A Car Lover’s Guide to the Different Types of Braking Systems

According to the National Highway and Traffic Safety Administration, over 22% of traffic accidents are caused by poorly maintained braking systems.

It is important that you understand what kind of braking system you have in your vehicle and how to maintain them properly. 

There are three primary types of braking systems used in most modern cars today. In this short guide, we will look at each and how they work.

If you would like to know more, then read on and find out what system might work best for your vehicle.

Type of Brakes

Before looking at the types of braking systems, you first need to be aware that there are two types of car brakes, disc brakes and drum brakes. The major difference is that disc brakes slow the wheel from the outside, and drum brakes apply friction to the inside.

Both are popular methods for slowing a vehicle to a stop and equally effective within the braking system that they are using. Some braking systems suit one type of brake better than the other.

Hydraulic Braking System

A hydraulic braking system is one of the most secure and trusted available at this time. It relies on brake fluid, cylinders, and friction to create hydraulic pressure onto the wheel via the brake pads.

This force is ultimately what stops the wheels from moving in a controlled and rapid fashion. As a result, this braking system is less likely to experience brake failure than any other available system.

Electromagnetic Braking System

This modern system is seen more frequently in newer models of cars, especially in hybrid vehicles. It uses electromagnetism to achieve a method of frictionless braking. This makes the brakes much more durable over time.

This system is also used on trains and works by applying alternate force to the wheel. The system sends an electromagnetic flow in the opposite direction to the wheel rotation. This deaccelerates the wheel and brings it to a safe stop, especially in heavy-load vehicles.

Friction Braking System

The friction braking system is one of the most common found in automobiles and one of the older styles. It relies on converting friction energy into thermal energy by applying a shoe to the turning wheel to stop it from moving.

It can be used with both drum and disc brakes. However, due to the large amount of heat energy produced, they need the most maintenance of the three main braking systems. Many cars are moving away from frictional braking systems to hydraulic or electromagnetic.

Other Types Of Braking Systems

Those mentioned above are the three main types of braking systems you will find in modern vehicles today. However, there are other types that you may find less commonly in your vehicles, such as servo and pumping brake systems.

Whatever system you may use, it is important to ensure that you get your brakes checked regularly by a qualified mechanic service like fixmycar.io.

Keep Your Brakes Maintained

Hopefully, this short guide has given you a better understanding of what types of braking systems may be under the hood of your vehicle.

Ensure you keep your car brakes well maintained with regular service with your mechanic. This will help keep you and others safe when on the road.

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