How can you avoid the effects of wet brakes?

Maintaining light pressure on the brakes after crossing water is the best approach to avoid the effects of wet brakes. When you drive through water, your brake components can become wet and less effective. By applying light pressure on the brakes, you can help dry out the brake pads and drums or rotors. This action minimizes the risk of brake failure and ensures that your braking system continues to function effectively as you drive.

This technique not only helps keep the brakes responsive but also prevents the accumulation of water on the brake surfaces, which could lead to longer stopping distances or the brakes feeling "spongy." It's an important practice for safely managing braking in wet conditions, ensuring that the vehicle retains control and safety while reducing the potential for a dangerous situation.

The other options do not provide effective strategies for dealing with wet brakes. Speeding up through the water could lead to loss of control or hydroplaning. Firmly applying the brakes while in wet conditions can actually exacerbate the problem by increasing the risk of skidding. Ignoring wet conditions completely can be hazardous, as it may lead to unexpected braking issues or accidents. Understanding how to manage brake function in wet environments is crucial for any driver, especially in commercial driving scenarios.