What does extended braking distance mean?
2 Answers
When the brake pedal is pressed and braking occurs, if the distance exceeds the standard braking distance, it is called extended braking distance. Reasons for extended braking distance: Issues with brake pads or brake discs: First, the tread pattern of the tires may not provide the same grip as new tires. The brake discs and brake pads engage during braking to achieve the braking effect. Wear and tear occur every time the brakes are applied. Replacing the brake pads or brake discs can resolve this issue. Issues with brake fluid: Brake fluid is also crucial because it has a certain level of hygroscopicity. Over time, un-replaced brake fluid can absorb small amounts of moisture from the surrounding air, forming water vapor. While the fluid itself is incompressible, any gas that enters the fluid can be compressed. If the brake fluid contains water vapor, the braking force will be significantly reduced, affecting driving safety. This can also lead to soft braking. Replacing the brake fluid can solve this problem.
Does the braking distance become longer? It means when I step on the brake while driving, the car takes a longer distance to stop than before, which is quite scary. I remember once during heavy rain, the road was slippery. I braked as usual, but the car slid much farther before stopping, almost hitting the car in front. Afterward, I looked it up and found that the increased braking distance could be due to worn-out tire treads reducing grip, combined with the rain lowering the friction coefficient. Overly worn brake pads can also reduce braking power. I want to remind everyone not to take driving lightly. In rainy or snowy conditions, or on steep mountain roads, brake earlier and maintain a safe distance to prevent accidents. Regularly checking the brake system and tire condition is crucial—don’t wait until something happens to regret it. Safety first—it’s no joke.
