brake monitoring (usage)
 

We all know that misusing brakes can reduce efficiency. So Brake usage awareness could be nice. How about a simple system that counts the number of brake applications via an electrical signal from the brake lights.

Or

A pressure sender on a brake line, hooked to an Arduino. counts time at various pressures. Some math based on the weight of the vehicle, time and pressure. You could figure the amount of energy/number of gallons dissipated by brake usage.

I like the idea, but don't know how it could be done.

It would be cool if you could have a little display that shows like a graph or something to show you how much pressure is being applied and/or a hard drive or storage device to save it to your computer later. It could help you determine if you are applying too much pressure for a short period or if you are braking lighter over longer distances.

Just a thought.

Do you have a smart phone?

I'd be surprised if there wasn't already an accelerometer-based app that would do something like this for you.

... Add in periodic replacements of rusted brake rotors...;)

my mechanic already says "if it were any of my other customer's cars I would suggest replacing the pads. But yours are good for another year or two.

Ha! Good story. You know you're an ecomodder when...

I got 65k on the original pads on my 94 VX when I sold it and there was at least 50% left. Usually when I need brakes is when I get nailed by a poorly timed traffic light. Not sure how knowing how much I use brakes would do any good. I might as well go the the city councils and complain about their atrocious light timing.

regards
Mech