Over time, new technology has been added to vehicle braking systems for extra safety. However, some of the basics of car brakes remain the same. Here’s what to know about this vital feature so that you can drive safely and maintain your car. 

Brake Assemblies 

Most modern cars are fitted with a disc brake on each wheel. When the driver uses the brake pedal, a piston compresses the brake fluid in the master cylinder.

Hydraulic pressure is created and transferred via the fluid to more pistons. These push the brake pads against the rotor, or disc, that turns the wheel.

Friction stops the rotor from spinning and brings the vehicle to a stop. Ensure the fluid is topped up to keep this process working well, and have your brakes professionally inspected once or twice a year.

Some vehicles have drum brakes, although these are less common nowadays. In this assembly, hydraulic pressure pushes brake shoes, which are curved pieces of metal that contain friction material.

They press against a drum inside the wheel to make the vehicle stop. The problem with this method is that heat builds up inside the drum, and less friction is created when components are too hot. Discs are exposed to air so that they don’t have this issue.

Braking Systems

Additional technology to improve car brakes includes electromagnetic systems that use the strength of a magnetic field to stop wheel rotation. This is found in newer cars, including hybrids. Vacuum servos, also known as brake boosters or power brakes, use a vacuum to multiply the force that the driver puts on the pedal.

Another supplementary feature is an anti-lock braking system (ABS), which uses sensors attached to the wheels. The sensors tell the braking system to briefly reduce pressure if the wheels are about to lock.

Cars also have emergency brakes, where pressure is applied to the wheels mechanically via cables. Also known as a parking brake, this feature is usually used to secure stationary vehicles but can be employed in an emergency if other braking methods fail.

Get your car brakes checked as part of routine vehicle maintenance with GSBP Automotive in Gulf Shores, AL. They’ve offered repairs for all makes and models since 1985. Their ASE-certified technicians use computerized diagnostics to identify problems quickly and get your vehicle back on the road as soon as possible. Call 251-968-7456 to schedule an appointment, or visit them online to learn more about their services.