Can I Apply a Little Brake in an S-Turn?

[CollinRose]

You can apply a little brake in an S-turn. However, be mindful not to brake too hard. If you feel the car's engine vibrating excessively, promptly engage the clutch to prevent stalling during the test. If the car feels too fast and the clutch control becomes difficult, apply a slight brake, but be cautious with the pressure—too much can cause the car to stop. For Subject 2, maintain a slow speed: Keeping the speed slow is the fundamental rule for practicing Subject 2. Without stopping the car, try to drive as slowly as possible. The slower the speed, the more time you have to adjust each maneuver. Adjust the rearview mirrors properly for Subject 2: After getting into the car, always ensure the rearview mirrors are properly adjusted, as this is crucial for reverse parking and parallel parking. Master the three-point alignment method: The three points are the driver's eyes, a reference point on the car, and a reference point on the ground. During Subject 2 maneuvers, it's essential to accurately identify these points and observe carefully to ensure precise execution.

[OscarDella]

A friend of mine went mountain driving the other day, with one S-curve after another, and he asked me if it's okay to brake while turning. I told him it's fine to apply some brake before entering the curve to control speed, just enough to keep the steering wheel steady, but don't slam on the brakes suddenly while turning the wheel. I once saw a novice driver braking continuously on a series of curves, and the tires skidded, almost sending the car into a ditch. For us regular drivers, it's best to slow down on the straight before entering an S-curve, then release the brake and accelerate smoothly after entering the curve. If you really need to control speed, just tap the brake lightly, like touching a freshly steamed bun—press too hard and you'll definitely get burned! These curves really test your footwork.

[OKatherine]

I'm quite familiar with driving through S-curves, back when I was a driving instructor, I practiced this with students every day. Let me tell you something from the heart: braking in curves depends on timing. Lightly braking to slow down before entering the curve is a must, just like slowing down on a park slide for safety. But hitting the brakes after fully steering into the curve is dangerous! The imbalance in friction on the four wheels can easily cause a skid—I've seen plenty of that on the training ground. Especially on rainy or snowy days, a slightly harder brake can make the tires lose grip instantly. The best approach is to ease off the accelerator 100 meters in advance and gently apply the brakes, allowing the center of gravity to transition smoothly. Taking the curve is like gliding on ice—maintaining momentum actually makes it more stable.

[Nora]

With over 20 years of driving experience across the country, I can tell you that braking in S-curves depends on the situation. For regular family cars on city roads, lightly applying brakes to control speed while turning is perfectly fine. But on mountain roads with sharp turns, technique is crucial. Take my old Toyota for example – I always gently brake to reduce speed before entering a curve, then release it once the car stabilizes, letting the engine's traction keep the vehicle steady. Remember two golden rules: never brake hard mid-turn, and avoid braking while turning on slopes. Last month, my neighbor Lao Liu went downhill through an S-curve – his brake pads were smoking but he still couldn't stop. A car is like a person; if you push someone who's already leaning in a turn, they'll surely fall!

[VanMolly]

Last time when I was driving my slightly modified car on mountain roads, I also struggled with braking in S-turns, so I specifically consulted the team mechanic. He told me the most crucial point: you can't brake and turn at the same time. The tires only have so much grip - if you allocate too much to braking, there won't be enough left for steering. My current approach is: brake to reduce speed to an appropriate level before entering the turn, release the brakes when starting to turn the steering wheel, and then accelerate when exiting the turn. A common mistake beginners make is braking at the apex of the turn, which feels like suddenly getting off a swing at its highest point. Modified cars require extra caution - with suspension modifications reducing body roll during turns, braking at this point makes skidding more likely.

[DiKaleb]

When taking the kids on road trips through winding mountain roads, my biggest concern is their lack of braking skills when navigating S-curves. Once, I witnessed a car ahead braking in the middle of a curve, causing the rear to swing out—it scared me into immediately explaining the proper techniques to my kids. Now they remember three key points: First, check the rearview mirror and lightly tap the brakes before entering the curve. Second, never brake while turning the steering wheel. Third, keep your eyes fixed on the exit point of the curve and avoid distractions. It’s the same principle as cycling downhill around a bend—if you slam the brakes while turning the handlebars, you’re bound to flip over. Oh, and SUV drivers should be extra cautious; vehicles with a higher center of gravity are especially prone to rolling when braking during turns.