What is the function of car brakes?
3 Answers
To bring a moving vehicle to a stop. Braking, also known as deceleration, refers to the action of stopping or reducing the speed of operating locomotives, vehicles, and other transportation tools or machinery. If the brakes or the vehicle's braking system are damaged and cannot function properly, it is essential to promptly visit a repair shop for inspection and maintenance to eliminate potential safety hazards. Principle of braking: A wheel or disc is fixed on the high-speed shaft of the machine, and a corresponding brake shoe, band, or disc is installed on the machine base to generate braking torque under external force. The braking device, also known as a decelerator, is a mechanical braking device that can slow down the vehicle speed. Simply put: the car brake pedal is located below the steering wheel. Pressing the brake pedal causes the brake lever to be pressurized and transmitted to the brake pads on the brake drum, clamping the brake disc, thereby slowing down or stopping the vehicle. The manual brake in a car is located next to the gear shift and is connected to the brake lever. Common examples also include bicycle brakes, which rely on rod-shaped brakes fixed to the frame or disc-type caliper brakes to decelerate. Braking techniques: When braking, release the brake before the vehicle comes to a complete stop. Continuously pressing the brake can result in a significant impact force at the moment of stopping. The technique is to release the brake once before the vehicle fully stops and then gently press the brake again until the vehicle halts. When braking during a turn, stepping on the brake while turning the steering wheel can cause the vehicle to lose balance. Therefore, it is advisable to sufficiently reduce speed by braking before entering the turn. If there is insufficient time to decelerate, the brake can be used briefly depending on the situation. Emergency braking on slippery curved roads may lead to skidding. Downshifting the gearbox and using engine braking can help decelerate. Rainy day braking: Due to special road conditions during rain, emergency braking is generally not recommended. Although most cars are equipped with ABS systems, which greatly reduce wheel lock-up, emergency braking on slippery rainy roads can easily cause loss of vehicle balance, leading to rollovers or other accidents. Therefore, it is advised that drivers pay attention to controlling speed during rainy conditions and use emergency braking cautiously.
I've been driving for over ten years, and I feel like the brakes are a lifeline. Normally, slowing down and stopping the car relies entirely on them to ensure the vehicle doesn't lose control. I remember one time during heavy rain, the car in front suddenly slammed on the brakes, and I stepped on the pedal firmly to stop safely, narrowly avoiding an accident. Brakes can also control sliding on slopes, giving new drivers peace of mind. Most importantly, maintenance must keep up—regularly check the thickness of the brake pads and the level of brake fluid, and replace them if they're severely worn. On highways, brakes are crucial for maintaining a safe distance—don't wait until you hear strange noises or the pedal feels soft before fixing them. Brakes aren't just tools for stopping; they make daily driving safe and reliable, protecting both yourself and others on the road.
When I first got my driver's license, I didn't know much about brakes, only that pressing them could slow down or stop the car. The function sounds simple, but in practice, you need to press and release gently to avoid jerking. My instructor taught me to use the brakes to control speed in urban traffic jams and to maintain a reaction distance when following cars on highways. Now that I'm used to driving, I feel that brakes are the cornerstone of driving safety, preventing rear-end collisions and skids. For maintenance, it's recommended that car owners check them every six months, not neglecting minor issues, and brake fluid should be replaced on time. This thing may seem insignificant, but it can be life-saving in critical moments, ensuring a worry-free journey.
