Chevrolet 2004 Epica Specifications download pdf (Page 164)

Braking

Braking action involves perception time and

reaction time.

First, you have to decide to push on the brake pedal.

That is perception time. Then you have to bring up your

foot and do it. That is reaction time.

Average reaction time is about 3/4 of a second. But that

is only an average. It might be less with one driver and

as long as two or three seconds or more with another.

Age, physical condition, alertness, coordination and

eyesight all play a part. So do alcohol, drugs and

frustration. But even in 3/4 of a second, a vehicle moving

at 60 mph (100 km/h) travels 66 feet (20 m). That could

be a lot of distance in an emergency, so keeping enough

space between your vehicle and others is important.

And, of course, actual stopping distances vary greatly

with the surface of the road (whether it is pavement

or gravel); the condition of the road (wet, dry, icy);

tire tread; the condition of your brakes; the weight of

the vehicle and the amount of brake force applied.

Avoid needless heavy braking. Some people drive in

spurts — heavy acceleration followed by heavy

braking — rather than keeping pace with traffic. This is

a mistake. Your brakes may not have time to cool

between hard stops. Your brakes will wear out much

faster if you do a lot of heavy braking. If you keep pace

with the traffic and allow realistic following distances,

you will eliminate a lot of unnecessary braking.

That means better braking and longer brake life.

If your engine ever stops while you are driving, brake

normally but do not pump your brakes. If you do,

the pedal may get harder to push down. If your engine

stops, you will still have some power brake assist.

But you will use it when you brake. Once the power

assist is used up, it may take longer to stop and

the brake pedal will be harder to push.

Anti-lock Brake System (ABS)

Your vehicle has anti-lock brakes. ABS is an advanced

electronic braking system that will help prevent a

braking skid.

When you start your engine and begin to drive away,

your anti-lock brake system will check itself. You

may hear a momentary motor or clicking noise while

this test is going on, and you may even notice that your

brake pedal moves a little. This is normal.

If there is a problem

with the anti-lock brake

system, this warning

light will stay on.

See Anti-Lock Brake

System Warning Light

on page 3-36.

4-6

1 2 ... 159 160 161 162 163 164 165 166 167 168 169 ... 337 338

Comments to this Manuals

No comments

Chevrolet 2004 Epica Specifications Page 164

Comments to this Manuals

Related products and manuals for Cars Chevrolet 2004 Epica