Example: Coaster Recovered on the Kohat Pass
Illustrative example based on typical jobs. It doesn't describe a specific customer.
- Where
- Indus Highway near the Kohat Tunnel
- Vehicle
- Toyota Coaster (minibus, diesel)
- Service
- Heavy Vehicle Recovery
The situation
In a typical job like this, a loaded Coaster descends towards Kohat and its brakes start to fade from heat. The driver stops in a lay-by with a burning smell from the wheels and does not want to go further.
How a job like this is handled
Stop, chock and clear
The driver applies the parking brake and the crew places wheel chocks on the downhill side. Passengers move well away from the road.
Let the brakes cool
The crew does not pour water on hot brakes, which can crack drums or discs. They wait and check for fluid leaks.
Heavy underlift truck
A Coaster is too heavy and long for a car flatbed. A heavy recovery truck lifts the front axle with an underlift.
Protect the driveline
With the rear wheels on the road, the crew disconnects the propshaft so the gearbox is not turned during the tow.
Tow down at low speed. The recovery truck takes the Coaster down to a workshop in Kohat or Peshawar at a steady low speed, using its own braking and lights.
The outcome
In a job like this the bus comes down the pass under control behind a heavy truck, instead of relying on brakes that have already overheated.
What drivers can learn
- Use a low gear and engine braking on long descents, not just the footbrake.
- If you smell hot brakes, stop in a safe place before they fail.
- Get passengers off and away from the road while you wait.
- Have the brakes inspected before the vehicle carries passengers again.
In a similar situation right now?
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