Aiden's Car Blogs

The braking system of an automobile is one of the most important safety components of the vehicle because the system allows the driver to keep control over the car. As with all other parts of a car, there are multiple aspects and components that go into a braking system, including disk brakes, drum brakes, anti-lock braking systems, emergency brakes, and regenerative braking. 

Disk brakes are common in most modern cars. The disc, also known as the rotor, is a circular metal object attached to the wheel hub, and the caliper houses brake shoes and pistons. When the brakes are applied, the pistons can clamp the rotor with shoes; the friction caused by the brake pad is what allows the car wheels to come to a stop. Disk brakes are good for heat dissipation and consistent performance.

Drum brakes operate by using friction generated when a set of brake shoes exert pressure outwards against the brake drum. The backing plate provides a foundation to which other parts can be attached. The wheel cylinder contains two pistons that can push the brake shoes towards the drum and cause friction. Finally, the brake shoe adjuster ensures a consistent distance between the brake shoes and the drum, and the return springs retract the brake shoes from the drum after braking.

The anti-lock braking system (ABS) is a safety feature in most modern vehicles. The anti-lock brakes work by automatically pumping brakes when the vehicle comes to a sudden stop. One or more wheels of a vehicle can lock up during a sudden stop. Locked wheels reduce or eliminate the driver’s control over the vehicle. ABS technology today automates brake pumping so that it helps the driver move the vehicle to safety. If a wheel lock is detected, the sensor sends a message to the controller to release and press the brakes multiple times a second, preventing a lock up.

In case of an emergency, the handbrake is a manual lever that the driver can use to stop the vehicle. The handbrake lever, a stick located inside the cabin, is pulled to activate the system. The cable assembly, usually a steel cable, connects the handbrake lever to the rear braking system. When the handbrake lever is pulled, the cable tightens, causing the rear braking system to engage. When the handbrake lever is released, the lever returns to its original position and the cable loosens. In the handbrake system, the equalizer mechanism and adjusting mechanism play crucial roles in distributing force to both rear wheels and maintaining proper tension of the handbrake cable, respectively.

Lastly, regenerative braking is a system found in most hybrid and electric vehicles. It converts mechanical energy to electrical energy. During braking, the spinning wheels drive the motors in reverse, turning the motor into a generator. As the rotors spin, electric currents are induced through a process of magnetic induction. Electrical current is produced and electrical energy is stored in the battery.

Regardless of the braking system, most modern cars have four brakes, with most of the braking power going to the front wheels. The front brakes need more power than the rear brakes because the vehicle’s weight shifts forward when the car slows down. Ultimately, each type of car has a braking system that fits the customer’s needs based on the type of car purchased.