Every car is equipped with a brake system. The brake system is the main system of the car and is controlled by the driver using the brake pedal. Once the brake pedal is pressed, the vehicle will slow down and may eventually be brought to a stop. Both disc brakes and drum brakes can be used in the brake system. In older cars it often happens that the front wheels are equipped with disc brakes and the rear wheels with drum brakes. Modern and more expensive cars generally have disc brakes on both the front and rear.
How does the car's brake system work?
We all know that the car has brakes, which are controlled by the brake pedal. But what actually happens when you press the brake pedal?
The moment you press the brake pedal, brake fluid is transported from the reservoir to the master cylinder through the brake lines and brake hoses. The master cylinder ensures that there is a lot of pressure on the brake fluid. With this oil pressure, the brake calipers with the brake pads are pressed vigorously against the brake discs. Strong friction is then created between the brake pads and the brake discs, causing the vehicle to slow down.
In the case of a drum brake, the oil pressure is carried to the wheel brake cylinder, pushing the brake shoes against the brake drum. In this way the same strong friction is created and the vehicle can be braked and eventually brought to a stop.
Defects in the brake system
Defects can occur in the brake system of the car. Problems in the brake system can have a major impact on braking power. In some cases, the brake system could even fail completely. Do you recognize one of the problems below? Then make sure to check the brakes and replace the parts as soon as possible.
- Squeaky brakes
- Smoking brakes
- Puddle of brake oil under the car
- Vibrate when braking
- Skew when braking
- Spongy or high-end brake pedal
Buy car brake system parts
Buying parts for the car's brake system is quick and easy at Winparts. With your car model you can quickly find the right parts for your vehicle. Are you going to work with the brake parts yourself? Then brake cleaner, assembly and rebuild kits or brake tools will probably come in handy too!