Car brakes are an element of vital importance as they are responsible for stopping the vehicle in regular traffic and risky situations. Brakes are essential in cars, and they ensure the safety of driving. They develop forces above 500 CV, reach temperatures of up to 850o, and generate braking energy that could keep a light bulb on for a year.
Despite its importance, few people clearly understand how this security system works.
Firstly, you should know that there are different types of breaks depending on whether they slow down or keep the car immobilized. Essentially, there are 3 types of brakes: disc brakes, drum brakes, and the hand or parking brake.
Disc brakes are more effective and have the most variants. They work in a very simple way: when you step on the brake pedal, a liquid is released that goes directly to pistons that push the brake pads.
Car Brakes: Types
The brake pads generate friction against the disc and this causes the car’s speed to gradually decrease. There are 4 types of disc brakes depending on the disc shape and the material of its calipers.
Regarding the drum brakes, they are a brake system that is slowly disappearing from the market. However, there are still some car models that use this brake to save production costs. They operate in a very simple way, when we step on the brake, a drum associated with each tire is activated and this produces friction, which causes it to gradually lose speed.
Currently, drum brakes are installed only on the rear wheels of some cars. Finally, the hand or parking brake only acts on the rear wheels of the car.
When we pull the lever or press the button in some cars, the rod to which it is attached communicates with the device (ratchet) that makes the car stop completely. It is very dangerous to use it while driving, and its use is aimed at ensuring the stability and immobility of the vehicle when stationary.
ABS Brakes: Features.
For many, ABS brakes or brakes with antilock brakes are considered a fourth type, however, it is only a mechanism that improves safety in a sudden braking situation. It is the newest of all types of car brakes out there. Since 2004, all brands must install this type of brake on their models by law.
This brake has its origin in the braking system of airplanes. It is an active safety system that has prevented and avoided many accidents due to its mechanism. When we step on the brakes, the wheel speed sensors prevent the wheels from locking and thus maintaining driving stability.
For these types of brakes to be consistently effective, you must carry out rigorous maintenance. Remember to periodically check the condition of the car’s brakes because, at the most crucial moments, the brakes’ effectiveness makes the difference.
Final considerations
Now that you have more information about car brakes. Do not forget to take care and repair other essential parts of your vehicle, such as the windows if they have suffered an impact, the condition of the wheels or lights. Make road safety a priority for you, your family, and the people around you.
Remember that in our A1 driving school, you can learn everything you need to know to take care of both your car and your life and that of your loved ones.
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