Braking distance is one of the biggest factors that determine a car's safety. When a deer crosses the road, a child runs into the street or a car suddenly stops, you have to be able to stop in time to avoid a collision. Here's a look at three systems that affect your car's ability to brake quickly.
The braking system impacts your car's ability to brake. Without a working braking system, you'll be unable to stop as quickly as needed. In some cases, you might not be able to stop at all.
Many drivers, however, aren't familiar with the different parts of their car's braking system and how the various parts impact braking distance. Some of the parts in your car's braking system are:
- Pads and rotors: which create friction to actually bring your car to a stop
- Drums: which is another way to create friction that stops your car
- Brake fluid: which is required to work the hydraulic braking system
- Hoses, clamps and calipers: which deliver brake fluid to the brakes
Your car's pads, rotors and drums should all be in good condition. They shouldn't squeak or scrape, and if they do it is a sign they're worn and will soon create less friction. Additionally, there shouldn't be any rust on the pads, rotors or drums. Rust reduces how much friction is generated when the brakes are applied,
Hoses, clamps and calipers should be free of leaks, and the brake fluid should be full, or at least above the minimum amount required. Leaks lower the levels of brake fluid, and the hydraulic system can lose pressure if brake fluid levels become too low. When a hydraulic system loses pressure, it stops working.
Shocks and struts absorb vertical forces placed on your car. They're mostly known for absorbing bumps, and minimizing up-and-down movements in order to make a ride smoother. The absorption they provide is for more than comfort, though, and it doesn't only come into play when you drive over a bump. The shocks and struts also help when braking.
When your car's brakes are applied, the car's momentum drives the nose of the car toward the ground. This places a greater force on the front wheels, which has two effects. First, the car takes longer to brake because each of the four wheels isn't being fully utilized. Second, the steering is temporarily distorted because of the increased force on the front wheels.
Of course, this impact is most pronounced when you slam on the brakes. Often, this is when you need to stop suddenly and may have to swerve.
Thus, the increased braking distance and distorted steering can become a serious safety issue.
Shocks and struts help minimize how much braking distance and steering is impacted by your car's momentum. Front shocks and struts absorb a lot of the momentum in their springs, so the momentum doesn't drive your car's nose toward the ground. This is one of the primary reasons to have your car's shocks and struts promptly repaired if they start making loud noises.
Your car's steering alignment doesn't technically impact braking distance, but it will greatly affect how well you can control your car while braking suddenly.
Any misalignment that causes the car to pull to the left or right when driving will be exaggerated when braking. If your car's alignment is off and you slam on the brakes, the car will swerve to one side or the other, perhaps right into the obstacle you're trying to avoid. If your car doesn't drive or brake straight, have the alignment checked.
The next time your car needs brake service,
shocks or struts replaced or the steering realigned, contact Dualtone Muffler Brake & Alignment.
