What Are the Functions of the Brake System?

What Are the Functions of the Brake System?

A brake system is one of the most important parts of a vehicle. No matter what kind of vehicle people use, an efficient braking system will always be of utmost concern to ensure safety.

Deceleration
The main function of the brake system is to decelerate or decrease the speed of a vehicle. By stepping on the brake pedal, the brake pads compress against the rotor attached to the wheel, which then forces the vehicle to slow down due to friction.

Absorption
A brake system absorbs the kinetic energy of the vehicle mechanically or electrically in order to decrease its speed. In mechanical brakes, friction converts the kinetic energy into heat. In electric brakes, an electric current forces a magnet to apply the brakes.

Brake Booster
Vehicles have power brake boosters in order to boost or enhance the pressure applied in the brake pedal. They minimize the pressure needed from the driver to decelerate or stop the vehicle.

Antilock Brake System (ABS)
The anti-lock brake system modulates the brake pressure along the wheels, allowing the driver to control and maintain speed, as well as to stop the vehicle in the shortest possible distance.

Hand Brake
Also known as the parking brake, the hand brake is a mechanical lever that allows the driver to put the vehicle into an emergency stop in case of a brake failure. It is totally separate from the vehicle's hydraulic brake system.

When Exactly to Replace Brake Fluid

Whats the Correct Time For Brake Fluid change Or Brake Fluid Flush

Time For Brake Fluid Service

Q: My Local car garage owner said that very 30k miles, one should drain the brake fluid and flush and replace it with new fluid. What’s your opinion? Is he right or should i wait?

A: To understand when to replace brake fluid, i suggest you to first read and understand the brake fluid theory.
The details are as follows:-----

Brake fluid is a hygroscopic fluid, which means it is designed to absorb moisture, yes water. Why would you want brake fluid to absorb moisture? A vehicle that is in motion has energy. To stop that vehicle you have to remove that energy. To do that the energy is converted to heat. I know it seems odd and you may think that the exhaust fumes have gotten to me. I won’t argue that. But it is true that it is the creation of heat that stops your vehicle. When you step on your brakes two pieces rub together. The friction of this makes heat and lots of it. Brakes will easily get hotter than 212 degrees. Guess what would happen if water wasn’t absorbed by brake fluid? It would collect and when you really needed to stop? The water would boil, change to a gas/air. Your vehicle wasn’t designed to stop with air brakes. So to convert that energy you’d have to hit something! Not a good idea. Brake fluid service/flush is a needed service.

Some manufacturers list brake fluid flushes as scheduled maintenance, others do not. How does one know if their vehicle’s brake fluid needs service? There are electronic testers and test strips that can measure the moisture content in brake fluid. Regular service of the brake fluid will prolong brake component life and allow anti-lock brake systems to function correctly.