What are the correct steps for braking?

[McMax]

First release the accelerator, then apply the brakes. This minimizes the impact felt by passengers inside the vehicle. Alternatively, if you are still far from your stopping point, you can first release the accelerator and then apply the brakes based on the remaining distance. Braking mantra for rainy or snowy days: Control your speed and brake early. Wet roads are slippery, and braking distances are longer than usual. For safety, control your speed when driving in the rain and brake early to avoid emergency braking, which can cause the vehicle to skid! When going downhill for long distances, intermittent braking can cause the brake pads to overheat, reduce performance, or even lead to brake failure in severe cases! Make full use of engine braking to slow down the descent. Therefore, it is recommended to slow down when going downhill and use engine braking to maintain a steady speed. Theoretically, just before the ABS activates, when rolling friction is about to turn into sliding friction, the tire's friction reaches its maximum. Unless you are very familiar with the road conditions, have practiced repeatedly on that surface, and possess exceptional calmness and precise muscle control, it is impossible to find that critical point during an emergency. Therefore, letting the ABS system handle the braking for you is far better than doing it yourself. Both vehicle manufacturers and tire companies have invested heavily in researching how to efficiently and simply reduce braking distances. As car owners, we should make good use of these advancements.

[Craig]

Actually, proper braking is all about anticipation and smoothness. When I drive, I make it a habit to observe road conditions in advance, releasing the throttle early when I see a red light or traffic ahead. When it's time to brake, I use a gradual approach: first lightly resting the sole of my foot on the pedal, then gradually increasing pressure as I feel the car begin to slow down. Avoid sudden, hard braking—this saves fuel and prevents passengers from lurching forward and backward. On slippery roads, extra caution is needed; you can apply the brakes in short, gentle taps to avoid skidding. Another trick is to slightly ease off the brake just before coming to a complete stop, allowing the car to settle naturally for a smoother halt. When going downhill, using a lower gear to control speed is also crucial.

[PaisleeDella]

The key to braking lies in rhythm control. When starting off, I keep my heel fixed on the floor and use my toes to control the pedal for greater precision. In emergencies, never hesitate—step down firmly and quickly to activate the ABS system. However, in daily driving, I mostly use the cadence braking technique: gently pressing for about a second before releasing, repeating a few times to smoothly reduce speed. On long descents, avoid keeping the brake pedal pressed continuously to prevent overheating and failure; instead, learn to use engine braking to control speed more safely. Additionally, always leave enough space before stopping to avoid sudden braking caused by tailgating. Remember, brake lights are for the vehicles behind—activating them early can effectively prevent rear-end collisions.

[SanNathan]

Proper braking techniques can extend component lifespan. I recommend always keeping your right foot perpendicular to the brake pedal for the most direct force application. The braking process should be divided into three stages: first pre-load to eliminate play, then linearly increase pressure, and finally ease off slightly before complete stop to avoid nose-diving. Braking distance doubles in rainy conditions - I practice earlier braking and increased following distance. During emergency stops, firmly grip the steering wheel while fully depressing the brake to engage ABS functionality. Regular inspection of brake pad thickness is crucial; replacement is recommended when thickness falls below 3mm.

[AlyssaLynn]

Smooth braking requires proper visual management. While driving, I scan the road conditions 200 meters ahead and prepare to ease off the accelerator if any abnormalities are detected. Before applying the brakes, I check the rearview mirror to confirm the distance to the following vehicle, then use the entire foot to control the pedal. At high speeds, I employ a staged deceleration method: first lightly press the brake to reduce speed to 80 km/h, then apply appropriate force to slow down to 60 km/h. It's essential to slow down before entering a curve, as braking mid-curve can easily lead to loss of control. For automatic transmission vehicles, shifting to manual mode and using lower gears can assist with braking. Remember, driving over speed bumps while braking is most likely to damage the suspension system.