hold the steering wheel firmly, avoid braking hard, and steer to safety

    Front blowouts can cause sudden loss of steering control; the driver must grip the wheel firmly, avoid hard braking, and allow the vehicle to decelerate while steering to a safe stop.

  7. What does the term 'gross vehicle weight rating' (GVWR) represent?

    Answer: The maximum loaded weight the vehicle is designed to safely operate at

    GVWR is the manufacturer-specified maximum safe operating weight of a single vehicle including its payload, fluids, and occupants.