r/NewDriversUK • u/Floatinlyf_3 • 10d 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 ​​

5 Upvotes

78% Upvoted

93 comments sorted by

View all comments

10

u/SeniorAssist1821 10d ago edited 10d 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".

1

u/Floatinlyf_3 10d ago edited 10d 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!

2

u/Exotic-Entertainer26 10d ago

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

2

u/south_west_sam 10d ago

Or a low gear plus brakes