Do you still have to tap your brakes when you drive through water or is that only on older cars?

Bill S

Applying your brakes after driving through deep water helps dry out the brake pads or shoes. When the brakes are wet they do not work as well, so tapping the brakes to dry them off actually helps because when wet you will not be able to stop as quickly as when they are dry.

Dr Zoidberg

Brakes still get wet, regardless of the car's age.

Pramod

It's a good idea to apply the brakes lightly after comming out of deep water, not while you are in it.

John H

On older cars with drum brakes, it's a good idea to apply the brakes lightly after comming out of deep water, not while you are in it. Only do it when you are traveling in a straight line and just for a few seconds, and not so that someone behind you will hit you in the rear. Sometimes water in the drums make the brakes feel "glassy". This will help dry the drums so that when you need the brakes they will be ready to work properly. If they feel ok then don't worry about it until you hit deep water again.

vf29_sandman

lightly drag them after coming out of the water. this will dry the brake shoes out quickly.

Ta Dah!

Brakes have not changed all that much over the years.
If you must go through water that is deep enough to affect your brakes, put your brakes on a little while going through the water. Doing this is your best bet on keeping your brakes working well as it keeps the water off the pads or shoes working surface.
If you go through water that did affect the brakes abilities then put them on slightly for a bit to dry the pads or shoes off.

renegadesail

Only on older cars with shoe type brakes. If you have front disk and back shoe brakes it is still a good idea to tap you brakes, other wise you will be doing all the stopping on the front brakes if the rear ones get wet.

noskwik2

Its best not to use brakes at all when going through water or snow if you can help it. However if you must come to a stop, its best to tap your brakes until you slow down, don't just push on the brake all the way until your stopped.

Summer

if you tap your brakes, it just gives them a chace to grip better. i alway put my bur in neutral and pump my brakes. i have an 02 subaru.

chasingangelsaway

Its probably best not to use the brakes at all when in sitting water. Just keep your foot on the accelerator. When the tires stop moving it could cause hydroplaning

Remember turn into the skid, dont over correct.

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