How Brakes Work
Today’s vehicle braking systems involve many different components working together to help you to stop and manoeuvre your vehicle in a controlled manner.
A Guide On Disc Brakes, Drum Brakes & ABS
The key components of your vehicle braking system include a master cylinder, servo, brake callipers, brake fluid and cylinders, disks, drums, pads and shoes. All the components are linked by a series of brake hoses and brake pipes. The brake pedal is connected to the master cylinder located within the engine compartment. The cylinder is filled with brake fluid. When you push down the brake pedal, hydraulic pressure is created in the master cylinder, brake fluid is pressurised along a series of brake pipes and hoses to the hydraulically activated pistons in each wheel's hub assembly that force the friction material on your pads or shoes on to rotating parts, and that's what stops your car. There are two types of brake assembly commonly available – disc brakes and drum brakes. In addition, the majority of modern cars are fitted with ABS as standard.
How Discs Work On Brakes
A disc brake system consists of a brake disc, a brake calliper and brake pads. When the brake pedal is applied, pressurised hydraulic fluid squeezes the brake pad friction material against the surface of the rotating brake disc. The result of this contact produces friction which enables the vehicle to slow down or stop.
How Do Drum Brakes Work?
A drum brake system consists of hydraulic wheel cylinders, brake shoes and a brake drum. When the brake pedal is applied the two curved brake shoes, which have a friction material lining, are forced by hydraulic wheel cylinders against the inner surface of a rotating brake drum. The result of this contact produces friction which enables the vehicle to slow down or stop.
What is ABS and How Does It Work?
Anti-lock braking systems (ABS) work by limiting, applying and releasing the pressure to any wheel that decelerates too quickly. This allows maximum stopping force to be applied without the brakes locking-up and the car skidding. Your vehicle’s ABS tests itself each time the ignition is turned on. If a defect is detected for whatever reason, the ABS turns itself off and the normal braking system is used on its own. The ABS warning light will inform the driver of a defect in the system.
Is the Handbrake Different to Normal Brakes?
The handbrake or parking brake is a lever mechanism that is applied to hold a vehicle in a parked position. Whereas the foot brakes are applied by a foot pedal and control brakes on the front wheels, the handbrake activates braking components at the rear of the vehicle's braking system that are designed to lock the wheels in place.
Brakes are in use more often when driving around town than on a motorway journey, not forgetting that you may need to use your brakes to stop your vehicle quickly in an emergency. So maintaining an effective vehicle braking system is a top priority for every motorist.
