Knowing How The Brakes On Your Vehicle Work

You have probably been driving since the day you were able to procure your license. And like most people, once that day came, you never looked back. But have you ever stopped to wonder what makes your vehicle tick? Namely, how the brakes on your car are able to, quite easily, keep you safe day after day? Well, if so, you’re in luck, because brakes really are not that complicated. 

The Brake Pedal: Making Friction Your Friend

What happens when you step on your brake pedal? Well, a few things, actually; there is a small chain of events that leads to your car slowing down and, eventually, coming to a full stop. But in order for all of this to happen, there needs to be friction. Yes, friction. In the case of stopping your vehicle, friction is your friend. When your foot presses on the brake pedal, your brake clamps the brake pads within its housing on to the wheels, causing enough friction to, eventually, stop your vehicle. The harder you press the break, the more friction you apply and the faster you will come to a stop. With an old drum brake, too much friction can be bad; the closed housing of the brake retains heat, and when it builds up too much, the brakes stop being effective and can no longer grip the wheel. But a disc brake’s open faced design allows air to keep the brake cooler, allowing for better and more consistent braking. But how does the brake know when to squeeze? The brake fluid, of course!

The Brake Pedal: Fluid for Thought

Brake fluid is a fluid that passes through a tiny hose in to your brakes when the brake pedal is pressed. This fluid allows the brake pads to clamp on to the wheel. Without brake fluid going through the line, there would not be enough pressure for the brakes pads to get purchase. In other words, brakes with very low brake fluid are tantamount to pressing dry sponges to your wheel. Brakes with no fluid simply do not work, hence why a severed brake line is highly dangerous, and very scary. When you step on the brakes, and the brake pads clamp, you do more than slow your car; you also activate the brake lights. Just like the brake pads, the brake lights will have no chance of working without brake fluid. Why? Because there will be no pressure exerted on the brake. In fact, if you step on a brake in a vehicle that has no brake fluid in the line, your foot will easily mash the pedal to the floor. 

Keeping Track of Your Brakes: Brake Safety

Brake issues are not for the average vehicle owner to diagnose. Without special training, it is extremely easy to misread the signals of an issue with your brakes. Your brakes should be serviced yearly, and you should go in to your local mechanic for a free brake check every six months. If you experience any strange or unusual brake problems, such as slow braking, go in for a brake check as soon as possible.