The car you drive every day has brakes on all four wheels that are operated by a hydraulic system. Brakes are either disc type or drum type. The front brakes are responsible for most of the way a car stops. This is because when the brakes are applied, it throws the weight of the car forward to the front wheels. This is the reason that most cars have disc brakes on the front wheels and drum brakes on the back ones.
How Car Brakes Work
The brakes are connected to a system of tubes and hoses that link the brake at each wheel to a master cylinder. Other parts of the car that are connected to the braking system are the parking brake, power brake booster and the anti-lock system. When the brake pedal is stepped on, it pushes against a plunger in the master cylinder. This forces the hydraulic oil, or brake fluid, through a series of tubes and hoses to the braking unit at each wheel. Brake fluid is designed with specific properties. It can withstand cold temperatures without getting thick, and very hot temperatures without boiling.
What Do Brake Calipers Do?
Calipers are an essential part of the way to stop a car. Making it one of the most important parts of the braking system. The cars wheels are attached to metal discs, or rotors that spin when the wheels do. The caliper is there to slow the cars wheels by creating friction with the rotors. The caliper fits over the rotor like a clamp. Each caliper has a pair of metal plates bonded with friction material inside it. These are called brake pads. When the brake pad is pressed, brake fluid from the master cylinder will create hydraulic pressure on one or more of the pistons in the caliper. This will force the brake pads against the rotor. The brake pads will cause the rotor to slow down or bring the car to a stop. When this happens, the wheel will also slow down or stop because they are attached to each other.
Anti Lock Brakes
An anti-lock braking system (ABS) is a safety anti-skid braking system. An ABS system works by preventing the wheels from locking up during braking and causes maintained tractive contact with the road surface. This allows drivers to attempt to steer the car to safety. Sensors in the system can detect when your car’s tires start locking up. Then, they will quickly apply and release the brakes to automatically keep your tires from skidding. You will feel or hear the ABS vibrating. You need to continue applying firm pressure and hold the brake as you steer to safety.
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Brake pads will wear down over time. Ignoring possible problems can put you and your passengers at unnecessary risk. It’s important to maintain the braking system in your vehicle. If you notice a noise that seems to be related to the braking, a change in braking performance or a burning smell when you drive, you need to get your brakes looked at right away. If you’re in need of towing and roadside assistance, contact Citywide Towing.
