Braking...

[Jahee]

One thing i've always wondered, but i guess never put enough thought into to come to an answer with is. Is it easier on your discs and pads to brake gently and for a longer period of time when coming to a stop, or to apply your brakes harder and for a shorter period of time, i've always put them on gradually but i see people driving as normal and doing a near enough emergency stop at lights, and i've noticed buses do this aswell. Any thoughts?

 

[faZZter]

Maybe change the title to "braking?"

 

[FoBoT]

Originally posted by: Jahee
i see people driving as normal and doing a near enough emergency stop at lights, and i've noticed buses do this aswell. Any thoughts?

those people are just crappy drivers

 

[Eli]

I've been wondering this lately as well.

It might depend on the circumstances too...

I think if you were comming down a steep, long grade.. shorter bursts of higher pressure braking would be better, as the inbetween times would give things a chance to cool down.

If you're on them more gently the entire way down, you're going to cook things.

In regards to wear, though.. I'm really not sure.

 

[Midlander]

This is an interesting question. I've always assumed gentle braking was easier on the brakes, but I have no data to back it up.

Any experts out there?

 

[giantpinkbunnyhead]

I don't know but... if two cars both at 50mph brake to a stop, one braking aggressively and one braking slowly... (both cars weigh the same, etc.)

1) The same amount of work was done;
2) One car did the work more quickly than the other.

To me that suggests the car braking aggressively receives more wear and tear because the friction force is greater. But I can't back it up with any math or whatever... it's just my logic on this one.

 

[1prophet]

Burnishing brake pads by Bendix. PDF file

 

[skyking]

Gradual braking is also assisted by engine braking. Sudden stops do not get much benefit from engine braking.

 

[Midlander]

Originally posted by: 1prophet
Burnishing brake pads by Bendix. PDF file

OK. That makes sense for new brakes. But what about over the long haul?

 

[chuckywang]

Just make sure you don't brake too long at a stop after you''ve braked hard. The pads will be very hot and it will cause warping on your rotors.

 

[Eli]

Originally posted by: skyking
Gradual braking is also assisted by engine braking. Sudden stops do not get much benefit from engine braking.

This is true, and is the way I normally brake.

Whenever possible, I downshift and apply the brakes lighter than I otherwise would have to slow down the same ammount.

Sometimes I even modulate speed while going downhill by slipping the clutch in a gear lower than I should be in given my speed.

I know it's hard on the clutch, but I do it.. because, with a manual transmission, I can.

 

[1prophet]

Originally posted by: Midlander

Originally posted by: 1prophet
Burnishing brake pads by Bendix. PDF file

OK. That makes sense for new brakes. But what about over the long haul?

You will encounter brake fade, excessive wear, and glazed brakes which will reduce braking effectiveness if the pads and rotors are pushed beyond their designed limits, thus increasing stopping distance, even after the brake system is allowed to cool off.

brake fade

Many brake answers here including what causes brake pulsation, good brake videos on this site.

 

[Kalvin00]

Originally posted by: Eli
Sometimes I even modulate speed while going downhill by slipping the clutch in a gear lower than I should be in given my speed.

:Q :Q :Q !!


I feel for your clutch

 

[Jahee]

Originally posted by: giantpinkbunnyhead

To me that suggests the car braking aggressively receives more wear and tear because the friction force is greater. But I can't back it up with any math or whatever... it's just my logic on this one.

Yea thats the conclusion i'd come to aswell, just wanted to get some insight into it.

 

[Ika]

This has been a topic of debate in my mind for quite some time now.

 

[Number1]

Originally posted by: Aflac
This has been a topic of debate in my mind for quite some time now.

Same here. Some interesting answers in here.

OP, your thread title does NOT make any sense. It should be BRAKING.
You might get more answers with a proper title.

 

[Jahee]

Originally posted by: Number1

OP, your thread title does NOT make any sense. It should be BRAKING.
You might get more answers with a proper title.

You're right, just did a double take on it.

 

[her209]

I thought this thread was about break dancing...

 

[Chrono]

you brake hard when you're approaching your stop so that you can wear out your tires more easily!!!! do it!

 

[Jahee]

Originally posted by: her209
I thought this thread was about break dancing...

haha, sorry about that

 

[funboy6942]

When braking, and not in a panic situation, you always give plenty of time and apply with gentle pressure allowing heat and friction to build up. In doing so you will begin to slow down faster without having to apply more pressure to the brake pedal, and at the end of the braking you ease up on the pedal coming to a gental stop. Its how I was tought, how I been doing it since I started driving, and hardly ever have to change a set of pads and never brake shoes, I have dry rotted shoes and had to replace them because of that but never because I wore out a set.

Hard stops will cause your pads/shoes to wear out faster because your craming them into the rotors and drums and not giving them time to heat up properly. Also thoes who like to two foot it, one on the gas while riding the other on the brakes, that slight pressure is enough for you to wear your pads/shoes super fast, warp your rotors, and piss everyone off behind you because your damn brake lights are constantly on.