1995 Chevrolet S10 Pickup Owner's Manual - Page 138

Braking Braking action involves perception time and reaction time. First, you have to decide topush on the brake pedal. That's perception time. Then you have to bring upyour foot and do it. That's reaction time. Average reaction time is about3/4 of a second.But that's only an average. It might be less with one driverand as long as two or three seconds more or with another. Age, physical condition, alertness, coordination, and eyesight all play a part. So do alcohol, drugs frustration. But even in 3/4 of a and second, avehicle 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 vehicleand others is important. And, of course, actual stopping distancesvary greatly with the surfaceof the road (whether it's pavement orgravel); the condition of the road (wet, dry, icy); tire tread; and the conditionof your brakes. Avoid needless heavy braking. Somepeople drive in spurts - heavy acceleration followedby heavy braking -rather than keeping pace with traffic. This is a mistake.Your brakes may not have timeto cool between hard stops. Your brakes will wear outmuch faster if you do a lot heavy of braking. If you keep pacewith the traffic and allow realistic following distances, you will eliminate alot of unnecessary braking. That means better braking and longer brake life. If your engine ever stops while you're driving, brake normally but don't pump your brakes. If you do, thepedal may get harderto push down. If your engine stops, you will still have some power brake assist. But you will use it when youbrake. Once the power assist is used up, it may take longer to stop and the brake pedal will be harder to push. Anti-Lock Brakes (ABS) Your vehicle hasan advanced electronic braking system that can help you keep it under control. If your vehicle has an anti-lock brake system warning light on the instrument panel, it four-wheel anti-lock brakes. Otherwise, it has has rear-wheel anti-lock brakes. When you start a vehiclethat has four-wheel anti-lock brakes and begin to drive away, you may hear a momentary motor or clickingnoise. This is the ABS system testing itself. 4-5