Brakes are perhaps the most crucial safety feature in any vehicle, but many of us don’t understand their fascinating mechanics. The pros at Indianapolis’ Joe’s Service Department are here with a quick breakdown of how brakes work so you can know what happens when you press your foot on the pedal.
Leverage, Hydraulics, and Friction
When you push the brake pedal, you engage a lever that amplifies the pressure from your foot. This activates a cylinder filled with brake fluid, a hydraulic system that transmits power. As the pedal is pressed, the fluid is forced through brake lines towards the brake calipers at each wheel.
Turning Pedal Pressure into Stopping Power
Hydraulics are the next important stage in the braking process. They convert the pressure from your foot into enough force to stop a moving car. Inside the calipers, the hydraulic fluid pushes the brake pads against the spinning rotors attached to the wheels. It’s this friction between pads and rotors that slows the momentum of your vehicle.
Brake Types: Disc and Drum
Vehicles typically use either disc brakes, drum brakes, or both. Disc brakes are common in modern vehicles because of the way they disperse heat and stop the vehicle. Some cars still use drum brakes, especially in the rear of the car. Each type has its unique way of creating the necessary friction to bring your car to a halt.
When to Seek Brake Repair
Now that you understand the basics of how brakes work, it’s helpful to know when they aren’t working correctly. If you hear squealing, feel a spongy brake pedal, or notice a longer stopping distance, it’s time to visit a professional auto repair shop. At Joe’s Service Department, we have skilled auto mechanics who specialize in comprehensive brake repair. We can diagnose your problem and fix your brakes in a timely manner.
Regular Maintenance for Long-Term Safety
We suggest you keep up with car maintenance with regular checks by a qualified auto mechanic to make sure that your brakes function well. Maintenance is not just about replacing worn pads; it’s about examining the entire system, including rotors, fluid, and other brake components. This will prevent significant issues down the road.
Understanding how your brakes work and maintaining them can mean the difference between a quick, secure stop and a potential road mishap. So, if you’re in Indianapolis and need a brake repair, tune-up, oil change, or other car repair service, the expert mechanics at Joe’s Service Department are just a call away. Contact us online or at (317) 405-8456 today!
Karim Nice “How Brakes Work,” HowStuffWorks, modified Aug. 16, 2000, accessed Aug. 13, 2024, https://auto.howstuffworks.com/auto-parts/brakes/brake-types/brake.htm.
