What are the three braking methods of motor vehicles?
3 Answers
There are mainly three braking methods in automobiles, which represent service braking, parking braking, and engine braking respectively. They are the braking methods used in different scenarios. Detailed introduction to the three braking methods of motor vehicles: 1. Service braking: commonly known as 'foot brake'. It is the braking method used during normal driving, mainly by converting the mechanical force of the brake pedal into hydraulic pressure, which is then transmitted to the brake and applied to the four tires of the vehicle to achieve the braking effect. 2. Parking braking: also commonly known as 'hand brake'. It is the braking method used when the vehicle is parked, preventing the vehicle from sliding when stationary. The main working principle involves connecting a steel wire cable to the brake shoe to apply braking, generally acting on the rear wheels of the vehicle. 3. Engine braking: compared to service braking and parking braking, engine braking is somewhat more special. It mainly utilizes the compression resistance, exhaust resistance, and internal friction generated during engine operation to brake the drive wheels. It is generally used in special environments, such as muddy roads and icy conditions.
I've been a driving instructor at a driving school for nearly ten years, and the three types of vehicle braking methods are essential knowledge for students. The service brake is the brake pedal we usually step on, which is responsible for slowing down and stopping the vehicle while driving. The parking brake, also known as the handbrake, is pulled up when parking to prevent the car from rolling. Engine braking is particularly interesting—for example, when going down a long slope, shifting to a lower gear and not pressing the accelerator allows the engine to drag the car and slow it down, which helps protect the braking system from overheating and failure. I remember one student driving on a mountain road who kept pressing the brake, resulting in increasingly poor braking performance. Later, after I taught them how to use engine braking, they never had the problem again. Different road conditions require flexible coordination of these three methods. On rainy or snowy days, engine braking can help avoid skidding caused by sudden braking. The braking system is the first line of safety, so I recommend checking the brake pads and handbrake sensitivity every month.
I've been repairing cars for almost fifteen years and have seen countless issues with braking systems. Vehicle braking methods are divided into three types: service brakes, parking brakes, and engine brakes. Service brakes work by pressing the brake pedal to activate the hydraulic system, which clamps the brake pads against the brake discs. Parking brakes typically use a handbrake cable or an electronic button to lock the rear wheels. Engine braking is most practical when descending slopes by shifting to a lower gear, utilizing the engine's resistance to slow down, which significantly reduces brake pad wear. Some drivers aren't aware of this technique—after a continuous 5-kilometer descent, the brake discs can even glow red from overheating, leading to dangerous brake fade. Actually, automatic transmission vehicles can achieve a similar effect by using the M (Manual) or L (Low) gear. Remember to check the brake fluid's moisture content and the handbrake's travel distance during every maintenance service.
