What Are the Types of Brakes?
2 Answers
Automobile brakes can be broadly categorized into two types based on their overall structure: disc brakes and drum brakes. Drum brakes can be further divided into internal expanding type and external contracting type, while disc brakes can be classified as full-disc type and caliper-disc type. Here is a detailed introduction: Disc Brakes: Disc brakes are the most common type of braking system. They utilize stationary brake pads that clamp onto a rotating brake disc attached to the wheel, creating friction to reduce the wheel's rotational speed. When the brake pedal is pressed, the piston in the master cylinder is pushed, generating pressure in the brake fluid lines. This pressure is transmitted through the brake fluid to the brake caliper. The piston in the brake caliper, under pressure, moves outward and pushes the brake pads to clamp the brake disc, causing friction between the pads and the disc to slow down the wheel. Drum Brakes: Drum brakes were the earliest braking systems used in vehicles. The brake drum is mounted on the wheel and rotates with it. Inside the drum, brake shoes are installed. When braking, the brake piston pushes the brake shoes outward to create friction with the brake drum, achieving the braking effect.
Brakes are truly crucial in a car, and I often chat with friends about the two most common types. First is the disc brake, which features a metal disc clamped by a caliper, similar to using two fingers to pinch a plate to slow down. Its advantages are rapid heat dissipation and excellent braking performance, making it particularly reliable for high-speed driving or aggressive maneuvers. Many cars use these on the front wheels. Then there's the drum brake, which hides brake shoes pressed inside a drum-shaped chamber, somewhat like an old-fashioned oven door closing tightly. It's low-cost and has a simple structure, making it common on the rear wheels of many budget-friendly cars. However, prolonged downhill driving can cause overheating, leading to brake fade. I've driven older cars where maintaining drum brakes required disassembling them for inspection—quite a hassle. Nowadays, many new cars incorporate electronic braking systems like ABS, working with sensors to prevent wheel lock-up and enhance safety in rainy conditions. In short, considering brake types when choosing a car can boost driving confidence, especially on mountain roads.
