Brakes work!

[SuperGeek]

Today I had an "opportunity" to test my brake system in a real life scenario. Happily trotting along, Miss Daisy over there in her Grand Am decides, "hey, I'll just jog over here to the other lane..." Thing is, that's where I am. In her blind spot, because her mirrors are adjusted wrong and apparently her turn signals don't work. So, from 40MPH and healthy acceleration, I switch to OMGWTFBBQ mode, and hit the brakes hard enough to trigger the ABS on clean, dry road. Any Smart owners will know that's pretty hard braking. I conclude the following:


1) The full size tires and brakes, and half-weight of the car will cause the car to slow down from 40 to zero in almost nothing flat. Cargo that is in the back, will be in the front after showing off the meaning of "projectile." Secure cargo. Cell phones too.

2) Not every van or SUV behind you can stop as easily. They tend to apply lateral evasion tactics (swerving). Expect that they'll go around you.

3) You can, in fact, make a beautiful ballet out of your own evasive maneuvers, and retain full control.

4) The horn needs an upgrade.

5) Leather seats are a bonus.

[burtandnancy]

Great thread. Only change I would make: #2, change the word "expect" to hope...

[NCC1701]

I'm glad to hear you avoided an accident! And, about #4 ... Do it! There have been several times that I feel certain my air horn allowed me to NOT go into a panic braking episode. They respond INSTANTLY.

[h20m0f0]

Thats funny i like the: Omgwthfbbq mode!
Thank god they stop quick.......

[mvaldes]

Very funny, well written and even instructive. Glad you avoided an accident!

[forestacademy]

You didn't mention weather or not the Hazards went on automaticly

[andrewd]

Originally Posted by forestacademy

You didn't mention weather or not the Hazards went on automaticly

i can tell you they do but you need to be going atleast 45-50mph from memory... says in the manual, and they switch off when you get going again....


i have also tested to see how the brake assist works.... it's pretty nifty...


drive along at about 50mph and sharply stab the brakes but keep pressure on the brake pedal but dont use full force, you can actually feel the extra assistance, hand for those kind of ppl who in an emergency just panic and go numb and dont brake hard enough..

[jetfuel]

Originally Posted by SuperGeek

5) Leather seats are a bonus

...yes they are ...easy to clean...aren't they?
...glad you are OK...

jetfuel

[yellow smart]

Originally Posted by NCC1701

I'm glad to hear you avoided an accident! And, about #4 ... Do it! There have been several times that I feel certain my air horn allowed me to NOT go into a panic braking episode. They respond INSTANTLY.

I second this, air horn has paid for itself already and I've only had it maybe three months. Get the air horn, its an easy mod.

Yellow-Smart

[SixFoot4]

Great post. Yah, like the leather too. Heat is especially nice here in the NE. Glad you weren't hit...