Is braking delayed or advanced when going downhill compared to on flat roads?
2 Answers
Braking is not delayed, but you may feel a decrease and slowing of braking effectiveness due to gravitational acceleration. The role of HBA: Most vehicles are equipped with Hydraulic Brake Assist (HBA) and Hill Hold Control (HHC). HBA can automatically recognize when the vehicle is performing emergency braking and can reduce the required brake pedal force, making it both convenient and flexible. Requirements for tire pressure: Tire pressure should match the value indicated on the label inside the fuel filler cap, with tread depth not less than 90% of a new tire, as this affects climbing ability and gradient. Vehicle load also impacts climbing performance, and it's important to distribute the load evenly between the front and rear axles.
I think braking on a downhill slope definitely requires earlier operation compared to a flat road. After years of driving, I've learned that gravity pulls the car downhill, causing the speed to surge rapidly. If you delay braking, it's like trying to catch a runaway horse—much harder to control! On steep slopes, late braking can cause the brake pads to overheat and fail, leading to the car surging forward and causing an accident. Last time I was driving an off-road vehicle on a steep mountain road, I braked a bit earlier to stabilize the speed and prevent the car from going out of control. In daily driving, you should slow down before descending and maintain a safe distance from the car ahead. This is even more crucial during rain, snow, or when carrying heavy loads. Safety always comes first—don't risk delaying braking just to save some brake pads or fuel. Developing this habit can save you a lot of trouble.
