CDL General Knowledge Practice Test

The primary function of a baffle in a tank is to control the load surge. Baffles are internal partitions or dividers within the tank that help to manage the movement of liquids during transport. When a vehicle turns or stops suddenly, the liquid inside tends to slosh around due to inertia. This movement can create unstable conditions, making the vehicle harder to control and increasing the risk of tipping over. By incorporating baffles, the flow of liquid is disrupted, which minimizes the extent of sloshing and reduces the potential for load surge. This significantly enhances the driver's control over the vehicle, making it safer to operate. The presence of baffles makes cargo handling more stable, especially when transporting large volumes of liquid. Therefore, controlling the load surge is critical for the safe operation of tank vehicles.