Re: Survey about Braking...

["Chris Campbell" <Chris.Campbell@eastbridge.ns.ca>]

I've just got a bit to add - a question/comment:

> That having been said, I think that it would be acceptable to downshift to
> slow down when you're going too fast to efficiently slow down with the
> brakes alone. For example, if you're coming off the freeway at 75mph, and
> there's a backup right around the corner you didn't see, apply the brakes
> with your right foot, and with your left foot, push in the clutch, shift
> down, and slowly let out the clutch to add some torque related braking to
> assist in slowing you down.

I've always been under the impression that the brakes were capable of 
slowing you down as fast as your tires will manage - since they are 
capable of locking the wheels up.  With ABS I suppose it doesn't matter 
where the slowing force comes from, the brakes will reduce their drag if 
you lock a wheel.  Without ABS, I would think that using engine braking in 
a panic situation would tend to lock the two drive wheels, or cause the 
two non-drive wheels to not be braking at their maximum (this since the 
car comes with front to rear brake balance optimized for the car).  This 
logic would also seem to apply to using the handbrake to stop.

But I could be wrong.  That's just what I've always thought...
- ----------------
Chris Campbell
Chris.Campbell@Eastbridge.ns.ca
Campbell@hfx.andara.com