Should You Brake When Driving Over Speed Bumps?

[DiMicah]

You should brake when driving over speed bumps. Speed bumps, also known as speed humps, are traffic safety installations on roads designed to reduce the speed of motor vehicles and non-motor vehicles. The correct way to drive over speed bumps is to slow down before reaching them and then pass over them slowly with both wheels perpendicular to the bump. This allows both wheels to contract simultaneously, with the force from the ground being evenly distributed between the springs and shock absorbers of both wheels, minimizing damage to the vehicle. Precautions when driving over speed bumps include: 1. Avoid having only one tire go over the bump, as this can easily cause misalignment on one side of the chassis suspension; 2. Avoid driving diagonally over the bump, as this can lead to uneven force distribution when the vehicle body contacts the ground, potentially damaging the springs and tires.

[TimothyMarie]

On my driving days, I've accumulated quite a bit of experience: when going over speed bumps, it's best not to brake directly over them. That's because speed bumps themselves are designed to make you slow down. Start lightly applying the brakes about 50 meters in advance to reduce your speed to around 20 kilometers per hour, allowing the suspension to smoothly absorb the vibrations. If you brake while going over the bump, the car will jolt violently, causing additional impact to the chassis and tires, leading to significantly increased wear over time. I've driven long distances myself, and once forgot to slow down in advance—after braking, the front of the car suddenly dipped, and the passengers in the back complained. More importantly, from a safety perspective, sudden braking can cause the wheels to skid, especially on rainy days or with old tires. Now, every time I see a speed bump, I make it a habit to assess the road conditions in advance to judge the speed, passing through at a steady pace to ensure comfort and protect the vehicle's lifespan. Simply put, driving is a game of control, and learning to anticipate is more reliable.

[Wade]

As a sports car enthusiast, I love the smoothness of driving: there's no need to brake when going over speed bumps. I always slow down to below 30 km/h before approaching, then completely release both the accelerator and brake, allowing the car to glide over naturally. This maximizes suspension performance, avoiding unnecessary bumps or loss of power balance. In contrast, braking over the bump may cause the wheels to misalign due to resistance, leading to unstable driving. Having practiced cornering techniques on the track, I apply them to daily driving—speed bumps become a small challenge. Too high a speed damages the car excessively, while too low feels sluggish; finding that balance point, around 25 km/h, allows for a smooth pass and driving enjoyment. Also, pay attention to whether the tire pressure is appropriate—insufficient pressure causes significant friction changes, making the car prone to side skidding. Remember good habits: observe road signs in advance and adjust, which can improve overall driving efficiency.

[LorenzoFitz]

As a regular commuter who drives my kids to school every day, I never brake while going over speed bumps. I slow down to walking speed, around 20 km/h, a few meters in advance and then coast over smoothly at a constant speed. This keeps the ride quiet and comfortable, so my child won't wake up from sleep. Last time I took my car for repairs, the mechanic told me that braking hard over speed bumps can cause the shock absorbers to wear out prematurely, and a single repair costs 500 yuan—too much to bear. So from an economic standpoint, controlling speed saves on repair costs and extends the car's lifespan. From a safety perspective, braking at high speeds can lead to loss of control, especially in older cars. Once it becomes a habit, handling speed bumps feels like an automatic routine: as soon as I see the sign, I ease off the accelerator and brake gently, gliding over without any hassle. For family cars, protecting both people and the vehicle is what matters most.