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Effective braking is essential for safe driving, but it’s not just about the brake pads. Several vehicle systems and road conditions play a crucial role. For Kenyan drivers, navigating our unique road challenges requires a deeper understanding of these factors. This article explores six key elements that significantly impact braking performance, providing insights into common issues and how to optimize your vehicle for better stopping power.

1. Suspension System: The Foundation of Braking Stability on Kenya’s Roads

The suspension system is the unsung hero of braking, especially on our diverse and often demanding roads. It maintains tire contact with the road, crucial for effective force transfer during deceleration.

Suspension Faults to Check Out For

Worn Shock Absorbers/Struts: On rough murram roads and pothole-ridden tarmac, shocks wear out quickly. This leads to excessive body roll, pitch, and bounce, resulting in inconsistent tire contact, prolonged stopping distances, and increased risk of wheel lockup – a common issue when navigating unexpected bumps and dips.

Faulty Control Arms/Bushings: The constant jarring from our road conditions accelerates wear, introducing unwanted play in the suspension, affecting wheel alignment and stability under braking, especially when avoiding sudden obstacles or “sleeping policemen” (speed bumps).

Broken Springs: The heavy loads often carried by vehicles, combined with rough terrain, puts immense stress on springs, leading to breakages and uneven weight distribution, impacting braking.

Wrong dumpers, springs, and bushing: It happens a lot on our roads. The first thing you get from your mechanic after importing a car is to lift it. Often, they recommend after market parts that are not standard to the car. Sadly, for you, your car is tested for stability, comfort, and performance using factor standard parts. While the move can help prevent obvious road challenges, it affects your braking experience.

Optimal Suspension Conditions

• Regular inspection and robust replacements of worn suspension components, designed to withstand Kenyan road conditions.
• Properly calibrated alignment after suspension repairs, considering the frequent need for adjustments due to road impacts.
• Maintaining factory-specified ride height and suspension geometry, or slightly higher for better ground clearance on rough roads.
• Using high-quality suspension components that can handle the stress of frequent and hard braking, crucial for reacting to unpredictable traffic and road hazards.

2. Tire Pressure: The Critical Interface on Kenya’s Varied Surfaces

Tire pressure directly affects the contact patch and grip, both essential for efficient braking on our mix of tarmac, gravel, and dirt roads.

Common Tire Pressure Faults

Under-inflation: Increases rolling resistance, leading to heat build-up and tire deformation under braking, reducing stopping power, especially when navigating heavy traffic and sudden stops.

Overinflation: we tend to overload cars and we compensate for the bad habit by overinflating the tires. Little do we know that overinflation decreases the contact patch, reducing grip and increasing the risk of skidding, particularly on wet tarmac during rainy seasons or on loose gravel roads.

Inconsistent Pressure: Uneven pressure between tires can cause the vehicle to pull to one side during braking, a dangerous situation when avoiding matatus picking up passengers mid-road.

How to Keep Optimal Tire Pressure Conditions  

Regularly check and maintain tire pressure according to the vehicle manufacturer’s specifications, adjusting for the hot climate and varied road surfaces.

Use a reliable tire pressure gauge, and check frequently, especially before long journeys on rough roads.

Consider tire pressure adjustments for varying load and temperature conditions, especially when carrying heavy loads or driving in extreme heat.

3. Wheel Alignment: Precision for Straight-Line Stops in Kenyan Traffic

Proper wheel alignment ensures that all wheels track in the same direction, maximizing stability and braking efficiency, crucial for navigating our congested roads.

Common Wheel Alignment Issues

Misalignment (Toe, Camber, Caster): This issue causes the vehicle to pull to one side during braking, increasing stopping distance and tire wear, a significant issue when avoiding obstacles and maneuvering in tight traffic.

Uneven Tire Wear: It indicates alignment issues and leads to inconsistent grip and braking performance, exacerbated by rough roads and frequent cornering.

How to Maintain Optimal Alignment Condition

Regular wheel alignment checks, especially after navigating rough roads or experiencing significant impacts.

Precise alignment adjustments using specialized equipment, considering the need for resilience on our roads.

Ensure that the alignment is set to the vehicle manufacturer’s specifications, or slightly adjusted for improved stability on rough terrain.

4. Road Conditions: The Unpredictable Variable in Kenya

Road surface and weather conditions significantly impact tire grip and braking performance, and in Kenya, these conditions can change rapidly.

Common Road Conditions We Have to Navigate

Wet/Floods Roads (Rainy Seasons): Reduced friction leads to longer stopping distances and increased risk of skidding, particularly on poorly maintained tarmac during heavy rains.

Loose Gravel/Sand (Murram Roads): Reduced traction results in less effective braking, a common challenge on rural roads and construction zones.

Uneven Surfaces (Potholes, Speed Bumps): Can cause wheel hop and loss of traction during braking, requiring drivers to constantly adapt.

Optimal Driving Habits During Bad Weather

• Reduce speed and increase following distance in adverse conditions, particularly during heavy rains or on dusty roads.
• Use appropriate tire types for specific road conditions (e.g., all-terrain tires or robust tires with strong sidewalls).
• Maintain well-maintained road surfaces, and drive with extra caution on poorly maintained roads.

5. Vehicle Weight (Overloading): The Strain on Braking Systems in Kenya’s Transport Landscape

Excessive vehicle weight increases momentum, requiring more braking force to stop, a common issue with overloaded matatus and commercial vehicles. Kenyans are notorious of overloading Toyota Probox, pickup trucks, lorries, Toyota HiAce, Toyota Sienta, Nissan caravan, and many other popular cars on the road.

Overloading: Exceeding the vehicle’s weight capacity puts excessive strain on the braking system, leading to increased stopping distances and brake fade, a significant safety hazard.

Uneven Load Distribution: Can cause instability and uneven brake wear, particularly when carrying heavy loads on rough roads.

To Take Care of Your Brakes:

• Adhere to the vehicle’s weight limits, and educate drivers on the dangers of overloading.
• Distribute cargo evenly to maintain vehicle balance, particularly when transporting goods on long journeys.
• When hauling heavy loads, ensure that your braking system is in perfect working order, and consider upgrading to heavy-duty components.

6. Tire Condition: The Direct Link to Road Grip on Kenyan Roads

The condition of your tires directly impacts your vehicle’s ability to stop, especially on our diverse road surfaces.

Common tire issues

Worn Tread: Reduced tread depth significantly diminishes grip, especially in wet conditions, increasing stopping distances and the risk of hydroplaning, a concern during heavy rains.

Uneven Wear: Indicates potential alignment or suspension problems, leading to inconsistent grip and braking performance, exacerbated by rough roads.

Damaged Tires: Cuts, bulges, or sidewall damage can compromise tire integrity, making them prone to blowouts during braking, a risk on potholed roads and rough terrain.

Ensuring Optimal Tire Conditions

• Regularly inspect tires for wear and damage, considering the increased wear and tear from our roads.
• Replace tires when tread depth reaches the minimum legal limit, or sooner if driving on rough terrain.
• Ensure proper tire rotation to promote even wear, and use robust tires designed for Kenyan roads.
• Use high-quality tires suited to the vehicles application, and consider all terrain tires for those who frequently drive on poorly maintained roads.

Varsani Brake Linings: Your Partner in Optimal Braking for Kenyan Roads

At Varsani Brake Linings, we understand the importance of a comprehensive approach to braking performance, particularly in the challenging driving environment of Kenya. Our high-quality brake tools and components are designed to work in harmony with your vehicle’s systems, ensuring optimal stopping power and safety. By understanding and addressing these six critical factors, you can maximize your vehicle’s braking potential and enjoy a safer driving experience on Kenyan roads.