3 Advanced Braking Techniques for Fuel Saving and Smooth Driving

TLDR; Braking tips: 1) Plan ahead to avoid braking and save fuel. 2) Squeeze the brake pedal progressively. 3) Trail braking for advanced driving, best on the track.

⏱️ Importance of Planning Ahead

The brake pedal is often overlooked, but planning ahead can reduce the need for braking and save fuel.

By lifting off the gas and not touching the brakes, the car uses zero fuel due to engine braking, achieving infinite miles per gallon.

This approach also minimizes wear on brake pads and results in smoother driving.

According to the speaker, planning ahead is exemplified by approaching speed limit changes without braking.

By doing so, the driver demonstrates better foresight and driving skill, ultimately leading to fuel savings and reduced wear on the brakes.

The speaker emphasizes that not braking when it's unnecessary benefits fuel economy, reduces wear on brake pads, and results in smoother driving, showcasing superior driving skills.

🚗 Squeeze, Don't Push

The concept of 'squeezing' the brake pedal rather than 'pushing' it is highlighted as a fundamental and important idea for both beginner and advanced drivers.

Squeezing the pedal progressively allows the car's suspension to settle, resulting in smoother and more effective braking.

It is explained that the initial application of the brakes should be gentle, gradually increasing the pressure.

This approach optimizes brake performance, enabling drivers to reach maximum brake pressure without triggering the anti-lock braking system (ABS), ultimately enhancing the value of the brakes.

The speaker emphasizes the importance of 'squeezing' the brake pedal gradually, enabling the car's suspension to settle and optimizing brake performance, ultimately allowing for maximum brake pressure without triggering the ABS.

🏎️ Trail Braking

Trail braking, an advanced driving technique, is explained as the act of still applying the brakes while turning the steering wheel, gradually releasing the brakes as the steering input increases.

The speaker demonstrates the technique, emphasizing its advanced nature and cautioning about its potential danger on the road.

The speaker provides examples of trail braking, highlighting its effectiveness in long corners and its potential benefits on the track.

It's emphasized that trail braking allows for braking and turning simultaneously, challenging the conventional wisdom of separating these actions.

The concept of trail braking is further explained as a combination of braking and turning, shifting the weight of the car forward onto the turning wheels, ultimately allowing for improved grip and effective cornering.

The speaker demonstrates the technique in a spirited fashion, highlighting its difficulty to showcase without driving at high speeds.