Brakes are an essential element of the car that should be used properly. The braking system is essential when stopping at traffic lights or pedestrian crossings, passing an intersection or leaving a road or highway. However, negligent or abusive use of the brakes increases system overload, excessive fuel consumption and wear of brake discs and pads. In fact, 13% of the serious defects detected in ITV stations during 2021 were related to the malfunction of this system, according to data from the DGT.
A normal, comfortable and balanced driving is one that does not require constant acceleration or braking. To ensure a calm and stable ride, drivers must respect the speed limits and safety distance, as well as use the brakes appropriately and always gently. However, many drivers are unaware of the correct way to brake in specific situations, such as approaching a sharp curve or a downhill slope. Below, we explain the most common mistakes and solutions to drive safer and more efficiently.
One of the most common vices among drivers is reaching curves at an inappropriate speed, which forces them to brake inside the curve, with the risk that this entails for the stability of the vehicle. That is why it is crucial to obey the signs prior to taking the curve, which indicate the direction of the curve, the maximum speed allowed or the existence of a possible additional danger. In this way, the driver will be prepared to turn safely and without exceeding the tire's grip limit.
On the other hand, we should not wait to brake at the last moment. The maneuver will be better the more we use the engine brake and the less we abuse the brakes. That is, when approaching a curve, we have to gently touch the brake and, if necessary, reduce to a lower gear. We will trace the curve maintaining this constant speed and turning the steering wheel gently so that, only when we are going to exit the curve, we will accelerate again little by little to regain stability.
Mountain roads are usually narrow and have stretches that require the driver to concentrate at the wheel. Specifically, when descending a mountain pass, it is essential to moderate your speed and avoid overusing the brakes. Sometimes, it is enough to follow the instructions in the previous section; Before reaching a sharp turn, tap the brake lightly and downshift if necessary.
When exiting curves or, to take advantage of straight-line sections on a downward slope, we can change to a higher gear and apply gentle touches on the brake. Braking (and accelerating) excessively can overheat the braking system and even endanger our safety due to an overload of weight on the front axle, in addition to triggering fuel consumption.
