What Are the Factors to Consider When Covering the Brake?
The desire of every road user or automobile driver is to avoid any unforeseen or unfavorable encounter. Unfortunately, accidents occur in different ways, involving an individual, animal, or structure being knocked down. So, whether you are a car or motorcycle rider, it is essential to cover your brake.
Brake covering is relevant and involves a way of ensuring the braking functions in an abrupt stop instead of a slow or gradual way.
What Does Covering the Brake Mean?
Covering the brake differs according to the type of automobile being used. When driving a motorcycle, covering the brake involves holding your hand over the brake.
When driving a car, covering the brake means removing your right foot from the accelerator and placing it on the brake. The foot is just made to rest or hover around the brake pedal without actually resting or engaging it.
However, the brake is not the only vehicle part that can be covered. Covering the brake and clutch is possible by taking out one’s feet from the accelerator, bringing the car to a slow stop by applying the brake, or changing the gear to a lower one.
What is Covering the Brake Technique?
The best covering the brake technique is to place your foot on the brake as you approach a cross-section, traffic, etc. You do not want to step on the brake in shock and fear. Using this technique also makes it easy for you to switch from acceleration to braking in a short time.
What are the Benefits of Covering a Brake?
- It increases the reaction time to braking.
- It provides a more comfortable and safe driving experience.
- It makes it safe to change from the acceleration phase to the braking phase.
- It reduces speed.
How do You Cover the Brake of a Motorcycle?
Though most experts are against covering the brake of a motorcycle because it brings about the consciousness of danger, covering the brake of a bike is essential and safe. You can cover your motorcycle’s brake by placing two fingers on the brake and the other finger on the throttle. This method is safe, but some bike instructors find it unsafe.
Also, some bikes come with the option where you need to pull the brake lever to the throttle before they respond to braking. And holding some fingers to the throttle won’t allow you to do that. But the brake levers can be adjusted to fit the usage of two fingers, or you can go ahead and use all fingers.
When Should You Cover the Brake?
There are several scenarios where you can cover the brake of your car. Some of them include the following:
When Driving by Parked Cars
This is an everyday encounter, and you must be careful to avoid any unpleasant disruption. However, brake covering is helpful as it ensures proper maintenance and safety. When driving, it is advised to drive at a distance of at least a car door away from another vehicle.
In Slippery Road
When driving on a slippery road, you have to be careful because it requires a lot of skill. However, driving under such circumstances requires you to cover your brake as it will enable you to stop when you feel like your tire is slippery or has less surface grip.
Crowded Area
In some cases, when driving through crowded areas or a rally spot, many people may suddenly walk in front of your car. This needs you to cover your brake to avoid hitting any person.
When Driving on a Country Road
One must drive with great care and focus when going on a country road. This is because the streets are usually quiet and bumpy. Also, it is easy to encounter stray animals as they are likely to run suddenly across the road. In such conditions, covering the brake can be very helpful.
During Traffic
To avoid bumping into any car, it is advised to cover the brake when going through heavy traffic.
On Sight of an Erratic Driver
When you see a rough driver or one behaving uncertainty, engage the brake cover.
When the brake light of a nearby car is on
This is another basis where you can cover your brake. Driving near a car with its brake light on is a frequent scenario as it can protect you from any unpleasant accident.
Covering the Brake: An Essential Road Test Skill
Hazards
Hazards can come in many forms, and drivers need to be aware of them. One of the most common hazards is approaching a zebra crossing when the driver does not have a clear view of both sides. It is important to cover the brake and clutch in preparation for slowing down in this situation. This technique reduces the time it takes to stop or slow down, making it much safer for everyone involved.
Another hazard that drivers must be aware of is any light-controlled pedestrian crossing with people waiting. As you approach, the lights may change, and you must be prepared to react quickly and safely.
Cyclists ahead that you wish to overtake or busy streets with pedestrians are also potential hazards that require extra caution from drivers. As a learner driver, it is essential to learn how to identify any potential hazards in good time and use the covering technique as necessary. By doing so, they can ensure their safety as well as the safety of others on the road.
FAQs Of The When Should You Cover the Brake
When it comes to driving, safety should always be a top priority. One of the key components of safe driving is knowing when to use your brakes. Many drivers wonder when they should cover the brake pedal, which means keeping their foot close to the brake pedal without actually applying pressure to it.
In this FAQ guide, we will explore the concept of covering the brake and provide answers to some of the most frequently asked questions about this important driving technique. Whether you are a new driver or an experienced one, understanding when to cover the brake can help you stay safe on the road and avoid accidents.
1. What should you avoid doing when covering the brake?
When covering the brake, it is advised not to pedal the brake or ride it. However, hover your feet around them a little.
2. Is covering the brake the same as riding the brake?
Riding the brake is a process of placing one’s feet on the back brake or placing their hand on the lever of the front brake and putting a little effort. On the other hand, the brake cover involves placing one’s foot or hand on the brake pedal after the accelerator.
3. Why is covering the brake with your foot important when you’re backing out of any parking space?
When coming out from a parking lot, it is essential to cover your brake to stop the car from rolling into another car or traffic.
4. Is it okay to cover the front of a motorcycle brake?
Brake covering can be used for all automobiles as it helps reduce bumps and unexpected clashes.
5. Do you have to shift down when braking?
When braking, one of the right methods to reduce your car is to downshift. This is done by removing your right foot from the brake, stepping on the clutch with your left foot, and bringing down the gear.
6. What is the total stopping distance of automobiles?
The stopping distance of any motorized transport is dependent on various factors. It combines mental processing, physical, and vehicle reaction time.
The mental processing time involves the time it takes for a person to know that they must react to something. An example is when an individual sees a car reversing and decides whether to brake.
Physical reaction time involves the time it takes to react physically to the present event. The vehicle reaction time is the vehicle’s response time to the action applied to it. That is the time it takes for it to stop after the brake is activated.
Conclusion
As much as we like to maintain safety as we drive, we also have to be aware of the challenges and encounters we will face as we embark on these journeys. Covering the brake helps you avoid unpleasant road disruption and provides you with a safe driving experience as you drive.
It also gives you a smooth riding experience in crowds, traffic, and other conditions that require fast braking action, as it helps bring the car to a stop within small distances.
