How Brakes Work

It is amazing how science and technology works in different machineries. This is true in automobiles and their braking system. The science of pushing down the brake pedal as it slows or stops the car may sound simple but it takes a lot of process to achieve. If you ever wonder how your car’s brake system works, continue reading.

Knowing the Components

To know how your car’s brake system works, it is best to start knowing the components. The moment you push your foot to the pedal, a brake fluid is immediately released. This is done in two ways. The first one is by mechanical advantages and the second is by the hydraulic force multiplication. The mechanical advantage uses leverage while the latter causes a force on tires using friction – as the tires bring about friction to the road. The current designs of cars have brakes on all wheels but the front brake usually is greater than the rear.

• Leverage and Hydraulics

Your car’s pedal is designed to enhance the force as you step into the brake pedal. The science behind the hydraulic system is quite simple. The force applied will be transmitted by means of incompressible fluid. The hydraulic system works by applying pressure to a piston, forcing the fluid to go out of the pipe. It will then travel to the cylinders at every wheel as the fluid pressure distributes itself thoroughly around the system. Then, the master piston will move the slave pistons further as the brakes are applied.

• Power-assisted Brake

There are automobiles that power assistance brakes to reduce the effort of pushing the brake pedal. This is done by means of the partial vacuum in the inlet manifold and the air from the outside. Power-assisted brake is achieved by installing a pipe connection to the inlet. As the brake pedal is pushed, the rod will also push the master cylinder piston. As the brake pedal is pressed, the valve is closed allowing the more air from the outside to go in. This will create a pressure that will force the diaphragm to push the master cylinder piston.

The brake system of your car also is dependent on the disk brakes, drum brakes and the hand brake. Each component is important to ensure that your car stops and slows at the right time.

While it is good to know the different ways on how your car’s brake system works, it may be hard to gain thorough understanding of it. The best way to understand how it works is by talking to a car professional. A car professional will help you understand the system of your car by explaining it in simplest terms. One of the best brake repair Morris County NJ is Peace of Mind Auto. They do not just offer maintenance and repair to your car; they also go out of their way to find the best solution to keep your car in perfect shape.