Are Brake Pads Affecting My Car's Stopping Distance?

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  • Thread starter Thread starter Noah159
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Discussion Overview

The discussion revolves around the impact of brake pads on a car's stopping distance, exploring the conditions under which different vehicles may stop and the factors influencing these distances. The scope includes theoretical considerations and assumptions related to braking mechanics.

Discussion Character

  • Exploratory, Technical explanation, Debate/contested

Main Points Raised

  • One participant suggests that Car A has a longer stopping distance than Car B, though the difference may be minimal.
  • Another participant emphasizes the need for assumptions to be made, specifically regarding no skidding or locking and equal total applied force, to determine stopping distances.
  • Some participants propose that if the stated assumptions hold, then the stopping distances should be similar due to the linear nature of dry friction.
  • A later reply mentions an observation that braking in a straight line versus at an angle does not significantly affect stopping distance or time.
  • There is a question raised about the term "overly tightened," indicating a potential area of confusion or clarification needed in the discussion.

Areas of Agreement / Disagreement

Participants express differing views on the assumptions necessary to evaluate stopping distances, indicating that the discussion remains unresolved with multiple competing perspectives.

Contextual Notes

The discussion highlights the dependence on specific assumptions regarding braking conditions and the lack of detailed information about the vehicles involved, which may affect the conclusions drawn.

Noah159
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TL;DR
Say: CAR A =has 4 correctly tightened brake pads.

CAR B = has 3 correctly tightened brake pads and one overly tightened brake pad (let's take front right).

The cars are the same except for the differences written above.

When a driver pushes down the brake pedal with the same force, how will the braking distance and time differ? (Car B obviously starts turning to the right, leading to change in affecting forces, even if insignificant)
My guess is that distance Car A needs to travel until it stops is longer than car B (not by much), and so it the time.

I also posted this question to reddit, if you want to check it out :

I got the answer, but unsure of it's legitimacy.
 
Last edited by a moderator:
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I don't think we have enough information to answer without adding in some assumptions...

1. No skidding/locking
2. Equal total applied force

If these are true, then I would think the stopping distance should be the same, since dry friction is pretty linear.
 
russ_watters said:
I don't think we have enough information to answer without adding in some assumptions...

1. No skidding/locking
2. Equal total applied force

If these are true, then I would think the stopping distance should be the same, since dry friction is pretty linear.

Alright, thanks. I figured out what I asked for, however it is interesting to know that breaking in a line compared to braking in an angle does not drastically affect the braking distance / time. Thanks
 
Last edited:
What do you mean "overly tightened"?
 

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