The Evolution of Automobile Brake Technology
Wednesday, June 15th, 2011From the time when humans first started using transportation, the need for brakes has existed. At first, there were horse drawn carriages but soon other mechanical types or transportation replaced them and the moving speed improved to a great extent. With the improvement in speed, brake machinery progressed to offer better security. From drum brakes and disc-brakes to anti-lock braking systems, the tools we have in our daily travels offers several choices and it is necessary to know the distinction.
Most car brakes used in earlier models were a kind of drum brakes. The operating system of a drum brake is straightforward, a drum is wrapped around the axle. When the brake is applied, typically by a metal band, it pressurized the drum. The drum would then compress around the axle causing friction to slow the motion. However, this kind of brakes didn’t do well when wet. As a result of this failure of drum brakes, disc brakes were invented.
Disc brakes have a group of shoes called brake pads that push against a disc that is attached with the wheel and spins with it. You can employ this brake by mechanical, electromagnetic, pneumatic or hydraulic power. A disc brake is typically found inside the wheel, following the tire. As a result of increases in materials manufacturing technology, disc brakes became a superior choice than drum brakes. The brake pads of disc brakes are usually made from asbestos, ceramic and some other compounds to make them durable and strong.
By the way, disc brakes were not free of problems, brake locking up sometimes worked faulty. As a result, anti-lock brakes were designed. Anti-lock brake includes valves, speed sensors, pumps plus a controller. These things involuntarily fine-tune the brake pressure when stopping on slippery roads. Modern day anti-lock brake systems are computer controlled, with each wheel having a sensor that finds out the required braking pressure. Because of their near-perfect execution, anti-lock brake systems have become an imperative security item in all current automobiles.
Brakes should be checked frequently, it doesn’t matter what kind of brake you’ve, if it is not in top shape you can get in serious trouble. Skilled car mechanics can check your brakes for functioning and safe operation, so it would be wise to have the brakes inspected often. Mechanics know how different brake systems work and can recommend any required service to keep you safe on the road.