What Components Make Up an Automotive Braking System?
2 Answers
An automotive braking system consists of four main components: the energy supply device, control device, transmission device, and brake. It is a specialized set of devices designed to forcibly reduce a vehicle's speed, with primary functions including decelerating or stopping a moving vehicle, maintaining stable speed for downhill driving, and keeping a stationary vehicle immobile. The automotive braking system includes two independent sets of devices: the service brake system and the parking brake system. The service brake system is operated by the driver using their foot, hence it is also called the foot brake system; the parking brake system is operated by the driver using their hand, hence it is also called the hand brake system. In emergency situations, both braking systems can be used simultaneously to enhance the vehicle's braking effectiveness.
The car braking system is no small matter. After all these years of driving, I rely on it every time I hit the brakes. It consists of several main components, starting with the brake pedal—stepping on it activates the entire system. The pedal is connected to the master cylinder, which contains brake fluid. The fluid travels through metal or flexible lines to each wheel. The front wheels typically use disc brakes, where calipers clamp down on the brake rotors, while the rear wheels sometimes use drum brakes, with wheel cylinders pushing brake shoes to create friction. Additionally, a vacuum booster helps you press the pedal more easily, preventing foot fatigue. Modern cars come equipped with ABS (Anti-lock Braking System), which prevents wheel lock-up during hard braking, with sensors and an electronic module controlling the braking force. Brake pads and rotors should be checked regularly for wear—if they're too thin, they must be replaced to avoid longer stopping distances, which can compromise safety. Brake fluid also degrades over time, so it's best to replace it every two years to prevent failure, something I always pay close attention to during maintenance.
