What does it mean when braking distance is extended or shortened?
3 Answers
Extended braking distance means the distance from when the brakes are applied until the vehicle comes to a complete stop will be longer. Shortened braking distance means the distance from when the brakes are applied until the vehicle comes to a complete stop will be shorter. The length of braking distance is an important factor in determining whether a vehicle's braking system is functioning properly. China's requirements for vehicle braking distance (when unloaded) are: 1. For vehicles with fewer than nine seats: Passenger vehicles with no more than nine seats should have a braking distance not exceeding 19m when the initial speed is 50Km/h. 2. For vehicles with a total mass not exceeding 4.5t: Other vehicles with a total mass not exceeding 4.5t should have a braking distance not exceeding 21m when the initial speed is 50Km/h. 3. For other vehicles: Vehicle combinations should have a braking distance not exceeding 12m when the initial speed is 30Km/h.
I've been driving for over ten years, and increased braking distance means the distance your car travels after you hit the brakes gets longer, which is common on wet or muddy roads. For example, last month when I was driving in the rain, the road was wet, and after I slammed on the brakes, the car still slid quite far, almost causing a rear-end collision. Reduced braking distance means stopping closer and being safer, which is noticeable when you install new brake pads or good tires. Many factors affect it: at higher speeds, the distance naturally increases, so I never speed on highways; vehicle weight also plays a role—braking is harder when fully loaded. I’ve also noticed that worn-out tires with poor grip worsen the increase, so regularly checking tire pressure and the brake system is crucial. For safe driving, maintaining a longer following distance can buffer the risks brought by increased braking distance and help avoid accidents.
As a daily commuter, extended braking distance gives me a headache. It refers to the increased distance required to stop after applying the brakes, which often occurs during icy weather or brake malfunctions. I remember last winter when the road was icy, my car slid twice as far as usual during a test brake, which was terrifying. Shorter braking distance is a good thing, indicating higher efficiency. Key factors include road conditions—dry vs. wet; tire wear—worn tires lose grip; and brake fluid issues. I make judgments while driving: in bad weather, I slow down and leave more space. For maintenance, changing brake fluid every six months can help reduce braking distance. Speed is also a factor: stopping at 40km/h requires more distance than at 20km/h, so controlling speed is crucial.
