Understanding Your Car's Braking System
If you own a vehicle or are a car enthusiast, you know that a car’s braking system is one of the essential components of a vehicle. Without it, you wouldn’t be able to drive, let alone stop your vehicle. Think about how often you step on your brakes when driving. You should be curious about how your vehicle’s braking system works. As a driver, you must not only know how to drive a car. You should also know how your vehicle keeps you safe. Therefore, it’s essential to understand your car’s braking system. And this article will help you do just that. Read on for the information.
Types Of Braking Systems
There are two main braking system types: disc braking and drum braking. In addition to these two, most vehicles also have an emergency and anti-locking braking systems (ABS). So, let’s get to know them one by one.
Disk Brakes
Disc brakes are pretty easy to understand. Technically, disc brakes work similarly to the hand brakes on a bicycle. If you’ve ever owned or seen a bicycle braking system, you are halfway towards understanding disc brakes.
Car wheels are attached to some discs known as rotors. And on the rotors are calipers that hold ceramic or semi-metallic brake pads. When you hit your brake pedal, an air hydraulic pressure system activates pistons that push the brake pads inwards against the rotor. The friction between the brake pads and the rotor stops the car. On some vehicles, the components are securely held together by bolts, nuts, or clevis pins like those at Reid Supply and similar shops.
Drum Brakes
Drum braking systems have a pan-shaped drum with a pair of curved metal plates known as brake shoes. When you step on your brake pedal, a hydraulic system pushes the brake shoes outwards against the inner lining of the drum, which causes friction to stop the car. Brake shoes have springs that retract when you take your foot off the brake pedal.
Unlike disc brakes, drum braking systems are becoming obsolete as most modern vehicle manufacturers now prefer disc brakes. Drum braking systems are said to be more complex than disc brakes. Nonetheless, thousands of vehicles still use them, especially on the rear wheels.
ABS Brakes
An ABS is a safety measure to prevent your vehicle from skidding. ABS braking systems use sensors to monitor the speed of each wheel. When an anomaly occurs, they send a signal to the computer box, which regulates the braking force on each wheel to prevent skidding. ABS systems are relatively new, although they’re now standard on most vehicles.
Parking Brakes
Parking brakes are used as a secondary braking system that works independently to prevent your car from moving when you are parked. Most parking brakes use a cable to manually apply pressure to the wheels when the vehicle is stationary.
Depending on your vehicle brand, parking brakes can be applied using a handbrake, footbrake, or pushbutton. Although parking brakes are primarily used when stationary, they can also be utilized as emergency brakes when the main brakes fail.
How Car Brakes Work
Here’s a quick science lesson. As indicated earlier, car brakes work through hydraulics. Hydraulics uses pressurized liquid to create force. If a fluid is compressed in a pipe, it moves from one end to the next and pushes outwards. For example, when you squeeze a liquid in a container, it pushes out towards the weakest point.
How Car Brakes Use Hydraulics
When you apply your brakes, a liquid called brake fluid is pressurized in a sealed container known as the master cylinder. The master cylinder has a pistol that creates pressure that pushes brake fluid through brake pipes towards the caliper on the disk or cylinders in the drum. The hydraulic force pushes the brake pads or shoes against the disk or drum.
Because the drum and disk are attached to the wheels, the car naturally slows down when friction is applied to them. When you release your brake pedal, the pressure in the braking line subsides, and the caliper or drum cylinder disengages the brake pads or shoes. The pipes in which braking fluid moves are made of steel and rubber seals, which hold enough pressure to stop your vehicle as required. How little force on your brake pedal can stop a car is amazing.
Signs Of Worn-out Brakes
With time and use, your brakes will need to be serviced. Typically, the brake pads on a disc braking system will need replacing when they wear out. Likewise, brake shoes will also need to be replaced from time to time. Here are a few signs of worn-out brakes to look out for:
- The brake pedal vibrates when braking
- Wheels lock up or skid when braking
- The car pulls to one side when braking
- The brake pedal feels too soft when braking
- There’s some squeaking when braking
If you notice any of these, it’s high time that you replace your brakes. This way, you can ensure your safety while driving on the highway.
Conclusion
Your car’s braking system is probably one of the most vital safety features. It’s essential to understand how it works and look for signs of wear and tear to ensure your safety. If you think your brakes are not functioning as well as they should, have them checked out by a professional. Drive safely.
