Stab Braking: A Life Saving Vehicle Stopping Technique

Stab braking is a technique that could literally save your life in a life-threatening situation. Asked mostly by truck drivers and old car drivers; though it may apply to modern vehicles, it is important to know.

This complete guide provides details on how, when and what approach to take. Read on to discover more.

What Does the “Stab Braking Technique” Mean?

The stab braking technique is a method of applying emergency brakes to stop cars as fast as possible in an emergency when the driver has little time to react. This method is used primarily by cars in an older era.

Stab braking is not a one-time technique, as slowing down to a secure speed requires repeated attempts. However, you must note that this method should not be used as a regular driving strategy.

– Is the Stab Braking Technique Used in an Emergency?

Yes, the stab braking technique is used in an emergency carried out in four stages. This technique is beneficial when hauling, towing, or operating a heavy car. The stab braking method was developed before the Anti-lock Braking System (ABS), but that doesn’t mean it is no longer advantageous.

To use the stab braking technique during emergency braking you should:

• Apply your brakes fully.
• Take the brakes off when the wheels stop.
• Apply the brakes aggressively once more as soon as the wheels begin to move. Note that after taking the brakes off, it may take up to a second for the wheels to begin moving. The car won’t straighten out if you press the brakes again before the wheel begins to roll.
• Take the brakes off and continue the procedure until the car slows down

The repeated stab braking method is analogous to how a drummer would kick in or press a foot pedal. In this case, the foot is rapidly, repeatedly, and with a certain amount of power, “stabbing” the brake pedal.

– When Is Stab Braking an Applicable Technique?

Stab braking is an applicable technique when the driver is in an emergency and there is no ABS or the ABS is disabled. The ABS employs sensors that are susceptible to damage like other auto electrical parts. When the ABS fails, the stab braking technique may be crucial.

When you are about to approach an object or when traveling on roads with poor traction, it could be risky to speed and abruptly apply the brakes. This can cause sudden locking of the wheels. In this case, it becomes challenging to control your car or steer securely into position on your own.

Stab braking can help in this situation; the wheels can be turned while the brakes are still operating once the stop has been released and pressed.

– Is Stab Braking Only Effective in Emergency Situations?

No, stab braking is not only effective in emergency situations. In addition to emergencies, there are other instances where drivers could benefit from using stab braking. Such instances include when you are trying to get through a corner or driving downhill.

If you use stab braking while cornering should be applied before you approach a turn or corner. As you round the first half of the corner, maintain your foot on the brake. If you need to apply more pressure, doing so is much safer at this point because your speed has already been significantly reduced. As a result, it is simpler to maneuver the vehicle away from harm.

A streamlined variation of stab braking will help you keep the brakes in working order when traveling downhill for a considerable portion of the route. A pre-corner braking technique will need to be used with stab braking. Driving downhill requires continuous acceleration, so the brakes must work extra hard to decelerate the car.

– When Is Stab Braking Not an Applicable Technique?

Stab braking is not applicable when your car has anti-lock brakes. With ABS, the wheels of your car will stop locking up, keeping you in charge of your car at all times. Stab braking is also not applicable when your tires are worn out or damaged.

Consequently, this method should not be used on icy or rainy roadways, as your car might want to spin out of control if the wheels start working.

– Is Stab Braking the Ideal Technique for Stopping a Car?

No, stab braking is not the ideal technique for stopping a car. Although it is the fastest method, it is not the safest. Applying the stab braking technique entails many dangers of sliding, fishtailing and skidding. However, it might be the only option for stopping suddenly.

What Does ABS Mean in Automobiles?

ABS in automobiles means Anti-lock Braking System. It is a safety element found on a variety of vehicles, including automobiles, trucks, buses, motorcycles and even aircraft. It performs the same function as the stab braking system but is automatically operated by the vehicle.

– What Is the Working Principle of ABS?

The working principle of ABS involves assisting your car in regaining traction and stopping the wheels from locking up. As a result, you have complete control over how you want to position the car to prevent an accident. This is how the Anti-lock Braking System works.

If your car suddenly stops, one or more of the wheels may lock up, giving you little control over it. The wheel lock is when your car ceases turning, causing it to slide. A controller that releases and applies the brakes about 20 times per second receives a message from the sensor. ABS automates the brake pumping procedure so you can focus on guiding the car to safety in an emergency.

Anti-lock brakes guarantee you can steer during a hard braking event by preventing your car’s wheel from locking. It reduces collision risk and increases stopping strength. Anti-lock brakes help create a safer driving experience in many of today’s newer vehicles and trucks when combined with traction control and electronic stability control.

– Are There Downsides To Using ABS?

Yes, there are downsides to using ABS. One of the downsides of using ABS is that it can deceive you into thinking you are safe. Also, false alerts from ABS can cause the vehicle’s braking system to jam unexpectedly, shocking the driver.

There could also be issues with ABS technology, such as the wheel speed sensors, which are the first to malfunction. Physical harm to sensor wiring is possible if it is struck by road debris. Another frequent weak spot is the reluctor ring, which may rust over time to the point where the sensor measurement is thrown off. The ABS pump’s internal failure or damage to the electronic control device is another.

To fully benefit from anti-lock brakes, you must refrain from reckless driving habits like racing, tailgating and operating a vehicle when fatigued. Your reaction time will improve due to safe driving habits, which is essential for navigating an emergency scenario safely. Expecting ABS to make up for bad driving is unrealistic. Using caution and good reasoning will help safety features like ABS function to their fullest.

– Should Stab Braking Be Combined With ABS?

No, stab braking should not be combined with ABS. The stab braking technique is not required if your car has ABS. There is no need to go through the tedious process of pressing the brake pedal, releasing it and pressing it because the ABS already functions as an automatic technique. With ABS, the wheels automatically release after just one hit and a brief period of holding the brake pedal down.

What Makes Stab Braking Different From Controlled Braking?

Stab braking is different from the controlled braking method based on how they operate, though both produce similar results. When using the stab braking systems, the wheels must be released and this calls for a brake release and full application of the brake.

In controlled braking, you must slightly remove the brake pedal, steer the wheels and press the brakes again. Driving maneuver is improved by stab braking over controlled braking because you can turn the wheels without letting go of the brakes.

There are better choices than controlled braking when steering the wheels. It is primarily used to keep the car straight. When turning a vehicle, people frequently choose the stab braking technique.

Conclusion

This article has discussed all you need to know about the stab braking technique used during an emergency when driving.

Below are vital points that depict a summary of what this article entails:

• The stab braking technique is a method of applying emergency stops to halt cars as fast as possible in an emergency when the driver has little time to react.
• The stab braking method was developed before the Anti-lock Braking System (ABS), but that doesn’t mean it is no longer advantageous.
• Before using the stab brake systems, it is essential to know how it operates, including when and when not to use it.
• Stab braking is not a one-time or a one-step technique as the process of slowing down to a secure speed does require repeated attempts.
• Although stab braking is the fastest method, it is not the safest and best. If your vehicle has functioning ABS, be sure to avoid using stab braking as it is unnecessary.

As a car owner or a driver, do not hesitate to read through this article, as it will guide you on braking techniques to use, whether during an emergency or not.