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PUBLISHER’S LETTER
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Publisher & Editor-in-Chief
Leo Simpson, B.Bus., FAICD
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Electronic braking in
cars: is it a good idea?
One of the feature stories this month is about
the introduction of electronic braking in cars,
specifically in the new Mercedes SL class
convertible. The story is interesting in that it
represents an integration of several braking and
traction control systems in cars. I have always felt
that ABS (anti-skid braking system) and normal
power boosters should be integrated rather than
being two separate systems. Such an integrated
system would be cheaper and more compact.
But now this Bosch system takes the integration
concept much further, as described on page 6 of this issue.
However, while the technology is very interesting, I do have misgivings
about it and they relate to the special features or modes that have been
grafted onto the system. For example, there is the smooth stop system and
the brake drying function. While these may be highly effective, is there not
a risk that someone who became used to driving such a car would no longer
be safe when they stepped into a lesser equipped vehicle?
Would they no longer be capable of braking to a smooth stop or be quite
dangerous in wet weather, being unaware that a normal car’s brakes don’t
work when they are wet? And would they be more likely to run into the car
in front because they had become used to their electronic guardian angel
compensating for the dangerous habit of “tail-gating”?
This is quite a different situation from the comparison of an ABS-equipped
car with one with ordinary brakes. ABS only comes into operation during
emergency braking and at other times, an ABS-equipped car brakes exactly
the same as any other disc-braked car.
In more general terms, there are huge numbers of drivers today who
have only ever driven automatic cars and would be unable to drive a car
with a manual gearbox. Of course, most people accept that limitation and
are happy to only drive cars with automatic transmission. But braking is
more basic; if you can’t stop safely when you jump into another car, there
is a big problem.
I suppose that this is the drawback of any new automotive technology its introduction will effectively reduce driving skills while still giving an
overall improvement in safety and driving comfort.
Having said that, I still think that this new Mercedes car has too many
braking frills and that these are not likely to filter down to less expensive
cars as electronic braking becomes more widespread.
It’s interesting that it still relies on hydraulic brake fluid though, isn’t it?
Apparently, a “pure” electric braking system is not yet on the cards.
Leo Simpson
ISSN 1030-2662
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