Red lights? Good tactic or bad?

[AndABeer]

If I see I am going to get caught at a redlight, I typically start slowing very early so I am actually not moving for less time. If possible I change into a lane that has no car in front. Other than being hard on the brakes is this slow slow down a good idear or not? If not, why not?

 

[Art Eatman]

If you get off the gas early, you can slow with slight pressure on the brakes. This means less heating. By and large, the life of the pads will be extended. Compared to those who charge toward a red light and hit the brakes hard, you'll also save a bit of gasoline.

On my '85 Toyota 4WD PU, I finally needed front pads at 120,000 miles. On my '95 GMC 1500, I've put 25,000 miles on not-new pads and still have several thousand miles of wear left. I use the "slow down early, brake lightly" style.

And, yes, when possible be the first in line at a red light, but don't crowd the white stripe before the intersection. That gives you a bit of an edge if a car-jacking is attempted. It also lets you survey cross traffic better.

Art

 

[garrettwc]

What Art said.

It is easier on your car. Just had to have my first set of brakes on my Dodge at 114K. Usually get 2-3 times the mileage on my tires that they are rated for as well.

Slowing down well in advance gives you time to scan the intersection for suspicious types lurking about. If you time it right at a "fast" light you may not have to come to a complete stop.

If you can't be the first one in line, stagger your stop by about half a car length instead of lining up even with the car next to you. This will give you room to maneuver your car in the event of a jacking attempt.