How to Step on the Brake Properly?

[Elise]

The correct method to step on the brake is to apply force from the toe to the ball of the foot. Below are relevant introductions about brakes: 1. Principle of Function: The principle of braking is to convert the kinetic energy of the vehicle into heat energy for dissipation. The kinetic energy comes from the power provided by the engine, which requires fuel combustion to perform work. In other words, each time you step on the brake, a bit of gasoline is wasted. 2. Brake Classification: Drum brakes and disc brakes. Disc brakes use stationary brake pads to clamp onto the rotating brake disc attached to the wheel, generating friction to reduce the wheel's rotational speed.

[LunaAnn]

When I first started driving, I was also often troubled by the car dipping when braking. The most important things about braking are anticipation and gentleness: when you see a red light 200 meters away, you should release the throttle to coast, and maintain a safe distance to gradually apply the brakes. Foot technique is crucial—keep your right heel fixed on the floor and only use the ball of your foot to control the pedal pressure, as gently as stepping on an egg. On slippery roads, brake earlier with light taps instead of slamming the brakes at the last moment. Before coming to a complete stop, remember to slightly ease off the brake to counteract inertia, preventing the car from jerking forward. Additionally, always slow down before entering a curve—never brake hard while turning, as it can easily lead to loss of control. On downhill sections, use lower gears for engine braking to reduce continuous brake overheating. With practice, you’ll find that braking is like dancing—it’s all about rhythm and coordination.

[Bob]

Having driven long-distance buses for twenty years, the key to braking boils down to one word: smooth. Maintain a three-second following distance and use peripheral vision to scan mirrors for road conditions. Apply brakes as gently as stroking a cat's back, with the foot flat on the pedal and gradually increasing pressure. On wet roads, I lightly tap the brakes half a second earlier to test traction. Use lower gears to assist braking on long descents, preventing brake pad overheating. Another tip: during emergency braking, the body naturally tenses up, which hinders control—keeping shoulders relaxed ensures precision. Before stopping, ease off then gently press again to eliminate jerkiness—that's true skill. After each long trip, check brake disc temperatures and adjust driving habits if overheating occurs.

[LaMackenzie]

As a driving instructor, I teach students the three-stage braking method. The preparation stage involves releasing the throttle early to coast; the deceleration stage requires applying steady pressure until the speed decreases; the stopping stage involves slightly lifting the pedal just before coming to a halt to counteract inertia. Remember to keep your heel fixed and use your ankle to control the pressure. Maintain a four-second following distance to allow for reaction time. In emergencies, you must press the pedal fully to engage the ABS. Braking distance increases by 50% in rainy conditions, so brake earlier and more gently. When going downhill, using a low gear in manual transmission combined with intermittent braking is the safest approach. Always check the rearview mirror after braking to prevent rear-end collisions. In fact, braking isn’t just about your foot—your eyes and anticipation are key.

[RafaelRose]

Last time the brakes suddenly became soft, which scared me into a cold sweat. The mechanic taught me a maintenance-style braking technique. Avoid sudden stops in daily driving; smooth deceleration can extend the life of brake pads. Before a red light, brake in stages—apply light pressure first, then slow to a stop to reduce impact on components. In traffic jams, use intermittent braking instead of half-pressing to prevent overheating and deformation. On long downhill slopes, alternate with neutral coasting to release heat. After driving through water, lightly press the brakes a few times to evaporate moisture. Also, pay attention to the pedal feel—if the travel becomes longer or there's shaking, check the brake fluid and calipers. After modifying the brake system, break it in for 300 kilometers with light braking. Check the brake pad thickness monthly; replace if it's thinner than 3 millimeters.