Braking forces

Braking distance is one of the least important criteria when comparing braking systems, even for high-performance applications.

While premium brake system suppliers establish reputations for high performance, there are many forces acting on car makers' brake specifications and selection-and minimum stopping distance is one of the least important.

The reason is, with the current state of brake technology, minimum braking distance is determined by the tires, the friction of the road surface, and the programming of the antilock braking system, because the brake caliper, pads, and rotor of virtually any system have the potential to lock the turning wheel, according to Phil Headley, Chief Engineer for Advanced Products at Continental Automotive Systems.