What can happen if a truck and trailer are continuously braked with the service brakes on a long downhill slope?

When trucks and trailers descend a long slope, using only the service brakes can lead to overheating. This overheating causes the wheel brakes to lose effectiveness, which is dangerous for maintaining control of the vehicle. In addition, continuous use of the service brakes means that the air supply to the brake system may not be sufficiently replenished, leading to potential brake failure. Lastly, relying solely on service brakes can also reduce the effectiveness of the retarder, which helps in controlling speed without overheating the braking system.

In German traffic regulations, it is crucial to understand the dynamics of braking systems to ensure safety on downhill slopes. Proper use of both service brakes and auxiliary systems, like the retarder, is essential to maintain vehicle control and prevent accidents.