Final Answer:
You reach threshold braking in your car's braking system when C) You apply the brakes to the maximum without locking the wheels.
Step-by-step explanation:
Threshold braking is a technique used in driving where the driver applies the brakes to the maximum possible level without causing the wheels to lock. This method optimally utilizes the friction between the tires and the road, allowing the driver to decelerate rapidly while maintaining control over the vehicle.
When you slam the brakes as hard as you can (Option A), you risk locking the wheels, leading to skidding and loss of control. Skidding (Option B) indicates that the wheels have indeed locked, reducing the effectiveness of braking. Rapidly pumping the brakes (Option D) is an anti-lock braking system (ABS) strategy designed to prevent wheel lockup but is not characteristic of threshold braking.
In C)threshold braking, the driver maintains maximum brake force just before the wheels lock, ensuring optimal braking efficiency and vehicle control. This technique is crucial for emergency braking situations, providing the driver with the best chance to stop the vehicle quickly while minimizing the risk of skidding.