Final answer:
The safest and most efficient way to use brakes for a routine stop is to apply them firmly and reduce pressure as the vehicle slows, managing the transition between static and kinetic friction.
Step-by-step explanation:
For a routine stop, the safest and most efficient use of your brakes is to apply the brakes firmly and gradually decrease pressure as the vehicle slows down. This method is optimal because it takes advantage of the relationship between static and kinetic friction. When you press the brakes, the wheels slow down and the kinetic friction force resists this motion. As the car slows to a near stop, you need to let up slightly on the brake pedal; otherwise, the car will stop with a j_erk due to the sudden shift from kinetic to static friction, which has a higher coefficient and can cause a sudden stop. Additionally, using the emergency brake for routine stops or pumping the brakes rapidly is less efficient and can be damaging to the brake system or dangerous.
Shifting into a lower gear, known as engine braking, can assist in slowing down the vehicle but is not sufficient on its own for a routine stop. Hydraulic brake systems, as explained by Pascal's principle, distribute the brake pedal force evenly across the brakes. Recording the distance and time it takes for a car to stop at a specific speed, such as 50 mph, can give you an indication of the braking system's efficiency. The concept of regenerative braking in hybrid and electric vehicles captures this energy rather than wasting it solely as heat.