A Guide to Disc Brakes

Brakes are one of the most important parts of a car. Their function is to slow down or stop a car’s movement so that it remains in line with the road. A brake is also known as a power-assisted braking system because it employs the power of pressure from an external source to induce a counterforce against the wheels to reduce their speed or stop them entirely. They work on a mechanism called a brake pedal. There are many different types of brakes and some of the more popular ones include drum brakes, hydraulic brakes, and disc brakes.

Description: A brake is an active mechanical device that resists motion by capturing kinetic energy from a dynamic system. It’s most commonly used for stopping or slow motion of a heavy moving object, usually a wheel, axle, or another moving component. Depending on the material and design, they are usually made of plastic, metal, or ceramic material. They employ pressure to work against the force of gravity by compressing or expanding a material. This results in a reduction of the brake fluid flow, thus decreasing the fluid consumption and decreasing the cost of brake repair or service.

How They Work: There are four main types of brakes: drum brakes, disc brakes, rotors with calipers and drums, and rotors without calipers or drums. The type you choose depends on your driving conditions and the vehicle. Brake pads and disks, as well as brake fluids, are replaced differently. For example, brake fluid is drained before use and refilled while you drive.

How They Work: A disc brake operates in much the same way as a standard disc brake on a car. The main difference occurs when there are two piston-type components under each piston. The brake pad moves up and down on the disc brakes cylinder piston and the caliper cylinder piston moves up and down on the caliper piston. Because both types use pistons, the operation is more similar to that of standard discs. The main difference occurs in how the piston moves between the two. This can affect braking performance.

What They Do: Aside from the main function of stopping, disc brake pads also contribute to the efficiency of a vehicle’s braking system. Brake pads reduce friction material that comes off the wheels during a stop. This reduces heat buildup which helps reduce the tire’s weight. When the friction material is less, the brake pads wear faster. This causes fewer brake repair visits because the brakes are less likely to need to be serviced.

How They Work: In addition to helping to decrease wear and improve braking efficiency, disc brakes are also found on many new vehicles. They are often offered as standard equipment whenever you purchase a new car. While you may not notice them at first, over time you will notice how much less gas your vehicle consumes when driven with disc brakes. The reason for this is because brakes can keep the vehicle from jumping out of control if the driver does not apply enough pressure.

There are four sizes of disc brakes. There are the 3-inch disc brake pads, which are the most commonly sold. Then, there are the 2-inch drum brake pads, which are slightly less effective than the 3-inch pads. Finally, there are the 1-inch disc brake pads, which are the least common but have the most incredible friction material.

The Big Picture: Despite the name, caliper brakes do not actually stop the car. Instead, they transfer braking force to the rotor and caliper, allowing the wheels to slowly stop without the driver applying full pressure on the brake pedal. The rotor and caliper work in conjunction with the piston to provide the needed braking power.