Tag: Car Breaks
Making Sure Your Car’s Brakes Are Ready For An Emergency
by admin on Nov.12, 2009, under Car Maintenance
Making Sure Your Car’s Brakes Are Ready For An Emergency
Imagine that you’re driving at 65 mph and a young child suddenly steps out into the street directly in your path. Would you be able to stop your vehicle in time? How much time would pass before your brain would tell your foot to hit the brake pedal?
If we assume normal road conditions, you’ll probably need up to 200 feet to bring your car to a full stop. Given that a typical reaction time will be at least one second, you’ll use between 70 and 100 feet just to take action. That leaves very little room for error. And that assumes your braking system is working properly.
These type of emergencies occur every day to drivers who are unprepared for them. It can also happen to you. That’s why it is critical that you keep your braking system in good condition. In this article, I’ll explain why you shouldn’t wait for your ABS warning light to go on before having a mechanic inspect your brakes.
Don’t Wait For Your Warning System
Most drivers wait until their ABS lights come on before taking their vehicles to a repair garage. Or, they’ll wait until they hear the horrible grinding sound of metal rubbing against metal before asking a mechanic to inspect their brakes. The problem is twofold.
First, by the time the warning light flickers on, your braking system is already in dire need of attention. That means it already represents a safety risk. Given that most motorists procrastinate before visiting a mechanic, waiting for the light is dangerous.
Second, if you’re hearing metal grinding on metal, there’s a good chance that your braking system will need to be overhauled. Replacing the pads is one thing; replacing the pads and discs, and needing to have the rotor machined is another thing entirely. And it’s far more expensive.
Routine Inspections And Signs Of Trouble
You should have a mechanic inspect your brakes at least once a year. I would go further and suggest that you ask the technicians at the repair shop to inspect them whenever you have the oil changed, tires rotated, or the front-end aligned. The reason is because you’ll need to take the tires off to inspect the pads, discs, and rotors.
If a long time has passed since your braking system was last inspected, you may notice a few warning signs. For example, you might experiencing pulling to one side as you’re braking. You may also feel a vibration or pulsing when you press down on the brake pedal. If the pedal sinks without support when you press down on it, there may be a leak somewhere in the system. If you notice any of these telltale signs, have a mechanic take a look at the problem as soon as possible.
It is vital that you keep your car’s brakes in good working condition. That way, you’ll be ready for an emergency if it presents itself.
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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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