Quote:
Originally Posted by simplythebest another thing is that you need to develop a feel for the brakes.
They don't go suddenly. Fade starts, and then hits badly.
When you notice fade, stop/slow down or change your driving style. |
I did feel the fade. But I neglected it, didn't have any clue to what it would lead.
Quote:
Originally Posted by GTO - Touring Dolphin,
It isn't entirely your fault since the Esteem has amongst the lousiest brakes I have come across, specially the mid-nineties models. My '96 Esteem would have 0% braking left after a spirited drive from Nariman Point to Shivaji Park (approx 14 kms). |
Is it? I didn’t know this. BTW my Esteem was 1996 model.
The tips and rules being discussed/mentioned here are diverse yet so simple.
Here are some important tips I gathered. Some of them are new and some are closely related to what’s being discussed/mentioned.
Make sure that your brakes, windshield wipers, defroster, and heater are in good condition: Ensure that your brake and transmission fluids are filled and have been changed within the interval recommended for your vehicle. Brake fluid, as it ages, takes on moisture and contaminants that lowers its boiling level. Frequent brake use can overheat the fluid and you can lose braking efficiency when it is most needed.
Also check your tyres and ensure that they are properly inflated.
On steep inclines, downshift to a lower gear, watch the temperature gauge in your vehicle, and turn off the air-conditioning if it starts to overheat: If you need to cool the engine, find a safe place to pull off the road, park it and keep the car at a fast idle. Do not shut off the engine, and never remove a hot radiator cap. A faster way to cool an engine is to turn on the heater.
Decreasing radius turns: A decreasing radius turn is a tight turn whose radius decreases dramatically within the turn. The hazard of such turns are in their element of surprise, for when a driver enters such a turn at a "safe speed," they quickly realize he’s going too fast for the situation. Prevention: Drive slowly and be cautious.
Always carry extra drinking water, and drink a lot of fluids: At higher elevations, insufficient hydration can lead to the onset of symptoms of altitude sickness. Even if they're mild, they can affect your alertness.
Slowing down for any reason, whether it's to view scenery or because of a steep incline is acceptable road behavior, as long as you maintain awareness: If traffic behind you grows to more than three vehicles, look for a designated pullout and let the traffic pass.
In the event that weather conditions deteriorate into fog, rain, wind, or snow, slow down, be more observant, and demonstrate extra road courtesy: If other drivers appear to be in a hurry, let them pass.
Alcohol: If you're new to the mountains, and like having a drink or two, be aware that while you may be able to get around on city streets with a couple of beers under your belt, you might be surprised by the lack of control a few drinks can cause in mountain driving.
Other distractions: Cell phone use, changing CDs might seem pretty safe on city streets, but if you're on an unfamiliar road in the mountains, and you lose concentration, you might miss an important turn. Remember those airborne car scenes in the movies? Don't let it be you!
Night Driving: In the absence of oncoming traffic, always use your high beam. This will make any potential hazards more visible, such as animals. Do not hamper with the oncoming driver's night vision by using high beam, it is very dangerous.
Brake Failure: If your brakes fail while driving downhill, try the following, they MAY save your life.
• Make sure everyone's safety belts are buckled
• Do not turn off your motor—you want your power steering to work
• Pump your regular brakes or apply very firm pressure
• Shift into lower gear
• Try your emergency (parking) brake (Give it some time to work)
• Scrape against a rail or the side of a hill to slow down if not going very fast, and—IF all else fails, crash into something soft before you gain too much speed, such as a pile of road sand or a group of small trees.
Shocked by the latter suggestion? Well, you can't afford to get into a situation where you start going so fast that you lose control and no longer have any options.
Source:
Safe Mountain Driving Colorado Safe Mountain Driving and High-elevation Health Tips, Part VII