Learn about car braking techniques

braking

Braking

In this article we will introduce basic and advanced braking techniques. In order to better understand these techniques, and the braking process in general, we will first address the theory of braking. Braking forces are much higher than acceleration forces, so special attention must be paid to braking. While this sounds trivial, many drivers don't think so!

Braking and stopping the vehicle
Stopping the vehicle consists of two parts - 1) reaction, and 2) braking. The stopping distance therefore refers to the path that passes from the moment of danger observation to the complete stop of the vehicle.
The reaction path is the length that the vehicle has traveled from the moment of danger detection to the start of vehicle braking. It depends on the response time of the driver and the speed of the vehicle.

The braking distance is the length that the vehicle has traveled from the beginning of the braking operation to the complete stop of the vehicle. Depending on the condition of the pavement and the tires of the vehicle, the speed, and the type of brakes (but also the braking techniques).
The reaction path is not negligible as it can be done at first! Refer to the following data to show how far you have traveled the vehicle before you can react at all (average reaction time is 1 second):
at a speed of 50 km / h in 1s the path of: 14 meters is crossed
at a speed of 70 km / h in 1s the path of: 20 meters is crossed
at a speed of 90 km / h in 1s the path of: 25 meters is crossed
at a speed of 110 km / h in 1s a path of: 31 meters is crossed
at a speed of 130 km / h in 1s the path of: 37 meters is crossed

Braking is not just about "pressing" the brake and stopping the vehicle. Good braking is always a compromise between vehicle control and actual vehicle deceleration. Namely, increasing the braking force loses (or diminishes) the steering ability, while weaker braking extends the braking distance. Compromise is very important here.
The fastest deceleration of the vehicle is achieved by braking which is at the limit of wheel lock.

Braking techniques

Note: Try and practice your braking techniques on a training ground or track where you do not endanger others!
Braking techniques? So how complicated can it be to apply the brake and brake? As mentioned earlier, a good braking technique is a trade-off between the ability to operate the vehicle during braking, and the length of the vehicle's stopping distance. We will deal with several braking techniques:
Braking with ABS
Braking by blocking the wheels
Rhythmic braking
Treshold braking - an advanced technique
There is no “Best” braking technique, the braking technique depends solely on the situation and conditions you are in. While some of these techniques will not stop you the fastest, it does not mean that they are not useful in certain situations. Not only the stopping distance but also the ability to operate the vehicle is important when braking, which will not be possible if you lock the wheels!
Also, all techniques that mention wheel locking apply to vehicles without ABS.

1. Assist braking ABS

When it comes to daily braking - ABS (Anti-lock Braking System) is the most important electronic system in modern vehicles. The ABS system prevents shocks, thus increasing stability and control over the vehicle.
ABS is a reactive system, which means it activates when the wheels are locked. This is the old saying: "better to prevent than cure" - don't get into the habit of suddenly braking and activating ABS.
If the system is activated, maintain a steady and relatively strong pressure on the brake pedal. Do not "pump" the brake at all, as this cancels the positive effects of ABS.
If you're on the trail, the better technique than this is edge braking, which will be discussed later.

2. Braking by wheel lock

This technique will not slow you down as quickly as eg. edge braking. But there are also conditions where this technique is very useful. Driving in the snow ABS will not stop you the fastest, but it allows you to steer (turn) the vehicle. The wheel locking technique will most effectively stop you on soft or even slippery surfaces, such as snow or gravel.
By blocking the wheels in the snow, a layer of snow is accumulated in front of the tires to assist in braking. It is also important to note that this technique loses the ability to operate the vehicle, so careful balancing between braking and steering at higher speeds is required. This brings us to the following technique.

3. Rhythmic braking

This braking technique is used on poorly adhered surfaces such as wet and icy roads. Applying this technique actually balances braking (vehicle deceleration) and steering. Namely, when braking on this kind of surface, the wheels will lock very quickly, slowing down the vehicle, but you have lost the ability to operate the vehicle. By releasing the brake, the wheels are unlocked, and you again have the option of steering the vehicle you use to maintain the desired direction of travel.
This technique should not be used on surfaces that allow good tire grip. Applying this technique under such conditions will result in abrupt changes in the vehicle's center of gravity, which is likely to impair its stability, especially when cornering.

4. Braking

Edge braking is a technique that uses all the capabilities of your vehicle for the fastest possible stop on asphalt. The technique is based on such braking that is at the very limit of wheel lockup. In practice, it is very difficult to determine this limit because of the various factors at play, such as. type and condition of pavement, type and condition of tires, brake temperature.
Even the best riders sometimes block the wheels. It is important not to panic in such a situation but to loosen the brake slightly and then try again with slightly less pressure on the brake.

Braking in adverse conditions

Under unfavorable conditions, those conditions in which tire adhesion, such as snow and ice, are reduced. In such conditions, the braking of the wheel locking technique can benefit. A study by the American Road Safety Institute (NHTSA) confirms that these and similar techniques shorten the stopping distance by up to 22% compared to ABS braking.

Author: Tomislav Seser

Retrieved from: autopress.hr


Leave a reply