No driver can keep count of the number times he applies brakes in a day’s driving. All of us do so subconsciously, automatically, since we are all conditioned to do so on seeing a hazard, a turn, a speed-breaker, a red light, a pedestrian crossing the road and numerous other occasions too many to enumerate.
But not many realise that even an operation as simple as applying a brake has its own rules for driving comfort. For one thing, you should be able to sense the need to apply the brakes early on so you apply them gently. That’s good for you, good for your vehicle, and there is no panic and no jerk in the engine. It is the suddenness of applying the brakes, and the resultant hard-pressing on them, that results in a jerky stop and may even scare your co-passenger. So the trick is to apply the brakes early, gently, more firmly as one begins to stop, and just before the vehicle comes to a stop ease the pressure off to avoid any jerk.
But the advice above applies only in case of normal circumstances. In case of an emergency – for example if a person or animal suddenly scampers across the road unmindful of the danger and too close for the driver comfort – one has to brake immediately and hard. Still, you must not press the brakes so hard as to lock the wheels because that may result in a loss of control over the vehicle.
If you apply brakes too heavily and then try to accelerate too quickly your vehicle might skid bringing you almost to the point where you might lose control over the vehicle. Harsh driving can lead to painful consequences indeed. In case of skidding take the foot off the brake pedal or go light on the accelerator and turn the steering wheel in the direction of the skid [if the rear wheel skids to the left, steer to the left to recover control].
If you drive through a patch of heavily water-logged area, the brakes may not work as firmly in the aftermath. It is therefore better to test them by pressing them gently soon after passing through the water and convince yourself they are working properly. If in doubt as to their efficacy, press the brakes gently while driving slowly to help them dry out.
Though there aren’t many ups and downs in Bahrain as you drive around, still there are some. When going downhill, never as a lark drive in the neutral or with the clutch pressed down. This is dangerous driving and an invitation to trouble. Remember when you let a vehicle move on its own in neutral, the engine braking get eliminated, steering response is affected, especially at the turn and, most importantly, it might become difficult to choose the proper gear to match the current vehicle speed. So follow the traditional way of driving and braking to avoid an untoward incident.