Severin

I've always wondered this:

Say you're coming to a stop from, say, 50mph. Is it better for the life of you're brake pads that you:

(1) Apply and release the brakes 2 or 3 times before coming to a stop.
(2) Apply the brakes continually (keep depressed) until you come to a stop.

Assume the same the same braking distance for both.

I personally use #1: I hate riding the brakes - I always felt that the time off the brake gave the rotors/pads some time to cool.

I have no idea what the wear diffs, if any, are between the two styles. Anyone?

fsttyms1

if you are coming to a stop like that the only thing you are really doing is actually having to apply more brake every time just to make up for letting off. you arent letting the brakes cool down (and there is no need)with just letting off a little bit. the brakes get cooled off by driving and not using the brakes. unless you are racing down the street and braking hard at every stoplight your brakes really arent getting hot.

hzm82

I know riding your brake isn't good, but I don't see how pulsing the brake would be any better. And if you need your ABS, it wouldn't come on if you pulse the brake. Also if you pulse brake, you keep biting into your rotor more often, leading to the need for resurfacing earlier then you should. Come on....you want to apply your brakes then let off (so you build up more speed) then brake again (within this time frame you are never going to cool you brake pads or rotors off)......if you want to take better care of your brake pads, don't race to the next red light and then apply the brakes. Just improve your driving style.

H

johnnyb_s

Don't apply and release brakes on cars with ABS.

TLover8888

dont apply and release the brakes a few times...just hold down the brake pedal because pulsing your brakes isnt good for the brake master cylinder, and replacing that is way more expensive than replacing simple brake pads.

2ONPAR5

Severin

eheheh - I really don't mean "pulsing", I mean apply as needed for ~4 seconds or so then release; not bang bang bang.

Simply said, instead of pressing the brake the whole deceleration time, I may apply it 3 times.

TLover8888

yeah, i know what you meant...same thing.

doopstr

That would require too much brain power for me. I just push and stop.

Braindrain

The benefits of "pulsing" the brakes is a myth. I also confirmed it with a racing instructor at a course I was taking.