The ability to brake well has disappeared in this day and age. With so many cars having an ABS braking system, people simply step on the brake pedal without having to make any adjustments. If you want to know how to brake and stop your car in the shortest possible distance - while keeping it under control, follow the steps below.
Step
Method 1 of 2: On Cars With ABS. System
Step 1. Press the brake pedal firmly and smoothly
If you press the pedals of an ABS system car, you will feel the brakes pulsing under your feet, sometimes loudly. Don't be afraid of this -- it means your brakes are doing their job. Lift the pressure quickly, but not instantly. This method is important to maximize the braking potential of the car. The goal is that you have to stop the tire from turning just at the level of brake traction. However, you should never "press" the brake pedal fully if your car has an ABS braking system.
- The key is to apply the brakes quickly and deeply, while still using the power of your left foot on the footrest to keep your body steady.
- When the speed of the car begins to decrease, you can release the brakes gradually and slowly to achieve maximum efficiency.
Step 2. Do not brake the car while turning it
Turning carefully while braking can indeed help you avoid a collision. However, never turn the steering wheel, as this can cause the vehicle to become out of control. People often do this so as not to run over small animals in the middle of the road, but eventually the car they are driving crashes into a tree or another car. However, in some cases, for example if a child jumps in front of your car, you may have to turn while braking. You'll need to practice this reflex in a safe environment to get used to the reactions of cars. Here are some ways to brake::
- Brake-turning. Turn the wheel into a corner while continuing to apply the brakes slowly. This way, the car will move forward, the front wheels are also embedded into the road, making it easier to control. This is the standard technique, you should always use this technique when turning.
- Trail braking. This method presses the brakes slightly while turning, so that front wheel control can be carried out in the best and safest way possible. You will also get stronger traction on the front wheels.
- Emergency braking. If you need to stop suddenly, don't hesitate to apply the brakes, even when you're making a turn. You have to depress the pedal completely on cars with ABS system. For ordinary cars, press the brakes 70% while slightly releasing the steering wheel.
Step 3. Avoid using the transmission for emergency braking
The transmission system is designed to accelerate the vehicle, not slow it down. The speed point design of the transmission gear is not designed for this. The transmission system in a car is not part of the braking system - unlike a tractor. Tractors have air brakes as well as engine brakes, which is irrelevant on cars. However, you still have to apply engine braking to maintain or reduce speed on long downhill trails.
The heat generated by the car will be absorbed by the engine, then efficiently dissipated by the cooler, radiator and fan, thus preventing the brakes from overheating and being able to brake as effectively as possible
Step 4. Focus on your goal, not what you want to avoid
Staying away from something you're looking directly at is tricky, and many people tend to focus on objects they might bump into. Instead of thinking this way, concentrate on the target area of your car (next to the object) and watch the car's response-whether you're on OSP or locked.
Method 2 of 2: On Cars Without ABS System
Step 1. "Press" the brake
If your car does not have an ABS system, do not step on or apply the brakes. Instead of doing so, press the brake with the sole of your foot to get the car to a stop as quickly as possible. You have to press it down before the wheels start to slip. If it skids, the tire will reach its limit of traction. If you press the brake pedal too deep, the brakes will lock and you will lose control of the vehicle.
Step 2. Brake to the limit before the brakes lock
This method is called "threshold" braking and will stop the car as quickly as possible. Listen to the low squeaking sound of the tires. This sound will let you know that the brake limit has been reached and you did the right thing. If the wheels lock and you lose control of the car, you've crossed the line and need to release the brakes and press again.
Step 3. Don't look at the object you are about to hit
Look to the side of the object and try to keep it away from crashing. If your attention is focused on the object you are about to hit, you will not be able to focus on threshold braking, which requires full concentration.
Step 4. Press your left foot into the floor of the car
Doing this will help prepare your body for any possible injury. You will also gain more control over the brake pedal settings.
Step 5. Practice threshold braking
Braking with this method takes time and practice. Do it in an empty parking lot to increase your chances of success when the time comes. In addition, you can also practice braking firmly and lightly as you drive every day, to help improve your braking ability and save lives when needed.
- You can measure braking results by preparing the brake initial limiter and when the car has stopped. You can then visually compare the limits to analyze whether or not you managed to lock the car's wheels.
- Practice diligently. Lock your brakes on purpose. After that, try to reduce the pressure on the brake pedal until it is no longer locked, then press it again to the OSP point (optimal pressure point). You will inevitably pass the OSP or become unstable when braking, so you have to practice.
- Be aware that each type of surface and speed will have a different OSP point. This is why you should train when the road is dry, then when the road is wet, and - if possible - when it is snowing.
Tips
- If your car's rear brakes are stronger than the front brakes, stop driving. While balanced front and rear brakes can stop a car as quickly as possible, all automakers actually rely on front brakes. The front brake is much safer to stop the car. If your rear brakes continue to lock before the front brakes, it means that something is wrong. Stop driving. Bring the car to have it checked by an expert. He can diagnose and repair the braking system. These repairs may be simple and require only pedal components with different levels of response. If your car's rear brake is locked, do not use it until its function is adjusted. Braking with the rear brake locked can cause the car to bounce.
- If your front and rear brake balance is bad when you can't check/replace/clean it: brake normally (provided your front brake is stronger than the rear brake). You will stop slower than if the forces of the two brakes were balanced, but this is your best option.
- Sometimes, the brakes just need to be cleaned. The easiest way to clean it is by speeding on the expressway (100-112 KM/hour - if allowed in the area where you live). Do it in a safe area and stop immediately (don't let the brakes lock).
- Practice in a safe location. You, your car, and other people must always be safe: this is more important than all your abilities.
- Make sure you hear a slight squeak when braking hard. This sound tells you that the car has reached its limit of traction.
- If the brakes on the vehicle are out of balance (e.g. the rear is much stronger than the front/reverse), make sure you check the pedals and brake rotors and replace them if necessary.
- On low-traction surfaces (gravel, snow, or ice), you won't hear any squeaking noise, and it's harder to reach the OSP. It is better to maintain traction and not apply too much pressure on the brakes - this is also useful for maintaining control of the vehicle.
- You should also maintain the right level of traction to correct the direction of the vehicle if the brakes are unbalanced (eg the left side of the vehicle is easier to brake than the right side/vice versa).
- Try using the handbrake to reduce stopping distance. Don't use it too hard. Start slowly and build up. You have to practice, because this trick is really useful.
Warning
- Repeated use of brakes at high speeds can cause them to heat up and melt or wear out. Worn brakes will lose their power to stop the car. If you notice an increase in braking distance or a feeling of flaccid brake pedal during training, allow the brakes to cool before continuing with your training session.
- Just because you're used to brakes, don't think you have any reason to always brake suddenly or not to maintain a safe distance. Always be aware of road conditions. Keep a safe distance from pedestrians and other cars.
- Never break the law! Adhere to speed limits. Do some research to learn about local and provincial laws. Make sure you comply with everything.
- If you pass the OSP, you may lose the ability to drive. When braking, you'll want to reduce steering to a minimum (as described above), but if you lose traction, the vehicle may turn in a direction you don't want it to. Make sure you are familiar with all the exercises described in step three.
- You should always drive safely. Watch out for pedestrians and other vehicles.
- You shouldn't practice on public roads! Take advantage of your private property.
- Sudden braking can cause the rotors on the brake disc to vibrate and pulsate under the steering wheel. This phenomenon is often misunderstood as the act of "vibrating" the rotor. In fact, even on a race car, the brake rotors will not vibrate. This only happens if the brakes are too hot. When the pedal is overheating, the rotor will get residue. Usually, this happens after sudden braking or at a traffic light if the brakes are kept pressed. The brakes will lack time to cool naturally, so the material will transfer to the rotor in a tightly bonded location. This material will then accumulate and affect the use of the brakes.
- Practicing braking suddenly can cause the rubber to erode and stick to the road, causing your wheels to become unbalanced. When this happens, you will drive more uncomfortable. Wheel balance should be checked after you practice.
- Don't turn on reverse mode on a car with automatic transmission if you want to slow down. The car engine can lose power and stop, so you lose the ability to brake and power steering features.
