One of the most common misconceptions about braking is that we only brake to slow down or to come to a stop.
A critical aspect of braking is balancing the car’s weight while cornering. Balancing the car helps in getting optimum grip through the entrance and apex of the corner as the driver or rider can decide if they need more grip in the front or rear.
What happens to our vehicle when we brake? If you’ve paid attention to your car or bike while braking hard, the front drops down and if the brakes are pressed beyond a certain point, the tyres lock up. In situations where you feel like you do not have enough distance to the corner to get down to required speed, the use of trail braking is incorporated.
For the majority of us, we’ve learnt braking should always be done in a straight line to come to a stop at the fastest possible rate. So, what is Trail Braking? In layman’s terms, trail braking is the process of gradually releasing the brakes into a corner and ideally being completely off them before or at the apex.
Normally, we see trail braking being used when the driver or rider brakes late for a corner and has to continue braking while they start turning or leaning.
However, It’s not as easy as it sound. Trail braking is one of, if not the most complex art to perfect. Instead of doing all the braking in a straight line, we can brake and corner together – just not as hard!
And, not only that; typically, trail braking in a 4-wheeler is done with the left foot. Now, this doesn’t just require knowing how to trail brake but also knowing how to left foot brake perfectly!
Time for a small theory class! When explaining it in technical terms, there are a few ‘steps to follow’ while trail braking. First, the driver/rider should brake as hard as possible in a straight line, following which, they should slowly loosen the grip on the brake just before turning in. Then, while cornering, the braking should be managed by understanding the motion of the vehicle.
Always remember, a higher steering angle equals less braking force. The tyre grip used for braking reduces the tyre grip that gives you traction. And, yes, this works both on a 4-wheeler and a 2-wheeler.
Trail braking might just be an art to learn inside out. It’ll make us quicker on track, a better rider/driver and give us a lot more confidence in generally uncomfortable situations. The best way to get a hang of this is to go out on track and practice. Seat time and stepping out of the comfort zone are key to becoming a faster and safer driver or rider.
Braking too hard into a corner may result in an oversteer and braking too little may result in understeer. I’ve said this earlier and I’ll say it again – Practice makes Perfect!
