To drive safely, all vehicles must be equipped with appropriate braking devices. These allow you to reduce speed, bring the vehicle to a stop, and keep it immobilized when necessary.
🔧 Types of brakes
- Service or foot brake 🦶: Reduces speed and stops the vehicle by acting on all wheels.
- Parking or hand brake ✋: Keeps the vehicle immobilized when it is stationary.
- Emergency brake 🚨: Replaces the service brake in case of failure and acts on at least one wheel on each side.
🛠️ Brake system components
- Braking element: Fixed part that acts on the drum or disc.
- Control: Pedal or lever that operates the brake.
- Transmission elements: Hoses, cylinders, and fluids that carry the driver’s force to the system.
- The brake: Where the force that opposes motion is generated.
⚙️ Basic operation
When you press the pedal, a piston moves and presses the brake fluid, transmitting pressure to the shoes or pads.
🚘 Types of brakes by construction
- Disc brakes 💿: Fixed pads squeeze a rotating disc. Progressive and effective, commonly used on front wheels.
- Drum brakes 🥁: Shoes expand inside a drum. They have strong braking power but poorer cooling.
⛔ Braking
Braking is not only done with the brakes; you can also use the engine to reduce speed by lifting your foot off the accelerator.
📊 Braking effectiveness
Depends on brake pressure, tyre condition 🛞, road surface, speed, vehicle load, etc.
Avoid sudden braking to prevent wheel lock and loss of control. The ABS system helps prevent lock-up and maintain vehicle stability.
| 🧠 System | Advantages |
|---|---|
| ABS | Prevents lock-up, shortens braking distance, more stability |
| ESP | Corrects skids or unstable trajectories |
| ASR | Improves traction on slippery surfaces |
🧭 Proper use of the brakes
- Brake progressively 🚦
- Avoid harsh, sudden braking ❌
- Anticipate manoeuvres ⚠️
🚨 In emergencies without ABS
Do not fully depress both pedals. Brake firmly but without locking the wheels.
🌀 On long descents
Use engine braking ⚙️ and shift down before relying on the brake pedal continuously.
🔄 In curves
Reduce speed before the curve. Do not brake in the middle of it.
🧪 Possible brake faults
- Loss of fluid 💧: Urgent workshop check.
- Worn shoes/pads 🛞: Replace if there is noise or poor effectiveness.
- Overheating 🔥: Causes “fading,” a loss of effectiveness.
- Moisture 💦: Reduces friction. Solve by braking gently to warm them up.
- Uneven braking ➡️⬅️: May cause the car to pull to one side. Urgent check.
💥 Total brake failure on a downhill
Apply the brake continuously, shift down, and head to an emergency escape lane if there is one. Never crash into a fixed object.
🌀 Skidding
Occurs when the tyres lose grip and the vehicle moves sideways.
⚠️ Causes:
- Sudden braking or acceleration
- Curves taken at an inappropriate speed
- Incorrect steering use
- Wet or gravel-covered road
🧯 What to do:
- If due to braking: Stop braking.
- If it’s mild fishtailing: Gently lift off the accelerator.
🔍 Brake maintenance
- Check the brake fluid level 📏
- Replace pads and shoes when necessary 🛠️
- Inspect the condition of discs and drums 🧩
💡 Final tip: Good brake maintenance is synonymous with road safety for you and others. Check and look after your braking system regularly! 🔧🛑
