Brakes in wet weather

Vicxas

Howdy all,

Just a quick dumb question.

I was on the M1 coming into the toll booth, I went to brake and the car just kept going for a second before the brakes applied. Now the road was very wet and i drove from dundalk without stopping, the same thing happened on the off ramp to swords, about a second before the car started to brake normally. Could it be that the brake discs were wet and that would slow my braking times down, or is it something more serious?

CJhaughey

Yep wet discs.
In the old days you would be told to dab your brakes after driving through standing water in order to dry the brakes.
I guess it's not taught any more?

Vicxas

Guess not, cheers CJ

Anan1

Have you checked your tyres?

mickdw

Anan1 wrote: »

Have you checked your tyres?

Surely he would know the difference between a delay in brake application and a lack of grip causing skidding or abs activation.

I had experienced that slight delay in brake effectiveness before in wet weather. Last couple of cars Ive had dont do it so much. I believe they are designed to occasionally apply the brakes a tiny amount to dry the discs without the driver being aware of it.

CiniO

CJhaughey wrote: »

I guess it's not taught any more?

Why not?
I alway apply a brake for a while after going through a flood or sth.
Usually without stopping, but just right foot on the accelerator, and left gently on the brake for few seconds to dry the discs

barura

I'm pretty sure it's in the Theory Test. I definitely remember being asked that. Though people learn that by wrote and not by thinking it out, so how much transfers to actual driving is questionable...

RandomAccess

If you drive a modern car with Bosch ESP then this is likely already being taken care of for you.

http://www.bosch.com.au/content/language1/html/3401.htm

Such safety functions as "Electronic Brake Prefill" and "Brake Disc Wiping" feature in the Bosch ESP® plus version, enabling shorter braking distances which further increase driving safety. If the driver suddenly lifts his foot from the gas pedal, the "Electronic Brake Prefill" function immediately brings the brake pads into contact with the discs, thus making for more rapid braking in an emergency situation. "Brake Disc Wiping" increases the efficiency of braking when it is raining heavily. Unbeknown to the driver, the brake pads are briefly brought into contact with the brake discs at set intervals, preventing a film of moisture from forming on the discs.

Supposedly Since ESP version 8 on VW/Audi
http://www.autocar.co.uk/forums/p/3171/18071.aspx

I have not been able to confirm which version of esp is on what cars, and what features are included. What car were you driving OP?

Cadillac also offer it, but somewhat alarmingly it only operates when cruise control is off. Not sure if it is that way on the bosch system.
http://www.cadillac.com/autodry.html

MugMugs

LIGHTNING wrote: »

I personally use the same technique that I use when racing in wet weather. Just drive for a short distance with the left foot on the brake to dry them off and put a bit of heat into the pad.

This is pretty solid advice. Just be careful how much pressure you put on. Your left foot is used to hammering the pedal after all.