Nice to hear it was appreciated. Nick, you probably just know it by another name, or don't call it anything specific. For the benefit of those who don't know:
When driving the forces are distributed around the vehicle according to the basic laws of physics. When you accelerate, the weight of the car is pushed backwards over the rear wheels and the nose will 'lift'. This is why RWD gets better traction under hard acceleration whereas FWD cars can experience some wheel spin when the front goes 'light'. The same goes for braking, whereby the weight of the vehicle continues forward as you apply the brake, making it 'nose heavy' and, depending on application, could potentially make your back end step out.
Three phase braking is simply the act of giving the vehicle 'notice' of your intended input. Warning the car of your intentions will always result in a smoother drive, for example by first applying a modicum of throttle a split second before carrying on to plant your foot for full acceleration. It gives the weight time to redistribute smoothly, and thus results in a more balanced (read: smoother) drive.
As we know, many people will use the pedals as binary switches, clog and anchor style. They'll mash the throttle, lift straight off (no easing) then apply braking force. They tend to do the same when applying/lifting the clutch for gear changes. If you pay attention, you'll see that they are often the ones whose passengers are nodding away like a Churchill dog... The more sympathetic of them might ease off the brakes as they slow to reduce the whiplash effect as they stop, but most don't consider the initial application. By using 'three phase braking' you:
1) Start by applying just enough braking pressure to push fluid to the pistons/calipers and allow things to tighten up.
2) A moment later, as the weight begins to settle forward, you will find you can apply even rather hard braking with minimal loss of smoothness.
3) Finally ease very sloowwwwllly off the brake and then gently-then-more-firmly back onto the drive.
Hence, 'three phase braking'. Reg Local actually did a video covering the basics of this recently:
His other videos (especially the introduction to System) are very good as well for anyone with a spare hour, new associates etc. I hope this helps someone.
