Vehicle brakes: how do they work?

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Vehicle brakes vary depending on the type of vehicle and technology used. Disc brakes are the most common, using a hydraulic system to press pistons against a rotor. Other systems include drum brakes, internal brakes, and parking brakes. Hydraulic systems are started by pressing the brake pedal, while cable-actuated brakes are used for emergencies or parking.

The specific function of vehicle brakes can vary significantly depending on the type of vehicle and the current technology used. The most common type of modern vehicle brakes is the disc brake system, which is a hydraulic system that uses pistons that press against a metal disc known as a rotor. Other systems used for vehicle brakes include drum brakes, internal brakes, and parking brakes; These systems are generally used in automobiles, although they are also commonly used on motorcycles and even bicycles. The bikes also use rim brakes, which have rubber pads that press against the sidewalls of the rim to stop the bike.

Disc brakes are used on most modern cars and motorcycles, as well as some bicycles. Hydraulic systems are most commonly used for vehicle brakes in this case, although cable-actuated disc brakes are available, usually on bicycles. Hydraulic systems are started by pressing the brake pedal in a car; This action pushes hydraulic fluid, usually some type of oil, through a master cylinder and through the brake lines. The force of the hydraulic fluid drives the brake caliper system, which consists of a housing along with moving pistons located on each side of a rotating disc known as a rotor. The hydraulic system allows for modulation or the ability to vary the amount of pressure that is applied to the rotor. The vehicle may slow down smoothly or stop suddenly.

Drum brakes often work very similar to disc brakes in regards to the hydraulics. The difference lies in the actuation of the brake on the wheel. Instead of using a disc rotor, the drum brake uses a metal drum inside which the brake shoes are mounted. The brake shoes press out against the inside of the drum; they are pushed out by a wheel cylinder that is attached to the end of the brake line. When the fluid presses on the wheel cylinder, two arms push out on each side of the cylinder, activating the brake shoes.

In-vehicle brakes work similarly to disc brakes, but the location of the brake caliper and rotor is changed so that it mounts on the axle instead of near the wheels. This is done to improve handling in most cases; This system is much rarer than other brake systems. Manual cable-actuated vehicle brakes are commonly known as emergency brakes or electronic brakes. These brakes are activated by a lever that pulls on a length of cable. The cable is mounted to the rear brakes of a car and actuates the brake pads in an emergency situation. This braking system does not allow much modulation and is used primarily as a parking brake.




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