Safe car braking techniques for new drivers

1. Threshold braking

Threshold braking is often applied in many unexpected situations. With this technique, the driver actively applies the brakes with maximum force and maintains it without exceeding the limit that would cause the wheels to skid.

To master this technique, drivers must practice extensively at high speeds. The best indicator of sufficient braking force is the vibration of the steering wheel. With practice, drivers will learn to feel the steering wheel vibration and know when the wheels are about to skid.

2. Press and release the brake pedal rhythmically.

Reflex braking is a commonly used braking method when wanting to stop a vehicle at high speeds without risk. This is also the basic operating principle of the ABS system, which is continuous repulsing. Instead of the ECU controlling the braking system, the driver actively presses and releases the brake pedal in a regular rhythm to gradually bring the vehicle to a stop without locking the wheels due to sudden braking.

Although most modern vehicles are equipped with ABS, drivers should still practice this technique to ensure safety, especially when driving at high speeds on slippery roads with poor traction.

3. Apply the brakes.

Gradual braking is a technique frequently used when navigating a curve in the shortest possible time. Instead of braking to reduce speed to a suitable level before releasing the brakes into the curve, the driver maintains a high speed and begins to apply the brakes with moderate force as they enter the curve. This allows the vehicle to maintain a high speed without losing control.

The brakes are held at a constant level until the vehicle safely exits the corner. To practice this type of braking, the driver must feel just enough force to safely enter the corner while maintaining high speed. On a motorcycle, the handlebars will lightly apply the front brake, not the rear brake.

4. Press the brake pedal.

This is a technique used by many drivers: instead of slamming on the brakes all at once, tapping the brakes in multiple steps helps the car come to a gentle, gradual stop.

The driver should apply the brakes slightly harder the first time to slow the vehicle down to a stable speed, then gradually apply the brakes more lightly to take advantage of the vehicle's momentum. After that, continue applying the brakes until the vehicle comes to a complete stop or continues moving.

5. Emergency braking (sudden braking)

This is used when a vehicle is traveling at high speed and suddenly encounters an obstacle. If the brakes are applied abruptly and forcefully, the car is likely to lock up, causing the wheels to skid instead of rolling on the road surface, resulting in a complete loss of control.

To brake effectively at high speed, press the brake pedal firmly until you feel the wheels begin to skid, but the vehicle is still moving straight and steering is controllable. Immediately release the brake pedal. Once the skidding stops, continue braking until the vehicle comes to a complete stop.

6. Decelerate using both braking and gear shifting.

This is considered the fastest cornering technique possible; for beginners unfamiliar with high speeds, the following combination of maneuvers may seem complicated to apply.

First, lift your right foot off the accelerator and press the brake pedal; a few seconds before the brake pressure takes effect, depress the clutch pedal; your right hand pushes the gear lever down while keeping your left hand on the steering wheel and maintaining sufficient brake pressure; after successfully downshifting, gently slide your right toe to the accelerator pedal, lightly and quickly touching it to synchronize the car and engine speed, release the clutch pedal, push your entire right foot to the accelerator pedal and wait for the appropriate moment to accelerate out of the corner.