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4 Things To Know About Your Car’s Braking System

When you have a vehicle, the brake system plays a crucial part in ensuring your safety on the road. When driving, keep in mind that safety comes first, and having a decent braking system is something no driver should disregard.

The braking system should be one of your top priorities among the various safety features. Knowing the interior mechanisms of the system can help you pinpoint potential issues.

A Close Look At The Braking Systems 

Most modern vehicles have hydraulic braking systems on all four wheels. The crucial components of the braking system include brake pads, brake shoes, brake fluid, and brake rotors. In general, the brakes in the front of the car are more critical than the brakes in the back since weight transfers to the front of the car when braking.

Disc brakes are commonly used at the front of vehicles due to their high efficiency. In contrast, the drum brakes are typically on the back wheels.

What Are The Things To Know About The Braking System?

If you want to know how the braking system works, you should be familiar with some essentials.

  1. How The Hydraulic Braking System Works

A hydraulic brake system consists of cylinders linked by brake pipes that allow the entry of fluids from the hydraulic brake circuit.

As you apply pressure to the brake pedal while driving, a pushrod acts on the master cylinder piston, releasing brake fluid via the pressure chamber and raising hydraulic system pressure.

The increased pressure forces the fluid via the hydraulic lines to one or more caliper pistons, which apply force to your vehicle’s brake pads.

  1. The Essential Components Of The Braking System

You should also know how the braking system components work together while driving.

The master cylinder houses the hydraulic brake fluid, connecting to the brake lines and the brake caliper on each wheel. In a vehicle equipped with disc brakes, fluid pumps out of the master cylinder and into the brake lines, moving toward the brake pistons in each brake caliper every time you press on the brake pedal.

Once the hydraulic fluid pushes on the pistons, they press against the brake pads. The brake pads eventually grip the rotors, and they stop the wheels once they’re clamped down.

  1. The Distinction Between Disc And Drum Brakes

There are two major brakes available on the market: disc brakes and drum brakes. Both have their distinct advantages and drawbacks that you need to know.

Disc brakes are relatively new and more advanced since they boast a highly efficient braking power. Due to their open-air design, disc brakes utilize the same friction principle as drum brakes, but are less susceptible to overheating and dry quickly when wet.

Drum brakes have been around as the original in-tire braking system. Since its components are housed inside a metal drum, excessive heating occurs, which generates less friction, making it less effective in slowing the wheels, which is often called brake fade. Although there are innovations in the latest drum brakes, brake fade remains an issue. Due to this concern, drum brakes are found at the back wheels.

Generally, disc brakes are highly effective at quickly putting a vehicle to a halt, and most modern vehicles are equipped with disc brakes on the front tires, while some are present on all four tires.

  1. The Importance Of Regular Brake Inspections

A comprehensive brake inspection is crucial to ensure the functionality of the system. Professionals will thoroughly inspect the system for potential issues. Remember that it can be a risky ordeal to overlook routine maintenance, especially when driving in snowy conditions.

During an inspection, a technician will carefully inspect the following:

A routine braking system maintenance, ideally every year, will give you peace of mind that the system in your vehicle stays in good shape, as well as ensure your safety on the road.

To further ensure your safety on the road, participating in the Drive It Home program can provide you with invaluable knowledge and skills for safe driving. This program is designed to enhance driver awareness and understanding of vehicle safety features, including the braking system

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