Precision driving requires an understanding of how braking and steering work together, especially when approaching and exiting turns. At the heart of smooth, controlled cornering lies the principle of inverse proportionality: as braking increases, steering decreases, and vice versa.
Mastering this balance can transform your driving experience, allowing for smooth turns, better vehicle control, and a safer ride.
Understanding the Relationship Between Braking and Steering
The braking and steering relationship is essential for any driver who wants to maneuver corners effectively. When entering a turn, drivers must remember that the more they brake, the less they should steer.
Conversely, as they steer into the corner, braking should decrease. This technique, known as balancing braking and steering inputs, allows the driver to maintain stability without losing traction, ultimately ensuring a smoother and safer turn.
Preparing for the Turn: The Initial Approach
Before entering a turn, it’s important to start braking gradually to reduce speed. A smooth entry into the corner sets up the vehicle for a balanced transition through the turn. Planning this approach early is key.
As you near the corner, apply the brakes gently to reduce speed, giving you control over both braking and steering forces.
Keeping steering movements subtle during this initial braking phase is essential. Rapid steering adjustments can lead to oversteering (turning too much, causing the vehicle to rotate) or understeering (not turning enough, leading to a wide corner). Instead, a gentle touch on both the brakes and the steering wheel during this phase creates a smooth trajectory through the turn.
Executing the Turn: Braking and Steering Dynamics in Action
Once you begin the turn, gradually reduce braking as you ease into the steering. This transition is all about “smoothness in motion,” as you apply gentle steering pressure while releasing the brakes. Maintaining a gradual approach reduces the risk of sudden movements that can disrupt balance.
A common mistake drivers make at this stage is turning the wheel too quickly or braking too abruptly.
Both actions can lead to instability, causing either a loss of control or an uncomfortable ride. The key is to stay calm and focused, applying the right amount of steering as you reduce brake pressure. This combination allows for a balanced, controlled turn.
Completing the Turn: Transitioning from Braking to Acceleration
As you near the end of the turn, begin to release the steering pressure and ease off the brakes completely.
The goal is to free the vehicle from the forces acting on it, creating an open path for acceleration out of the corner. When the vehicle is straightened, you can safely apply a stronger acceleration, since the steering is no longer under load from external forces.
Acceleration here can be applied more briskly, as there is less risk of disturbing the car’s balance. This transition from gentle braking and steering to assertive acceleration makes for a more confident exit from the corner.
Tips for Precision Driving
- Precise Entry, Strong Exit: Approach each turn carefully and exit assertively. A precise entry controls the vehicle’s direction, while a strong exit maximizes momentum.
- Stay Calm and Focused: Calmness ensures smooth inputs, helping avoid abrupt adjustments that could throw off balance.
- Build Muscle Memory: Practicing gradual braking and steering helps develop the instincts needed for seamless turns.
By practicing these techniques, you can improve your driving skills and enjoy a smoother, more controlled experience on the road. Remember, a smooth approach into the turn and a confident exit out of it make all the difference.
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Usually don’t brake late and hard unless its straight line braking, going into a turn you don’t want excessive suspension travel that can change the wedge of the suspension. More important than entry in picking up the RPMs early and hitting the middle, late braking often has you waiting on the car as you gather it up, that delays picking up the RPMs and exit. A lot of rookie drivers sacrifice exit and then try to make it up on the next entry, that is 100% backwards and can make passes difficult, the exit needs to take priority. Good Luck
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