Understanding The Braking System In Vehicles

Understanding The Braking System In Vehicles

by

Cherlyn Forth

The braking system of a vehicle, be it a motorcycle, bike or car, is an integral part of the overall construction of an automobile. It helps a vehicle to decelerate, hold onto inclines on roads and stops a car within a short distance when necessary.

Modern vehicles are fitted with a variety of braking mechanisms designed to provide superior stopping power and ensure that a vehicle is able to maintain ideal speeds. Any car will have either of four brake types depending on what the manufacturer offers: disc, drum, air and anti-lock braking system.

Disc brakes

Disc brakes function using brake pads and calipers to slow down a vehicle. The wheel s rotation is slowed as the brake pads with the help of calipers push against the disc when a driver applies the brakes. The disc is connected to a car s wheel or axle and the brake pads are triggered mechanically, hydraulically or electromagnetically.

Compared to drum brakes, disc brakes are known for their efficiency and are able to dissipate heat, a vital property that increases the life of the braking system. Since they remain cool more often, they provide a vehicle with better stopping power.

Drum brakes

Drum brakes use a set of brake pads that push against a drum-like component call the brake drum. This occurs either on the drum s inner surface or outer surface.

The back plate contains all the necessary components of the drum brake system and is attached to a vehicle s axle.

Over time, the brake lining on the drum can wear, making it harder for the pads to reach the drum. When this happens, a mechanism automatically adjusts the position of the brake pads and gets them closer to the drum.

Drum brakes can provide more braking force and last longer than their disc counterparts. They re cheaper too and although they tend to retain heat, they last for a reasonably long time.

Air brakes

Air brakes are usually used in vehicles like trucks and buses. Owing to their weight, they need a more powerful stopping mechanism which hydraulic fluid cannot provide since it may run out or leak.

An air compressor pumps air into tanks whose amount is maintained by an air compressor governor. Reservoir tanks then hold the compressed air ready for use when the brakes are applied. A push rod is depressed or extended when the brakes are released or applied. A brake s-cam pushes the brake pads against the brake drum during which air pressure is decreased and the vehicle slows down.

ABS

ABS or anti-lock braking system which is more if a safety mechanism rather than a type of brake is one of the newest and most efficient braking systems available today. It reduces skidding by forcing the wheels of a car to continue rotating at required speeds. This gives drivers a much higher control over their vehicles especially on dry and slippery road surfaces.

An ABS system comprises of four sensors attached to each of the four wheels. They read the individual speed of the wheels via a hydraulic control unit. This determines which of the four wheels needs braking. In addition, ABS also slows or accelerates the rotation of the wheels to keep a vehicle steady.

Today, anti-lock braking system is applied to almost all modern vehicles. This is in view of the technology s success as well as the reduction in cost of automobile electronics.

When you want to

buy auto brake parts

online, make sure you are working with a secured site. Learn about it

right here

!

Article Source:

ArticleRich.com