What is the function of the braking system?
3 Answers
The function of the braking system is: to slow down or even stop a moving car, to maintain a stable speed for a car driving downhill, to keep a parked car stationary, to ensure the safety of the car and the driver, and to guarantee reliable parking of the vehicle. The braking system is a series of specialized devices that can forcibly reduce the speed of a car, mainly consisting of four parts: the energy supply device, the control device, the transmission device, and the brake. According to their functions, braking systems are divided into: the service braking system, the parking braking system, and the auxiliary braking system. Among them, the service braking system is operated by the driver with their foot, hence it is also called the foot braking system, and its function is to slow down a moving car or stop it within the shortest possible distance.
Driving safely for so many years boils down to one principle: stopping steadily is more important than going fast! The braking system is the entire 'safety relay chain' when we press the brake pedal—it pushes hydraulic fluid, which then forces the calipers to clamp the brake discs. This thing has to be reliable! Last time I was driving downhill on a mountain road, a goat suddenly appeared. If the brakes hadn’t been responsive enough, it would’ve been a disaster. Nowadays, new cars even come with ABS anti-lock braking, preventing wheels from locking up and skidding during hard braking, so you can still steer to avoid danger. Remember: brake fluid must be replaced every two years, caliper guide pins need regular maintenance, and never delay replacing worn-out brake discs!
As a mechanic who deals with brakes every day, I've seen too many tragic cases. The braking system isn't just about pressing the pedal—it must precisely control vehicle speed according to the driver's foot pressure: gentle press for gradual slowdown, hard press for emergency stop. It all comes down to four core metrics—quick response (activates within 0.3 seconds of pedal press), sufficient force (can stop a 49-ton truck), strong heat dissipation (brake discs can withstand 600°C during continuous downhill braking), and resistance to fade (braking distance doesn't surge drastically during heavy rain). Here are three key reminders: listen for abnormal sounds (metal-on-metal noise means pads are worn out), watch for vibrations (steering wheel shake indicates warped discs), and test stopping distance (if it exceeds 20 meters from 60km/h on dry pavement, get it checked immediately).
