How to achieve shorter stopping distances
There are a number of factors that impact on stopping distance. And while you can't influence the weather or the state of the road, you can make sure that your car’s condition and the way you drive help you achieve shorter stopping distances.
What is stopping distance?
The total stopping distance for your car is a combination of:
Thinking distance: the time it takes you to react to a hazard
Braking distance: how far your car travels before it comes to a full stop
Stopping distance equals thinking distance PLUS braking distance.
How to achieve shorter stopping distances
Stopping distance can be influenced by wet weather, snow and ice or poor visibility over which you have no control. But there are several other factors you can influence to bring down your stopping distance.
As a driver, your reactions will be impaired when you’re tired or unwell, and you should never drive after using drugs or alcohol. You should avoid distractions such as loud music or using a mobile phone in order to be ready to react to any hazard.
Before you drive, give your car a quick check, particularly brakes and tyres.
Did you know?
Protyre offer free tyre checks at all of our garages. Click the button below to book your vehicle in and let our technicians advise on the best tyres for you.
Why tyres matter for braking performance
The condition of your tyres and the type of tyres you’re using can make a huge difference when it comes to reducing your stopping distance.
Underinflated tyres can have an adverse impact on stopping in the wet. You should also check tyre tread depth to ensure you have the maximum grip. In our experience, that means driving with at least 3mm of tread rather than the minimum 1.6mm. Independent tests show that tyres with less than this depth of tread are much less efficient at evacuating water and can take an extra two car lengths to come to a stop. If you’re travelling at high speed on the motorway or travelling in poor visibility, that could have terrible consequences.
The right tyre for the job
You may need to change your tyres to suit the weather conditions. Summer tyres deliver efficient braking and shorter stopping during the warmer months but once the temperature drops below 7C degrees, if you drive in adverse conditions, you may need the special compounds found in winter tyres.
Each tyre is specially adapted to offer optimum shorter braking distances. Opting for all season tyres will never deliver the shorter stopping distance guaranteed by using summer or winter tyres.
Premium or budget? Talk to our tyre professionals
One other consideration when it comes to braking performance is premium vs budget tyres. The research and development investment from a premium brand such as Pirelli ensures that they deliver superior performance, grip and safety in all weather conditions. In fact, budget tyres can take an extra 5 metres to stop in the dry and 14 metres to stop when driving in the wet at 70mph.
Choosing the Right Tyre Made Easy
When it comes to your car's safety and performance, tyres can play a huge role. That's why we've put together a collection of helpful articles to guide you through the process of selecting the perfect tyres for your ride and maintaining your vehicle in general.
If you're looking for a smoother, more luxurious driving experience, premium car tyres might be the way to go. Or, if you want added security against flats, run flat car tyres could be your best bet. Trying to decide between summer car tyres and winter car tyres? We've got you covered there, too.
We also dive into the world of tyre brands, comparing top manufacturers like BF Goodrich tyres, Bridgestone tyres, Continental tyres, Dunlop tyres, Falken tyres, General tyres, Goodyear tyres, GT Radial tyres , Hankook tyres, Michelin tyres, Pirelli tyres, Runway tyres, Sumitomo tyres, and Toyo tyres.
But we don't just stop at helping you choose the right tyres – we also share tips on how to keep them in tip-top shape. From checking your tread depth and keeping your tyres properly inflated to extending their life through regular rotation and balancing, our articles have got you covered.
So, whether you're a car enthusiast or just looking to keep your vehicle safe and reliable, our car help and advice articles are here to help you make informed decisions about your tyres. Check them out and feel confident in your tyre choices!
Need new tyres? Buy online at Protyre and save £££s!
Protyre stock a wide range of Premium, Mid-range and Budget tyres to suit any requirement with same day fitting available on many options. Click the button below to browse our selection.
If you want the best braking performance and a shorter stopping distance, opt for seasonal premium tyres for optimum results.
To get the best tyres for your car, why not use the intuitive tyre search function on our website or book in for a free tyre check. Our qualified fitters will give your tyres the once over and recommend the best replacements.