Experience in using car brakes safely for new drivers

1. Threshold braking

Threshold braking is often applied in many unexpected situations. With this technique, the driver actively applies the brake to a maximum force and keeps it from exceeding the limit that leads to skidding.

To perform this technique, the driver must practice a lot in high-speed conditions. The best indicator of how much braking force is enough is the vibration of the steering wheel. With a lot of practice, the driver will feel with what kind of steering wheel vibration the car is about to skid.

2. Press and release the brake rhythmically.

Pulse braking is a type of braking commonly used when wanting to stop the car at high speed without risk. This is also the basic operating principle of the ABS system, which is continuous pressing and releasing. Instead of the ECU controlling the braking system, the driver now actively presses and releases the brake pedal at a regular rhythm so that the car gradually stops without locking the wheels due to sudden braking.

Although most cars today are equipped with ABS, drivers should still practice this technique to ensure safety, especially when driving at high speed on slippery roads and losing traction.

3. Brake check

Check braking is a technique that is often used when it is necessary to get through a corner in the shortest possible time. Instead of braking to reduce the speed of the car to a suitable threshold and then releasing the brake when entering the corner, the driver maintains a high speed and starts checking the brake with a moderate force when entering the corner. At that time, the car still maintains a high speed without losing control.

The brake is held at a constant threshold until the vehicle is safe to exit the corner. To practice this type of braking, the driver must feel the force sufficient to enter the corner safely while still ensuring high speed. With motorcycles, the driver will apply the front brake instead of using the rear brake.

4. Brake

This is a technique used by many drivers. Instead of pressing the brake hard at once, pressing the brake pedal several times will help the car stop slowly and smoothly.

The driver should apply a little pressure on the first brake to slow the car down, until it is stable, then gradually apply the brake lightly to take advantage of the car's momentum. Then, continue to apply the brake until the car stops completely or continues moving.

5. Emergency braking (braking suddenly)

Used in case the car is moving at high speed and suddenly encounters an obstacle. If you brake suddenly and strongly, the car will likely lock up, causing the wheels to no longer roll on the road but to skid, completely losing control of the car.

To brake effectively when the car is traveling at high speed, you need to press the brake pedal hard until you feel the wheels start to slide on the road, but still keep the steering wheel in control, then immediately release the brake pedal. When the car stops sliding, continue to brake until the car stops completely.

6. Deceleration combined with braking and gear

This is considered the fastest possible cornering technique; for beginners who are not used to high speeds, the following combinations can be very 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; with your right hand, push the gear lever into a lower gear while keeping your left hand on the steering wheel and still maintaining adequate brake pressure; after successfully downshifting, gently slide your right toe to the accelerator, touch lightly and quickly to synchronize the speed between the car and the engine, release the clutch, push your entire right foot to the accelerator and wait for the right moment to accelerate out of the corner.