Truck braking distance is one of the factors that influence road safety. Understanding truck braking distance and what extends it allows you to better plan your driving and avoid dangerous situations on the road. Compared to passenger cars, trucks have significantly longer stopping distances – this is influenced by factors such as vehicle weight, braking system design, and tire quality. Find out what exactly determines a truck's braking distance and how to shorten it.
From this article you will learn:
The question of how long a truck's braking distance takes depends on many factors, but it's generally accepted that a vehicle weighing around 40 tons traveling at 80 km/h needs as much as 40–50 meters to stop – just the braking distance, without taking into account the driver's reaction time. At higher speeds and poor road conditions, a truck's braking distance can increase by up to 100 meters.
For comparison, a passenger car at 80 km/h takes an average of about 25 meters to come to a full stop. This difference is due to the truck's greater weight, the slower response of the air braking system, and the longer response time of assistance systems such as ABS and ESP.
There's no single formula for calculating precise braking distance for every situation. In practice, it's influenced by many factors:
vehicle weight – the heavier the combination, the greater the force required to stop it. Full load significantly increases braking distance;
driving speed – braking distance increases proportionally to the square of the speed. This means that doubling speed quadruples the distance required to stop;
the technical condition of the vehicle – a functioning braking system , shock absorbers, suspension and tires are important;
road surface condition – wet, slippery or icy roads can extend the braking distance by up to four times;
tire condition – worn or poorly selected truck tires drastically reduce braking efficiency;
Driver reaction – Driver reaction time is on average 1–1.5 seconds. During this time, the truck can travel an additional 20–40 meters.
While vehicle weight and physics are inexorable, drivers and fleet owners can take several steps to reduce a truck's stopping distance. Primarily:
ensure regular vehicle service and maintenance – truck service should periodically check the braking system, tire pressure and wheel alignment;
replacing worn-out parts with new ones available in a car shop , e.g. parts for trucks and vans , significantly affects driving safety;
It is worth using advanced solutions, such as emergency braking support systems or active distance control from other vehicles.
On a dry road with a full load, the braking distance of a truck can be:
50 km/h – about 20–25 m,
70 km/h – about 40–45 m,
90 km/h – about 60–70 m,
110 km/h – up to 90 m and more.
By adding the driver's reaction time (on average 1 second) and the time it takes for the brakes to engage, the total stopping distance can be up to 30–50 meters longer, depending on the situation.
When it comes to road safety, the importance of quality parts and tools cannot be underestimated. High-quality workshop equipment , workshop tools , and workshop accessories help ensure precise diagnostics and effective braking system servicing. Remember that every meter of braking distance matters – especially in urban environments and heavy traffic. Maintain your vehicle's technical condition, use a professional service, and monitor driving conditions. This is the simplest way to increase road safety and reduce the risk of accidents.
Want to learn more about truck braking systems? Check out our selection of truck parts and contact our service center , which will help you select the right components and ensure the efficiency of your fleet.
