Do front-wheel drive cars brake with the front or rear wheels?
2 Answers
Braking is applied to both front and rear wheels, with the braking force generally greater on the driven wheels than on the non-driven wheels. Therefore, in most front-wheel drive cars like sedans, the primary braking is done by the front wheels, with the rear wheels serving as supplementary. The parking brake, however, acts on the rear wheels. Here’s some information about the braking system: Function of the braking system: It allows the driver to forcibly decelerate or stop a moving vehicle as required; it keeps a stationary vehicle stable under various road conditions (including on slopes); and it maintains a stable speed for vehicles going downhill. Classification: Currently, most domestic car manufacturers use front disc and rear drum brake systems for small and medium-sized production vehicles, while some models feature four-wheel disc brakes. Compared to drum brakes, disc brakes are more advanced technologically, lighter in weight, and offer superior heat dissipation, braking performance, and adaptability to complex weather and road conditions.
The braking system of front-wheel drive cars is present on all four wheels, not just the front or rear wheels! However, in terms of design, the front wheels typically bear a greater proportion of the braking force during braking, accounting for about 60 to 70 percent. This is because the vehicle's weight shifts forward during deceleration, increasing the front wheels' grip. Through my research, I found that front-wheel drive cars have their engines at the front, which makes the weight distribution front-heavy. Therefore, after optimizing the braking system, the front wheels play a more dominant role in braking, allowing the car to stop quickly. The rear wheels also have brakes, but their effect is relatively smaller. ABS technology is now widely used, preventing wheel lock-up and enhancing safety. During daily driving, pay attention to brake pad wear; the front ones may need replacement more frequently, and don't overlook maintaining balance during maintenance.
