How to Improve Your Braking Distance?
Learning how to drive a car is not an easy task, and there are so many factors that one has to consider mastering this art. It is not only about putting your feet on the race paddle and then moving the steering around, in fact, but you also have to do a lot more. You have to learn the basics and the inner workings as well.
Speaking of the basics, today we are here to tell you about what a braking distance of a car is and how to improve it. This article can really come in handy to you for your safety. So, make sure to take notes and follow all the instructions that we are about to give today.
What Is A Braking Distance?
For those who do not know, the braking distance of a car is the distance that it travels when you apply the brakes to a car and when it completely stops. It is simple math that if you are going faster, it will take longer for your vehicle to stop when you apply the brakes.
This is the reason why it is advised to people to drive their vehicle following the speed limit signs. When the speed limit of your car is maintained, it becomes easier for you to apply brakes and stop the vehicle from hitting another one or meeting any accident.
What Affects a Car’s Braking Distance?
There are certain factors that affect a car’s braking distance. The first one is the speed at which you are driving. And we just discussed it earlier that the faster you are going, the more time your car will take to stop when you apply the brakes.
The second factor that can affect your car's braking distance is the weather. Yes, you read that, right! Bad weather affects the grip of your tyres, and this leads to an increased braking distance. Especially if the road is all wet, your tyres can start slipping. It can cause difficulty in stopping your car completely.
Weak brakes and bald tyres are two more reasons that your car's braking distance can increase so you should do all you can to fix it. Bald tyres refer to those tyres which have tread below the minimum legal tread limit. Driving with bald tyres will lead to a hefty fine and points on your licence.
Improving Your Braking Distance
Now, the question of the hour is how exactly someone can improve his car's braking distance? Well, do not worry because we are here to cover that for you today. Here are some ways that can come in handy to you in this process;
Maintain the Brakes
As said earlier, if the brakes of your car are in poor condition, it can be tough for you to stop your vehicle and the braking distance will automatically increase. You are required to take care of your brakes and maintain them. If you maintain the brake pads of your car, the brakes will show less friction with the tyres, and this will ultimately lead to a decreased braking distance.
Tyre Quality
It is not only for durability that it is recommended to buy quality tyres, in fact, but it is also for safety purposes too. Always opt for tyre makers with good credibility. The reason is that these manufacturers make sure to provide the best quality tyres to their customers.
The manufacturers first test their tyres in different conditions. After meeting the required industrial specifications, only then, they sell them in the market. So, for your own safety, it is recommended to buy quality tyres even if they cost a little extra.
Condition of the Road
First of all, if the weather out there is terrible, you should avoid getting on the road. Especially during heavy rains and storms, avoid driving because the roads are all wet and the conditions are extremely challenging. Moreover, because of the rain, the roads become slippery.
On slippery roads, you cannot expect your car’s braking distance to be reduced. In such situations, the car’s braking distance always increases so even if you have to head out, just make sure to drive slow because that’s the only way you can apply the brakes right on time when you have to.
Tyre Pressure
Both over and under-inflated tyres are dangerous for you. So, make sure to maintain the tyre’s pressure and keep a check on it, every time you leave for a drive. Maintaining the pressure of your car’s tyres will help you get optimum friction which is beneficial for a good braking distance.
Read more about it in our post about tyre safty checks.
Reduce the Distractions
Reduce the number of distractions while driving. The first and foremost thing which causes the most disturbance is your mobile phone. Therefore, while driving, avoid using your phone. If you have to make or take an urgent call, move the vehicle to the side of the road and bring it a complete halt. Only then use the phone.
The same applies to when sending or receiving a text message. Likewise, avoid continuously looking at the car’s navigation system. Instead, try to memorize the way or turn on voice notifications. It will reduce the distractions and help you focus on the road. Once you are focused, you can apply the brakes as and when needed. It reduces the likelihood of an accident.
Focus on the Road
It is closely related to the point mentioned just above. By focusing on the road, you are aware of the road conditions and the overall external environment. You can observe when other cars are slowing down and much more. It will help you to concentrate on your driving and improve your reaction time. Therefore, even if you need to apply sudden brakes, you could do so quickly.
Increase Visibility
Make sure that the windscreen is clean. In case of rain, turn on the wiper blades. It will help you see ahead. By increasing visibility, you can improve your braking distance by quite a lot. Therefore, ensure that the windscreen is always clean and that the wiper blades are in perfect working order. If steam/fog starts to build up, pull the vehicle over and clear it before continuing driving.
Conclusion
These are some of the things that can help you in improving the braking distance of your car. So, make sure to use all these tips that we mentioned above and most importantly, stay alert while driving. If you are tired, drunk or sleepy, it is best if you ask someone else to drive the car for you. Because these are the conditions in which people fail to apply the brakes on time and that results in accidents.