1994 Cadillac Eldorado Owner's Manual - Page 188

BRAKING Braking action involves perception time and reaction time. First, you have decide to push onthe brake pedal. That's perception to time. Then you haveto bring up your foot and it. That's reaction time. do Average reaction time about 3/4 of a second. But that's an is only average. It might be less withone driver and as long two or three as seconds or more with another. Age, physical condition, alertness, coordination, and eyesight all a part.So do alcohol, drugs and play frustration. But even 3/4 of a second, a vehicle in 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 is others important. And, of course, actual stopping distances greatlywith the surface of vary the road (whetherit's pavementor gravel); the condition of the road (wet, dry, icy); tire tread; and condition of your brakes. the Avoid needless heavy braking. Some people drive in spurts heavy -acceleration followedby heavy braking -- rather than keeping pace with traffic. Thisis a mistake. Your brakes not have time cool between may to hard stops.Your brakes will wearout much faster if you do a lot heavy of braking. If you keep pace with traffic andallow realistic following the distances, you willeliminate a lot unnecessary braking.That means of better braking and longer brake life. If your engine ever stops while you're driving, brake normally but do pump your brakes. you do, the pedal may get harderto push down. If If your engine stops,you will still have some power brake assist. But you will use it when brake. Once the power assist used up,it may take you is longer to stop and the brake pedalwill be harder to push. 176