Vehicle Movement and Braking Systems

Vehicle Movement and Control

• Key to all vehicle movement: Steering, Braking, Accelerating, Condition, and Inflation
• Tire components: Tread, Shoulder, Inner Plies, Sidewall, and Bead

Tires - Condition

• No cuts that expose cords
• No bulges on the sidewall indicating cord separation
• Front tires are not re-grooved or recapped
• Front tires are not mismatched

Tires - Inflation

• Improper inflation increases stress on the tire
• Improper inflation reduces performance in emergency handling
• Improper inflation increases wear and resistance to rolling, creating heat
• Check for obvious flatness, leaks, and abnormal bulging
• Measure tire pressure against manufacturer's recommendations

Tires - Depth

• Insufficient tread depth increases stopping distance
• Insufficient tread depth reduces steering performance
• Insufficient tread depth fails to channel rain and snow from beneath the tread, leading to hydroplaning
• DOT minimum tread depths: 4/32 inch for steering axles and 2/32 inch for other axles
• Check tread depth in multiple areas and grooves

Tires - Depth Measurement

• Use a quarter to measure tread depth on steering axles (George Washington's head should be below the tread surface)
• Use a penny to measure tread depth on non-steering axles (Abraham Lincoln's head should be below the tread surface)

Other Considerations

• Steering tires: Check tread patterns match from side to side, and they are the same size and type

Pre-trip Inspections

• Identify major vehicle systems and their component parts
• Determine methods and requirements for pre-trip inspection of vehicle systems
• Define maintenance requirements for vehicle systems

Objectives

• Identify major vehicle systems and their component parts
• Determine methods and requirements for pre-trip inspection of vehicle systems
• Define maintenance requirements for vehicle systems
• Review MCFRS out-of-service criteria for fire department apparatus
• Review defect reporting and resources for apparatus operators

Motivation

• Correctly identify defects and write accurate defect reports
• Determine and differentiate between normal, monitoring, and out-of-service conditions
• Identify critical safety issues before they cause injury or damage

Definitions

• Leakage: Class 1 (seepage), Class 2 (leakage forming drops), Class 3 (leakage with dripping drops)
• Operational Test: A test to determine the operational readiness of a component on a fire apparatus

This quiz covers the fundamentals of vehicle movement, including braking systems, steering, and acceleration. It also touches on suspension and tire components.