Co a Oy Tae) The introduction hinted at the importance of the fact that the wheels should never lock du ring braking seas not to impair car stability and handling. Now, let us consider how the tyre should react with respect to the road surface in order to achieve the best possible braking distances. < FORWARD DIRECTION a f\Y P weight toad on tyre Gy = braking torque Ff braking force Fy > iain teietion w'wliby on evee FIG.1 Figure 1 shows the forces affecting a wheel being braked. Note that the braking power is directly proportional to the braking friction coefficient and to the load on the tyre Since the latter depends on factors unrelated to the braking system (vehicle weight, shock-absorber condition etc.), it will not be dealt with in this article. When braking, peripherical speed of the wheels tends to diminish at a rate higher than that of the vehicle speed; as a limit condition, if the wheels locks and the car is still moving the difference between the two speeds is maximum. This difference in speed is termed SLIPPAGE, also known as SKID CO-EFFICIENT which repre- sents the percentage value of the difference between the two speeds, We shall therefore have: — SKID = 0% if the wheel is free to turn — SKID = 100% if the wheel is locked and the car in motion