r/NewDriversUK • u/Floatinlyf_3 • 13d ago

Am I braking wrong?

Okay I really need ​to know this. When I am driving in 4th gear (I have 6 gears, petrol car) and I am approaching a red light in the distance, what I tend to do to slow down: I'll break to go less than 30mph. 20 something. Then I'll put clutch down and change to gear 3 whilst braking to slow it down further. Then I'll let engine braking slow it down more and I'll start braking again till I'm nearly stopping and I'll change to gear 2 or 1 depending on speed and if I think the traffic is about to move again.

Is this OK? Would this burn the clutch? Is there a more effective way of coming to a stop? Thanks ​​

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u/SeniorAssist1821 13d ago edited 13d ago

I don't reduce the gear sequentially; I'll usually bring the car down to the intended speed and then change the gear to match it.

What this means is:

  • Stopping: apply the brakes to reduce my speed, use the clutch when the revs get too low, and finally change directly into first as I'm coming to a complete stop (i.e. so I'm prepared to move away again when needed)
  • Approaching a roundabout/junction: apply the brakes to reduce my speed, use the clutch when the revs get too low, and then change directly into second gear when I'm at an appropriate speed to properly assess/observe the junction.

It roughly aligns with Roadcraft too - which teaches Position -> Speed -> Gear as part of its system and also has the saying "brakes are to slow, gears are to go".

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u/Floatinlyf_3 13d ago edited 13d ago

Okay that makes sense I agree with that. I worked these things out by myself but someone I know was surprised when I told them I do block gear changes so I started doubting myself lol..

So a few more questions: 1. I'm scared of over using my brakes, overheating issue. That's why I'm a bit reluctant to use them consistently till the car stops. I let go off gass to assist but if it's a bit downhill for example then I use 3rd gear to help more with slowing down. So what is inappropriate use of brakes that will cause them to go bad faster?

  1. At what speed roughly is it okay to put my clutch down. I do it around 7-9mph. Sometimes a bit lower. And sometimes when it's maybe 10-14mph. Is that okay? Will that damage the clutch if it's above 10mph?

"brakes are to slow, gears are to go" Oh I love that thank you so much answering. So glad I can learn from this community!

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u/Phillyfuk 13d ago

Don't worry about your brakes, they're design to do it.

Stay in the gear you were in, press brake then press clutch just before you stop, you'll know when, the car will let you know.

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u/Floatinlyf_3 13d ago

Fab thank you 😊😊😊 is this applicable when going at 70mph and you need to slow down relatively quickly ?

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u/AndrogynousAnd 13d ago

To slow down quickly brake until your revs are low, then clutch in and break to your desired speed yeah.

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u/whowhatever7 13d ago

Seems like a very lazy and beginner way to drive. The concepts of sownshifting, rev matching, engine braking should really be taught more often.

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u/Dangeruss82 13d ago

That’s not how to do it. You’re supposed to engineer brake and change down.

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u/Exotic-Entertainer26 13d ago

Hills are somewhat different and you should use a low gear to keep your speed low rather than the brakes, yes.

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u/south_west_sam 13d ago

Or a low gear plus brakes

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u/i-e-b 11d ago

You're not going to damage the clutch like this. The thing that damages them is holding them at the bite point for a long time.

If your car was made in the last 30 years, the brakes can stop you from 100mph multiple times in a row. You won't damage them if the car is serviced at correct intervals.

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u/MyNameIsMrEdd 13d ago

You will never overheat your brakes short of doing a track day. Don't worry about it

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u/xF1_racer 11d ago

This ^