For drivers, slamming the brakes happens to be a habitual instinct when it comes to slowing down or stopping the car. Have you ever wondered how the brake system in your car operates? Or how the force from your feet gets transmitted to the wheels and eventually stops the car? Although the mechanical knowledge doesn’t come within the ambit of driving, you should be aware of the functional aspects of your car’s brakes. After all, the safety of the occupants as well as the driver largely depend on the efficiency of your braking system.
Knowing how your brakes work would help you prevent accidents. Besides, you would be well-informed about when to visit the car technicians and get the brakes worked on.
The working of your brake system: A comprehensive overview
Your car has got four wheels, and the hydraulic brake system in your car works in a perfect sync to control the movement. In general, your vehicle might have a drum or disc type brake. Several contemporary manufacturers incorporate four-wheel disc brakes in the cars. Some brakes have disk brakes in the front wheels, while the rear wheels have drum brakes. While stopping or slowing down the car, the front brakes does most of the task. Therefore, the most powerful disc brakes are used for the front wheels.
On the other hand, drum brakes are more cost-effective. These brakes are capable of adequately halting the motion of a car. Here’s how the brake system in your vehicle works.
- When your foot presses the brake pedal, the force exerted by the leg gets amplified many times, thanks to mechanical leverage. Besides, the brake booster further strengthens the force.
- Then a piston gets into the cylinder. It is responsible for squeezing out hydraulic fluid in the area.
- The system consists of several hoses and brake lines, forming a network. The fluid gets dispersed over the braking system.
- This ensures that the pressure gets equally transmitted to all the brakes.
- The generated force results in a friction between the disc brake rotors and the brake pads. Eventually, this works to slow down or stop your car.
Anti-lock brake systems in modern cars
ABS, or anti-lock braking systems are present in most modern cars. This braking system is automated, which prevents the wheels from skidding by suddenly stopping their rotation. ABS leverages the driver’s control over the vehicle, besides minimizing the stopping distance significantly on dry as well as slick surfaces. Therefore, it is not necessary for the driver to pump the brakes. The process requires the drivers to exert pressure on the brakes with a good force. Once the remove the foot from the pedal, the automated system works to perfection.
When would you require a brake replacement?
Over time, your brakes would undergo wear and tear. Eventually, you need to get them replaced before the situation aggravates to the level of accidents. Make sure not to wait for the metal to graze the brake. This might damage the rotor or brake drum, leading to expensive repairs. When you come across any sign of wear, go for a brake system, inspection. Certified car mechanics at the leading repair and servicing centers would do the needful. Particularly, when you find the vehicle pulling to a particular side during breaking, make sure not to delay.
Here are some other signs of wear and tear in the brake system.
- A mushy sensation while pressing the brakes
- Squealing and squeaking noises
- Burning odors
- Shaking or pulsation while braking
- The necessity to frequently add brake fluid
Well, now you know how braking takes place in your car. Reach out to one of the top car repair centers in your city in case you feel it’s time to get your brakes inspected.
