Different Types of Brakes and Anti

Nov 26, 2023

Imagine you take a drive on a highway going roughly 65 miles per hour. Imagine while making this commute, you notice light traffic ahead. Because of this, your foot pumps on the brake pedal to slow the car down. However, nothing happens. The speed of your vehicle is still going 65 miles per hour, and the cars ahead are seemingly closer. What will happen next? Chances are the possible outcomes are not so promising.

This type of situation can happen when a car is without a proper brake system. When it comes to brakes in a car, we often take them for granted. They are always there, and we expect them to work still, however many of us don’t take the necessary time to check on them routinely and make sure they are always in tip-top shape. When you really think about it, how much do you genuinely know about brake systems and how critical they are? Did you know there are different types? Today we are going to take time to explain the different types of brake systems and why they are so important.

When it comes to a brake system, the are many different parts. It can get quite intricate. While they may be a bit overwhelming, they are necessary to ensure the car stops no matter the various circumstances or road conditions. The last thing you want is a car accident because your brake system was lacking.

Here is a look at the most common brake systems:

Electromagnetic brake system

This style of the brake is becoming more and more popular with cars today. This system is unique because it uses an electric moto that is a part of the vehicle. It is used to help the car stop. They can be seen in most hybrid vehicles. They use an electric motor that charges the batteries, and they also have regenerative brakes.

Hydraulic brake system

This type of brake system involved a master cylinder. This acts as a reservoir of hydraulic braking fluid. It is held down by different metal pipes and rubber fittings that are attached to the wheel’s cylinders. There are pistons that are located on the drum brakes or band that applies pressure. The pressure pushes the pistons apart, which forced the brake pads into the cylinder. This makes the car stop.

Frictional brake system

This brake system is the most popular in cars. They are found in two forms, which include shoes and pads. The name is pretty straightforward. The system uses friction to stop the vehicle from moving. Usually, there is a rotating device with a secondary pad and a rotating surface. Typically, when the pedal is pushed, the shoe will constrict, causing it to rub against the rotating drum. The rotating firm with shoes will then expand and rub on the inside of the drum.

There are also other braking systems that you should be aware of. They are as follows:

Pumping brake system

Whenever a braking system includes a pump as part of the vehicle, these come into play. With this brake system, they use an internal combustion piston motor that shuts off the fuel supply. This causes the internal pumping loss to the engine. Therefore, the car stops.

Servo brake system

This brake system is very common in vehicles. It is meant to stop the car based on the amount of pressure that is given on the brake pedal. There is a vacuum in the inlet manifold that makes extra pressure need to make the car stop. This system is only working, however, when the car is running. There are times where a car may have more than one of these systems installed to make the system stronger and reliable. It is known for these brake systems to fail occasionally.

Parking and emergency braking systems

These brake systems are seen in every car. It consists of a manual lever or button that is used to halt the vehicle in case of emergencies automatically. It only runs on the manual force. Commonly, drivers will use this system when parking on a hill or in the case of an emergency. When the brake is triggered, a cable is pulled, and that causes the force to increase and send to the equalizer. The equalizer then splits into two different cables, which divides the force to both rear wheels. This system comes in handy in case all other braking systems fail.

Have you ever applied for car insurance, and they ask you whether or not your car is equipped with antilock brakes? You may be scratching your head because you have no idea precisely what that is. What about the little light on your dashboard that states “ABS” when your car hydroplanes or skids a little bit? This acronym actually stands for the anti-lock braking system. The ABS light (usually yellow, amber or orange) should come on briefly every time you start your car as part of a system check. If the light stays on, that means something isn’t working, and the system has been shut down.

It is safe to say that not everyone agrees with anti-lock brakes counting as a braking system or a safety feature. The point of these brakes is to help a car’s wheels from locking up, allowing a driver to steer to safety. However, when this happens, the pedal may vibrate and push back. This is normal. But how do they work?

Typically, only used for emergencies, they wheel include sensors that detect whenever your tires begin to lock up. When this happens, they quickly apply and release the brakes to keep your tires from skidding. They begin to pulse or pump. When this happens, the driver will feel or even hear the car reacting. It is essential to firmly press and hold the brake as they drive to safety.

• In the case that your car is no equipped with anti-lock brakes, or if they are not working correctly, it is essential that you always pump your brakes the same way the sensors in your tires would. This helps when your car begins to skid.

• The best way to get the most out of your anti-lock brakes is always to ensure all of your tires are inflated and in good condition. Be sure to check the tread of the tire and the air pressure routinely

• It is commonly reported that the main cause for anti-lock brake malfunctions is because of brake lining and air or even dirt in the brake fluid. It is important that you keep your brake fluid clean at all times. This is very easy for you to do at home.

Keep in mind that there is a difference between 4-wheel anti-lock brakes and rear wheel only. 4-wheel anti-lock brakes are found in most new cars. They are meant to help to steer. When it comes to rear only anti-lock brakes, they are commonly found in trucks, SUVs, and minivans. There only purpose is to help stop the automobiles from spinning out of control when on a slippery surface. You can see what type of anti-lock brakes are included in your car in your owner’s manual.

Remember that anti-lock brakes don’t always decrease stopping distance. The point of these systems is to help pump the brakes of a car faster than a driver can by themselves. This is why when on a road surface, the antilock brakes will stop the car faster than it could without the system. It’s worth keeping in mind that anti-lock brakes work best on a solid, stable surface. Your experience on ice, snow, or gravel can be different. This is why your distance of stopping can be affected each time. This also depends on the condition of your tires. Be sure to stay safe when on the roads in harsh weather conditions. This is the cause of many car accidents and fatalities out on the roads.

It is safe to say that a car would not be operational without a proper running brake system. Because of this, we, as car owners, need to make sure we know what system is right for our car. Be aware of the different types of brake systems and how they run and operate. Also, ask yourself this, when was the last time you or a professional checked on the condition of your breaks? Does your car have anti-lock brakes? If so, what kind? The last thing you want is to be that car accident that was spotted going 65 on the highway without stopping. Whether you are in need of a new coyote swap braking system or a new change of brake pads, make sure your car is cared for when it comes to its braking system. In no time your car will be running better than everyone you encounter on the highway!

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