How Fast Can Your Car Stop?

What To Expect Driving In Inclimate Weather

Modern vehicle brakes are much better than they were decades ago, but that doesn’t mean you can tailgate the vehicle in front of you and remain safe. Every vehicle has a minimum stopping distance, especially if it’s overdue for brake repair or has other mechanical issues. It’s important to be educated so you can maintain a safe following distance. Here’s what you should know about how fast the average car can stop in different types of driving situations commonly encountered in Round Rock.

Average Stopping Distance in Good Weather

On paved roads in good weather, the average stopping distance depends on how fast you are driving. Here’s a handy chart to help you see how much space you should maintain between your car and the vehicle in front of you in ideal driving conditions:

• At 20 mph, the overall stopping distance is 40 feet
• At 30 mph, the overall stopping distance is 75 feet
• At 40 mph, the overall stopping distance is 120 feet
• At 50 mph, the overall stopping distance is 175 feet
• At 60 mph, the overall stopping distance is 240 feet

As you can see, stopping distance increases significantly the faster you go. That’s why it’s so important to increase your following distance when traveling at freeway speeds.

Average Stopping Distance in Inclement Weather

Wet pavement increases your stopping distance significantly. Here’s the average stopping distance (including thinking time and braking distance) that you’ll likely face in wet weather:

• At 20 mph, the overall stopping distance could be 60 feet or more
• At 30 mph, the overall stopping distance could be 120 feet or more
• At 40 mph, the overall stopping distance could be 200 feet or more
• At 50 mph, the overall stopping distance could be 300 feet or more
• At 60 mph, the overall stopping distance could be 420 feet or more

To put things into perspective, 300 feet is approximately the length of an American football field. It’s easy to see why you should refrain from tailgating—especially in rainy weather.

Schedule Your Brake Repair

You may not be able to control conditions around you, but you can make sure your car is as safe as possible on the road. If you have brake problems, schedule your brake repair today. Contact Dave’s Ultimate Automotive in Round Rock, and we’ll take care of your car.