What is riding the brake

As in 1, this will let the engine do some of the work. Note: This only slightly increases wear and tear on your engine. By balancing engine braking and pumping your brakes, you allow your brake system to cool.

Riding the brakes down a long hill generates friction which creates the stopping power you need. It also creates heat as your brake pads are in constant contact with the rotor. The longer the hill, the more friction and heat you generate, and the greater the wear on all brake system components — pads, shoes, fluid, brake calipers, rotors or drums and hoses. This allows your antilock braking system ABS to kick in instantly if you lose traction.

When you use your engine for braking by downshifting, only your drive tires slow the car. If you use the brakes instead, the ABS is ready to engage. ABS maintains traction by making sure all four tires slow at the same rate when you apply the brakes. West Virginia Wisconsin Wyoming. Covering the Brake Welcome to our quick and easy driving information guide. Helpful Driving Information Find your topics the quicker way.

Online Drivers Ed Courses available for all skill levels. Learn More. Covering the brakes is recommended when: Passing parked cars, as they may pull out in front of you or swing open a door You see cars in front of you with their brake lights on Approaching a signal light in a busy intersection look for traffic build up and flashing crosswalk lights as these indicate that the light is about to change. Customer Support.

About DriversEd. In-Car Lessons. Traffic School. Photo courtesy Wikimedia Commons. Know How. Blair Lampe is a New York-based professional mechanic, blogger, theater technician, and speechwriter. Your email address will not be published. Save my name, email, and website in this browser for the next time I comment. Short Term Risks The biggest danger of riding your brakes is the possibility of generating so much heat the brake fluid actually boils.

Long Term Effects The short term effects of brake fade or all out loss are extremely dangerous. What to Do On long downhill descents, downshift and let engine braking do the work.

Categories Know How Tags brake failure , brake fluid , brake pad , brake pads , brake shoes , brake system , brakes , caliper , driving tips , rotor , safety tips. Related Articles.