Brakes vs. Engine

In the wake of all the Toyota unintended acceleration events, Car and Driver magazine staged a test. They tested various cars including a V8 Mustang to see if the brakes could stop the car at full throttle. On every car the brakes could, though the stopping distances were longer, as you might expect. The only issue is if your car is running away from you, hit the brakes hard and stay on them until you come to a stop. Otherwise you will overheat the brakes to the point that they fade, and then you will NOT be able to stop the car.

When I was 16 and taking driver education, we had an instructor that would reach over and put his foot to the floor, then make us stop the car with the brakes while the engine was at full throttle. (to simulate the throttle being stuck) The poor abused cars we had tolerated this treatment to one degree or another, but in every case, we were able to stop the car with no problem, even at full throttle.

On virtually ALL cars there is enough braking power to overcome any vehicle speed and engine power combination…But you can’t dally around. The brakes are converting all that energy to heat and they will quickly overheat and become useless if you provide the necessary TIME for this to happen…You only get one shot at it. Stand on the brakes and bring the car to as quick a stop as possible…While you are at it, turn the key off…