How Does The Car Braking System Work?

Although most people believe that braking system is responsible for stopping their vehicle, the truth is a little more complicated. Your car slows down and comes to a halt due to the friction between your tires and the ground. The brakes are what prevent the wheels from turning.

The braking mechanism is the most critical safety component of a car, and it is essential to understand how it operates and how to control it in order to avoid collisions. Here is a short guide to help you learn how your car’s braking system functions, as well as some brake repair tips.

How Does Your Car’s Braking System Operate?

All four wheels of a car are equipped with brakes that are hydraulically driven. There are two types of brakes: disk and drum. Most vehicles feature disc brakes on all four wheels – while some have discs on the front and drums on the back.

Since the front brakes are primarily responsible for slowing a car’s forward movement, the most efficient disc brakes are used on the front wheels; the less expensive drum brakes offer sufficient, but more cost effective, assistance in slowing a car’s motion. The automobile’s braking system operates in several ways:

  • Your foot presses the brake pedal, and the force produced by your leg is multiplied by mechanical leverage several times. The brake booster’s operation intensifies it further.
  • A piston pushes into the cylinder and simultaneously squeezes hydraulic fluid out from the end.
  • The hydraulic brake fluid is pushed into a set of hoses and brake lines within the braking system.
  • Pressure is distributed evenly through the four brakes.
  • The force generates friction between the disc brake rotors and brake pads which brings your car to a halt.

The Best Way to Maintain Your Vehicle’s Braking System

Car maintenance will lead to significant savings as it means you only have to take your vehicle to the garage only when something doesn’t work, as it should. It’s best to take precautions before you face any accidents. When the car is inspected annually, the brakes are inspected for roadworthiness. These are certain basic steps to assist you, in maintaining your car’s braking mechanism.

  • Keep an eye on the brake fluid level and conduct this check every three months. Replace brake fluid every two years or 30,000 to 40,000 miles.
  • Brake disks can be replaced when required, based on your personal driving style and the climate. For a typical vehicle, brake discs should be replaced at equally intervals. When you get your brakes serviced at a certified auto garage they will also replace the master cylinder fluid.
  • Bleed the brake lines to remove any trapped air. In this process, the brakes will be squeezed while someone monitors and shuts the bleeder valve as brake fluid starts to flow in.

Regular Brake Maintenance Matters

After familiarizing yourself with how your brakes operate, we suggest taking no chances with their maintenance. If you’ve found signs that the brake system is in need of service take it to qualified mechanics at a well-established garage. Inspect the rotors and brake pads to ensure they are in good working order. If the brake pad is damaged or severely worn, you must replace it. Never defer these checks and repairs.

When you take your car to a certified mechanic garage for regular maintenance, they will check the brakes to determine whether they are in good condition. Your safety while driving depends on your vehicle’s overall condition as well as the condition of the braking mechanism. It’s not something you should every compromise on.

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