Among the many systems of a car, the braking system is undoubtedly a crucial component. It not only affects the driving safety of the vehicle, but also directly affects the driving comfort and stability. This article will deeply explore the composition, working principle, key accessories and daily maintenance of the automobile braking system, and comprehensively analyze this core element of automobile safety for you.
The automobile braking system is mainly composed of brake pedal, brake master cylinder, brake slave cylinder, brake pad, brake disc (or brake drum), brake fluid, ABS anti-lock braking system, etc. Its working principle is simply that when the driver steps on the brake pedal, the braking force is transmitted to the wheel through mechanical or hydraulic transmission, so that the wheel slows down or stops rotating, thereby achieving the braking of the vehicle.
Brake pedal: The driver starts the braking process by stepping on the brake pedal.
Brake master cylinder: Converts the foot force applied by the driver into hydraulic pressure and pushes the brake fluid to the brake slave cylinder of each wheel.
Brake slave cylinder: Receives the hydraulic pressure from the brake master cylinder and converts it into mechanical force, pushing the brake pad to press the brake disc (or brake drum), generating friction to slow down or stop the wheel.
Brake pads and brake discs (or brake drums): components that directly generate friction. Brake pads are usually composed of friction materials and backing plates, while brake discs (or brake drums) are connected to wheels.
Brake fluid: a medium that transmits hydraulic pressure, which must have good compression resistance and stability.
ABS anti-lock braking system: prevents wheels from locking during emergency braking and maintains the directional stability and steering ability of the vehicle.
2.1 Brake pads
Brake pads are components in the braking system that directly contact the brake disc (or brake drum). The selection and quality of their friction materials directly affect the braking effect and the life of the brake pads. Common brake pad materials include semi-metal, ceramic, organic, etc., each with its own advantages and disadvantages, and need to be selected according to the use of the vehicle and the driver’s driving habits.
2.2 Brake discs (or brake drums)
Brake discs are key components of disc brake systems. Their surface flatness, thermal expansion coefficient and other characteristics have an important impact on the braking effect. Brake drums are used in drum brake systems and also need to be kept in good working condition.
2.3 Brake fluid
The quality of brake fluid is directly related to the reliability and safety of the brake system. High-quality brake fluid should have good compression resistance, thermal stability and corrosion resistance, and can maintain stable performance under various temperature conditions.
2.4 ABS anti-lock braking system
The ABS system monitors the wheel speed through the wheel speed sensor. When the wheel is about to lock, it quickly releases and reapplies the brake pressure to prevent the wheel from locking and maintain the stability and steering ability of the vehicle. The existence of the ABS system greatly improves the safety of the vehicle in emergency situations.
3.1 Regularly check the wear of the brake pads
Brake pads are vulnerable parts and their wear degree needs to be checked regularly. When the thickness of the brake pads is lower than the safety standard, they should be replaced in time to avoid affecting the braking effect.
3.2 Keep the brake disc (or brake drum) clean
The surface of the brake disc (or brake drum) should be kept clean to avoid the adhesion of impurities such as oil, dust, etc., which will affect the braking effect. Clean and check its surface flatness regularly, and grind or replace it if necessary.
3.3 Replace the brake fluid
Brake fluid is hygroscopic. After long-term use, it will absorb moisture in the air, resulting in a lower boiling point and affecting the braking performance. Therefore, it is recommended to replace the brake fluid according to the recommended cycle of the vehicle manufacturer, generally every two years or about 40,000 kilometers.
3.4 Check the working status of the ABS system
The ABS system is one of the standard configurations of modern cars, and its working status directly affects the braking safety of the vehicle. The wheel speed sensor, control unit and other components of the ABS system should be checked regularly to see if they are working properly. If there is a fault, it should be repaired in time.
3.5 Pay attention to the impact of driving habits on the braking system
Bad driving habits such as frequent emergency braking and long-term continuous downhill driving will accelerate the wear of the braking system. Therefore, the driver should develop good driving habits, reduce unnecessary braking operations, and extend the service life of the braking system.
For car owners who pursue higher performance, upgrading and modifying the braking system is a good choice. By replacing high-performance brake pads, increasing the diameter of the brake disc, and upgrading the brake calipers, the braking performance and stability of the vehicle can be significantly improved. However, it should be noted that any changes to the braking system should follow the technical specifications and safety standards of the vehicle manufacturer to ensure that the modified braking system is still safe and reliable.
With the continuous development of automobile technology, the braking system is also constantly innovating and upgrading. In the future, we can expect the emergence of more intelligent and integrated braking systems. For example, braking systems with advanced functions such as integrated electronic stability program (ESP) and active brake assist system (AEB) will become mainstream configurations, providing drivers with more comprehensive and efficient braking protection. At the same time, with the popularization and development of new energy vehicles, higher requirements will be placed on the energy efficiency and environmental protection of the braking system.
As one of the key components to ensure driving safety, the performance and status of the automobile braking system are directly related to the life safety of drivers and passengers. Therefore, we should attach importance to the daily maintenance and maintenance of the braking system to ensure that it is always in good working condition. At the same time, with the continuous advancement and innovative development of technology, we have reason to believe that the future automobile braking system will serve the majority of drivers more intelligently, efficiently and safely. Let us pay attention to the health and safety of the automobile braking system to escort every trip
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