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Safe Braking Techniques All Drivers Must Know

ByMatsumoto Naoki-December 24, 2020

In order to slow down or stop the car completely, braking is a very important driving skill. Mastering this technique will not only avoid shocks from sudden braking but also make your journey much safer.

Important Braking Techniques While Driving

When mastered braking skills, car owners will be able to stop their vehicles anytime and anywhere as they intended. The braking process will be amazingly smooth that your partner won’t be able to tell when did you press the braking pedal.

Braking by Engine Brake

When controlling the vehicle and wanting to slow down, engine brake is recommended for drivers. To perform this technique, car owners need to release accelerator and switch to no-load engine. Friction and inertia will reduce car speed as a result. 

Expert drivers use this braking skill to control car movement speed when driving on slippery slopes.

Engine Brake For Slowing Down

Never stomp on the pedal unless you need to! (photo source: Driver’s Ed Guru)

When braking by the engine to reduce vehicle speed, drivers release accelerator, then change to braking pedal and push slowly until the car reaches your ideal speed.

The key point of this skill is that it is processed gently, not to stomp the brakes as fast as possible to avoid the risk of hitting other vehicles. It is wisely to cover the clutch with your left foot and not disengage it in the process.

Engine Brake For Stopping Completely

Avoid getting too close to other cars (photo source: Wikivisually)

To stop the car while in motion for many different situations, foot technique of drivers is required. If the impediments are still far away from your vehicle, you can push the brake lightly for decreasing movement speed and avoiding shock for people on the car.

However, in the case that impediments are too close, car owners must hit the brake strong and fast to avoid impact. Drivers are also suggested to turn the clutch off so the car engine will continue working.

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Braking By Combined Braking System

Handbrake lever is an important tool (photo source: Your Mechanic)

Making your car slow by this system is an essential skill that all drivers must know and master. The technique might sound complicated to new car owners, but it is actually quite simple to perform.

When driving on long and dangerous steps, in order to keep yourself and other vehicles safe, combined braking skill is required. Drivers must press the braking pedal while switching to the lower level. In some dangerous situations, handbrake is also needed to be used.

Conclusion

Braking, even though just a simple driving technique, is by far the most important skill that all drivers must master. Nowadays, even with the advance car brake system, it is necessary for car owners to study this technique for avoiding dangerous scenarios.

To learn to brake perfectly, drivers should start on a quiet, straight road with no object on the way. It is important to not pushing yourself too much, if you just step into the driver seat the first time, getting a feel of handbrake is enough. Driving is the same as braking, they all need process in order to master. However, car owners should only drive outside the practice field after finish learning the braking technique.

Matsumoto Naoki is senior car blogger at Car From Japan. Having background in mechanical engineering, he has a unique perspective on a lot of new car innovations. Prior to Car From Japan, Matsumoto was Mechanical Design Engineer at Yajima Plant, Subaru Corporation. His articles provide detailed DIY instructions and how-tos to help you get your new car on the road. If you want to save money and feel more confident when working on your cars, you should not ignore Matsumoto’s sharing posts. He presents driving tips and tricks for everyone through easy-following steps and mechanically but friendly writing.

Comments

Bernard Tusabe23:14 February 19, 2019
Reply

I have learnt something new using handbrake together , thx for ur lesson

Nyagare Richard02:53 December 26, 2018
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Thanks for the great tips you have given me. I have benefited a lot. Is it possible for you to consolidate all this information into a pamphlet/ book/DVD and send it to us? I am Toyota hiace owner. Merry Christmas great people!

Dova Davis Ndsgha02:10 May 24, 2018
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Articles educative but could we also have some on automatic and hybrid cars.
These are new cars in our country and since the manuals are in Japanese we are dead ends

Paul18:46 December 22, 2017
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Good teaching

Martin nyamu12:52 December 21, 2017
Reply

Good teachings, keep up.

Stewart kachembwe02:24 November 11, 2017
Reply

this is amazing but you should cover manual gear vehicle

Daniel20:55 November 10, 2017
Reply

I suppose you sent a pdf document to those who request it like myself, l need one for safe driving and taking good care of my vehicle

eddie19:22 November 07, 2017
Reply

This is the best content for car braking and driving, i really loved it
but we suggest u publish a pdf format document about the same.
Thanks

Bernard Babyebuzah Makwata14:31 November 07, 2017
Reply

Thankx you so much for the driving tips….may I request for a full manual of driving tips….need to be a perfect driver….thank you!!