Gran Turismo 7 , developed by Polyphony Digital, offers players the ability to hone their driving skills and master various driving techniques. One such technique is trail braking, an advanced driving technique that can optimize a car’s braking and handling performance when entering a turn.
What is Trail Braking?
Trail braking is a technique that involves applying the brakes while turning the steering wheel, instead of braking in a straight line before turning. The idea behind trail braking is to use the car’s weight transfer to help it turn into the corner more smoothly. When you brake, the car’s weight shifts forward, which can help the front tires grip the road better and make turning easier. With trail braking, you can brake deeper into the corner and carry more speed through it since the weight transfer helps to maintain traction.
How to Trail Brake
To start, approach the turn while braking gently and gradually as you turn the steering wheel. This will shift the weight of the car forward and help the front tires grip the road more effectively, making turning into the corner smoother. After gently braking and turning into the corner, the next step in trail braking is to release the brake pedal smoothly. This will shift the weight of the car back to the rear end, which can help the rear tires grip the road and maintain stability. It’s important to release the brake pedal smoothly to avoid any sudden jerks or locking of the wheels, which could lead to losing control of the car.
Adjusting Your Braking Settings
The amount of brake and pressure you use will depend on factors such as the car you are driving and specific driving situations. In Gran Turismo 7 , you can adjust your car’s braking balance and pedal pressure to optimize your performance and match your driving style. The key is to practice getting the right points with ease and adjust them according to your personal needs.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
There are a few common mistakes to avoid when trail braking. Braking too hard can cause the front tires to lock up and the car to slide. Braking too late can cause you to miss the apex of the turn and run wide. Not releasing the brake pedal smoothly can cause the car to lose stability and spin out. It’s important to take your time and practice your technique to avoid these mistakes and keep your car under control.
Understanding Car Characteristics
Understanding the specific characteristics of the car you are driving is crucial to responding to trail braking. For example, front-wheel-drive cars tend to understeer, which means that the front tires won’t turn as much as the driver intends when trail braking. In this case, the driver should use less braking pressure on the front wheels to reduce understeer and help the car turn into the turn more easily.
Final Thoughts
Trail braking is an advanced driving technique that takes time and practice to master. It’s important to start with the basics and build your skills gradually over time. Adjusting your braking settings to optimize your car’s performance is crucial, and understanding your car’s specific characteristics can help you respond to trail braking and keep your car under control. With patience and practice, you can take advantage of trail braking and improve your lap times and overall driving performance in Gran Turismo 7 .
