Car brakes are a crucial component of any vehicle, ensuring driver safety. In this article, Tinxe.vn explores the different types of car brakes.
How many types of car brakes are there?
Car brakes are typically classified into 2 main types:
- Foot brake system: Used while driving, the foot brake can be a drum brake or a disc brake controlled by hydraulic pressure.
- Hand brake system: Also known as the parking brake, it is used when parking the vehicle to prevent movement. It typically acts on the rear brakes through cables.
The hand brake usually has a lever mechanism that allows it to be set without holding the lever, while the foot brake only operates when the foot is pressed on the brake pedal.
The braking system is essential for every vehicle. The hand brake commonly uses a transmission brake mechanism, while the foot brake commonly uses a wheel brake mechanism.
Foot brake
The foot brake in cars is divided into two main types:
- Disc brake
- Drum brake
Drum brake
The drum brake, also known as the drum shoe brake, applies force to press the brake lining against the inner surface of the drum brake – the component connected to the wheel. Most brake drums consist of two pieces joined together, and the curvature of the drum rim matches the inside surface of the brake shoe.
Structure of a drum brake: It consists of a brake drum and brake shoes. The brake drum is an empty box on the outside, attached to the wheel axle and rotates with the wheel. The brake shoes are on the inside and directly contact the surface of the brake drum to create friction. To combine the shoe and drum brakes, the system also requires a master cylinder and an adjusting spring.
Working principle of the drum brake: When the brake pedal is pressed, the master cylinder applies hydraulic pressure to push the two brake shoes outwards through the adjusting spring. The brake shoes contact the brake drum, creating friction that slows down the wheel until it stops.
Advantages and disadvantages: Drum brakes have a simpler design and operate on a mechanical principle. They are easy and quick to repair and replace, but their braking efficiency is lower. They were commonly used in low-powered, budget-friendly cars. As engine power increased, manufacturers started equipping hydraulic disc brakes for the front brakes of cars.
Drum brakes, also known as drum shoe brakes.
Disc brake
Car disc brakes consist of three main components: the disc, the caliper, and the pad. The disc brake is attached to the wheel axle and rotates with the wheel. The caliper contains the brake pads and the hydraulic piston system that clamps onto both sides of the disc brake. Most cars nowadays use fixed calipers.
Structure of a disc brake: A disc brake comprises brake pads, a brake disc, and hydraulic pistons.
Working principle: When the brake pedal is pressed, the hydraulic pistons push the brake pads against the brake disc, creating friction that slows down the wheel until it stops.
Advantages and disadvantages of disc brakes: Disc brakes offer higher braking performance compared to drum brakes. They have good heat dissipation due to their open design and maintain brake effectiveness over time. They also allow for easy detection of faults and reduce the weight of the car. However, they are more susceptible to dirt and water and require regular cleaning to maintain optimal performance.
Disc brakes are divided into two types: Rotating disc and fixed disc.
Parking brake
The parking brake, also known as the handbrake, is used to reduce speed, keep the vehicle in place on slopes or inclined surfaces, or be used in necessary situations. There are two types of car parking brakes: electric parking brakes and mechanical parking brakes.
Car parking brakes include: Electric parking brake and mechanical parking brake
Mechanical parking brakes offer higher component durability, lower maintenance costs, common usage, and simple operation. Electric parking brakes prevent forgetting to engage or release the parking brake, save interior space, solve jamming and brake sticking issues, and provide convenience, safety, and aesthetic appeal to the car. However, mechanical parking brakes may not engage properly if not pulled correctly, and forgetting to engage them can damage the car’s mechanical parts. Electric parking brake mechanisms are more complex, and if the battery dies, the brake cannot be engaged, resulting in high repair costs.
What is the difference between drum brakes and disc brakes?
Drum brakes and disc brakes have their own advantages and disadvantages. Understanding these differences is crucial in choosing the right type of brake for your car. Here are some key differences to consider:
|
Drum Brake |
Disc Brake |
|
| Structure |
Drum brakes consist of brake shoes and a brake drum. |
Disc brakes consist of a brake disc, brake pads, and a caliper. |
| Working Principle |
When the brake is applied, the master cylinder pushes the brake shoes outwards through hydraulic pressure and an adjusting spring. The two brake shoes contact the brake drum, creating friction that slows down the wheel. |
When the brake is applied, the hydraulic piston pushes the brake pads toward the brake disc, and the pads contact the disc, creating friction that slows down the wheel. |
| Advantages |
– Simple design, closed structure suitable for various weather and terrain conditions. – High durability. – Low installation cost. – Easy and quick maintenance and replacement of parts. |
– Disc brakes have a more complex design with an open structure that provides good heat dissipation. – It enhances the operating performance of the vehicle’s braking system. – It offers high precision in reducing speed. |
| Disadvantages |
– Slow deceleration time. – Poor heat dissipation in closed design. – Lower braking efficiency, especially when braking suddenly or on steep slopes. |
– Disc brakes are exposed to the outside, making them more susceptible to dust and wear over time, affecting performance. – Brake disc components are usually made of high-quality materials, resulting in higher installation, repair, and maintenance costs. |
What is the function of the ABS braking system?
To prevent wheels from locking during sudden braking, which can lead to loss of steering control, manufacturers have developed the ABS (Anti-lock Braking System). The ABS braking system allows drivers to maintain steering control while applying the brakes, keeping the car stable and reducing the risk of skidding or spinning.
What is ABS brake?
The ABS brake is a computer-controlled system that prevents wheel lock-up during sudden braking. It is an active safety feature that minimizes collisions and enhances driver safety. This system improves vehicle stability and shortens braking distances. The tires do not lock, allowing the steering wheel to rotate, enabling the driver to control and safely stop the vehicle.
The ABS braking system consists of the hydraulic control unit, the anti-lock brake control unit, front-wheel sensors, rear-wheel sensors, the ABS warning light, the brake pedal switch, and the speedometer. There are various types of ABS braking systems, such as hydraulic ABS and pneumatic ABS.
The working principle of the ABS system is as follows: When the driver presses the brake pedal, brake fluid is pushed to the brake components in each wheel. The ECU collects and processes information from the sensors. When it senses that the wheels are about to lock, the valve closes, preventing brake fluid from flowing. Brake fluid is then pumped back to maintain deceleration without wheel lock-up.
ABS brakes enable drivers to retain control, avoiding dangerous situations like vehicle rollover or veering off the lane…
These are the types of car brakes, information about ABS technology, and considerations for brake maintenance. Stay updated with Tinxe.vn for safe and enjoyable travels.
Tinh Tam
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