Archive for February, 2009
Knowing The Limitations Of Your Car's Brakes
by admin on Feb.10, 2009, under Car Maintenance, Car Tips
Knowing The Limitations Of Your Car’s Brakes
Most of us take our car’s braking systems for granted. No matter how fast we’re driving, we’re confident that we’ll be able to slow our vehicles. But, there are a number of factors which can influence our ability to come to a complete stop. Without having a rudimentary grasp of these factors, our expectations are little more than a gamble. In truth, your vehicle’s brakes play a limited, though critical, role.
Today, we’ll explore the process of braking in the context of factors that contribute toward stopping your car. I’ll explain the impact of reaction time, weather, road conditions, as well as the value of anti-lock brakes.
The Time It Takes To React
Imagine that you’re driving at 65 mph. At that speed, you’re traveling at approximately 95 feet per second. Suddenly, you realize the need to stop your vehicle. There is an average length of time that passes between a recognition to stop until a driver actively engages in a stopping action. It is known as “perception and reaction time.”
On average, it takes 3/4 of a second to perceive the need to stop. Similarly, it takes 3/4 of a second for a driver to react by transferring his foot from the gas pedal to the braking pedal. During the combined time (1.5 seconds) required to perceive the need to stop and react, a car will have traveled over 142 feet (assuming it is moving at 65 mph). Keep in mind that another 150 feet (approximately) is needed to come to a complete stop.
No matter how good your vehicle’s braking system, it is limited by your ability to recognize the need to stop and react.
The Influence Of Weather
Bad weather can compound the problem. If the street is damp and slippery, the time and space required to stop grows. If there is snow on the ground, the requirements expand even further. That’s why experts suggest driving more slowly while allowing more space.
The Value Of Anti-Lock Brakes
In circumstances that require immediate stopping, drivers usually hit their brake pedal, slamming it into the floorboard. Without an anti-lock braking system (ABS), the brakes will often lock up, causing the wheels to skid along the surface of the road. When this happens, the time and space that you need to bring your vehicle to full stop increases significantly. ABS prevents this from happening, providing your tires with greater traction and giving you more control over steering.
Being Aware Of The Limits
The key point to realize is that your car’s brakes are limited in how they contribute to slowing your vehicle. Most drivers don’t take the time to understand the impact of perception and reaction time. Nor do they completely appreciate how weather can affect their ability to stop, even with a perfectly maintained braking system. I recommend that you invest in ABS and try to maintain a “bubble” around your car while driving. If there’s a need to stop quickly, you’ll have a much better chance of doing so successfully.
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