What is the service brake and what is the brake pedal?
3 Answers
The service brake usually refers to the foot brake or handbrake of a car, commonly known as the brake. The brake pedal, as the name suggests, is the pedal that controls the power, i.e., the pedal of the foot brake (service brake), used for deceleration and stopping. It is one of the five major operating components of car driving and is used very frequently. The function of the service brake: To decelerate the car as needed or stop it within the shortest distance, and maintain a stable speed when driving downhill. The use of the service brake: During driving, the service brake (foot brake) is generally used to facilitate deceleration and stopping while moving forward. It keeps the car stationary. The parking brake is used only when the service brake fails. Once the car is stopped, the parking brake (handbrake) should be applied to prevent the vehicle from sliding forward or rolling backward. Methods for maintaining the brake system: Regularly replace the brake fluid: Many car models now specify replacing the brake fluid every two years or 40,000 kilometers. Even for cars that are parked for long periods without use, the brake fluid should be replaced after two years because the brake fluid continuously absorbs moisture from the air. After replacing the brake fluid, the moisture in the brake fluid will naturally be eliminated. Regular inspection and maintenance: When the brake pedal feels soft, it should be immediately checked at a repair shop. The most common solution is to bleed the brake system, removing the air from the brake fluid at the four brake calipers. Although it may not completely eliminate all the air in the entire pipeline, it can minimize the presence of air to the greatest extent.
The service brake is what we commonly refer to as the braking system, which allows the car to slow down or come to a complete stop. The brake pedal is the panel underfoot, located to the left of the steering wheel—you press it to brake. As someone who has been driving for over a decade, I've noticed that beginners often confuse it with the handbrake pedal; in reality, the service brake focuses on controlling speed while driving, and the pedal is the operational switch. For example, on the highway, pressing it smoothly can prevent skidding from sudden braking. If the brake pads are worn or making unusual noises, they should be checked immediately—don't wait for an accident to address it. I've also seen some friends modify their braking systems to enhance performance, but I don’t recommend tampering recklessly—the factory configuration is the safest and most reliable. Regular maintenance is crucial to ensure worry-free driving every day.
I always emphasize the importance of safe driving. The service brake acts as the emergency control of the car, helping us stop the vehicle in dangerous situations. The brake pedal is the tool you operate daily; the amount of pressure applied determines the braking force. As a parent, when teaching my child to drive, I always say they must familiarize themselves with the pedal's position to avoid mistakenly pressing the accelerator in a panic. Braking effectiveness weakens in rain or snow, so remember to slow down in advance and maintain a safe distance. Brake fluid needs to be replaced every one or two years; otherwise, the system may fail, leading to accidents. Develop the habit of checking tires and brake components—safety comes first, so don't delay repairs.
