Braking for best efficiency???

[Bob S.]

When I'm driving around town I often wonder whether it is better to start braking early and gradually come to a smooth stop, or wait until you are closer and apply the brakes harder? My dad always told me to start braking early and come to a nice smooth stop, which is what I normally do. Now this does not include situations with rain or snow. I am just talking about normal city driving from light to light.

Which method will get longer life out of brake components such as pads and rotors?

Thanks.

[Quickstrike]

This thread answers your question plus goes a bit further on the subject of braking (using engine):

Question about using brakes

While coming to a stop light for a stop try to leave 50' or more of roll space to remove your foot from the brake to roll a few feet with no brake applied. Well that is a cumbersome explination. What you would like to do is not heat soak the rotors in one spot. A slow roll to a light with light brake pressure before stopping will allow the brakes to cool somewhat. Then only enough pressure to keep you from rolling forward will work fine. That will save the heat soak as well, marginally but it's better than nothing. With todays rotors being very warp prone due to lack of material, all reasonable measures to save them help.

[Lowejackson]

Braking is a skill, the smoother you are at driving and braking; not only do you save on wear and tear, the driving experience is greater for you and any passengers.

Racing drivers work hard on being smooth as uncontrolled actions cost time. To a lesser extremes, normal car driving is also about being smooth. This does not mean driving slowly, if you brake early and smoothly a higher and more comfortable speed can be taken at corners. The car is more stable and is less likely to surprise you.

Braking early also gives time to the car behind you to react and so there is less potential for them to crash into you.

[Bob S.]

Mr. Lowejackson,

Thank you very much for the reply.

All of the information and reasons you provided were what I was told by my dad as well. That's the reason I drive like I do, smooth and controlled.

Thanks for the confirmation on this info.

~Bob