The Anatomy of Braking

Every driver on the road knows the heart-stopping feeling of slamming on the brakes to avoid a collision. Yet few drivers know just how quickly the brain has to react, or just how important the vehicle’s brakes and tires are in this split-second process. It’s an instantaneous, three-part reaction ending with a complete stop. Here’s how it all works:

Your Brain

In one brief moment, the brain sends sensory data to the amygdala (this complex set of neurons works to process emotional reactions and even controls the memory), which jumps into action prompting the driver to hit the brakes.

Your Brakes

When the foot hits the brake pedal with all its force it initiates the hydraulic brake system which uses fluids to apply enough friction to the brake pads to stop the vehicle.

Your Tires

Once the brakes are engaged, it is the sole responsibility of the tires to get the job done and keep the driver out of harm’s way. It is the responsibility of the driver to ensure that the proper tires are in place. Just remember that all tires are not created equal.

“Maximum braking power requires the highest possible amount of friction between the tire and the road,” says Bill Hume, vice president of Hankook Tire Canada.

“This level of friction is dependent on both the rubber and the temperature. The softer the rubber, the greater the grip to the asphalt, resulting in increased stopping power.”

Hume says in the ultra high performance category, touring tires like the Ventus S1 noble2 are ideal for the warmer months. They are larger, wider, and made up of new silica tread compound that will resist breakdown in warmer temperatures. And for improved traction on those rain-soaked spring days, he points to the Aqua Hydro Block design to repel water away from the tires.

More information is available at www.hankooktire.ca.

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