There’re times when drivers need to apply emergency braking maneuver for a lot of reasons such as road hazard or a vehicle in front that abruptly stopped. Whatever the reason, the vehicle has to stop in the shortest possible distance and avoid the accident. Have a look at different things which directly impacts on how quickly you can stop the car, precautions to reduce the stopping distance and necessary steps to take that may extend it.
Table of Contents
#1 Speed
Two factors add up to define the stopping distance namely thinking and braking distance. Of the both, ‘thinking distance’ is the time it takes the driver to digest, process and reacts against the information all the way from seeing any obstacle to the application of the brakes.
‘Braking distance’ is the total length or space covered after applying the brakes all the way to a complete stop. Speed is on top of both these factors and impacts directly. Simply put, the faster you’re going, greater the total distance travel after brakes are applied till the car stops completely.
#2 Brake mechanism & performance
Most of the modern vehicles come equipped with ABS but, it doesn’t do much to reduce the stopping distance. Instead, anti-lock brakes give drivers control of their vehicle to safely manage emergency brakes. Still, proper maintenance and optimum performance of the brakes make a huge difference so be sure to have yours checked while you’re putting on brand new Tyres in Sharjah.
Brake performance and mechanism is also affected by the condition of the road such as watery or icy track extends the stopping distance. In case you’ve recently driven through deep water or a mud puddle, pump the brake pedals a few times while driving slowly. It helps to dry them and ensure optimum performance in the long run.
#3 Tyre Pressure
For the best possible stopping distance, tyres need to come in contact with the road as much as possible. That said; inaccurate pressure or inflation compromises the tread contact patch which affects driving and brake performance as well as stopping distance.
Irregular and frequent tread wear is another problem which might lead to imminent tyre blowout or any other road accident. Tyre pressure can be managed accurately through the details imprinted on the tyre, in the vehicle’s instruction manual or driver’s side doorjamb.
#4 Worn Tyres
The law says that tyres must be replaced once the tread depth falls below 1.6mm. If you continue driving on what remains of the tread depth significantly affects the stopping distance as well as raises the risk of an accident.
Most of the tyres come with tread rating of 8mm which gradually wears the more they’re driven and quicker if mistreated by driving on rough tracks. In some of the most advanced states, driving with worn tread depth results in a heavy fine, annulling of the driver’s license or both!
#5 Quality of the Tyres
If you buy premium-grade Dunlop tyres in Sharjah from recognized manufacturers such as Falken, it comes with peace of mind and flawless performance which truly give the best road experience. Besides quality, be sure to mount tyres per the specific season such as winter and summer, all of which affects stopping distance.
