Brakes in Automobile

Brakes

Brakes:

• Baking System is necessary in an automobile for stopping the vehicle. Brakes are applied on the wheels to stop or to slow down the vehicle.
• A brake is mechanical device which produces frictional resistance against moving machine member, in order to slow down the motion of machine.
• In the process of performing this function, the brake absorbs kinetic energy of moving member and the brake absorbs potential energy of lowering member.

Function of Vehicle Braking:

There are two main functions of brakes :

1. To slow down or stop the vehicle in the shortest possible time at the time of need.
2. To control the speed of vehicle at turns and also at the time of driving down on a hill slope. 

Types of Brakes:

1. Mechanical Brakes

• Drum Brakes
• Disc Brakes

     2. Hydraulic Brakes

     3. Power Brakes

• Air Brakes
• Air Hydraulic Brakes
• Vaccum Brakes
• Electric Brake

Disc Brakes:

• Modern motor cars are fitted with disc brakes instead of conventional drum type brakes. In Santro car and Maruti-800, front wheels are provided with disc brakes whereas rear wheel are provided with drum brakes. A disc brake consists of a rotating disc and two friction pads which are actuated by hydraulic braking system. 
• The friction pads remain free on each side of disc when brakes are no applied. They rub against disc when brakes are applied to stop the vehicle. These brakes are applied in the same manner as that of hydraulic brakes. 

Advantage of Disc Brakes 

(a) Main advantage of disc brakes is their resistance to wear as the discs remain cool even after repeated brake applications. 

(b) Brake pads are easily replaceable. 

(c) The condition of brake pads can be checked without much dismantling of brake system.

Disadvantage of Disc Brakes 

(a) More force is needed be applied as the brakes are not self emerging. 

(b) Pad wear is more. 

(c) Hand brakes are not effective if disc brakes are used in rear wheels also. (Hand brakes are better with mechanical brakes). 

Drum Brakes:

• Drum brakes utilize a wide cylinder that is open at the back, comparative in appearance to a drum. At the point when the driver steps on the brake pedal, curved shoes situated inside the drum are pushed outwards, rubbing against within the drum and slowing the wheel.
• The drum brake has a metal brake drum that encloses the brake assembly at each wheel.
• Two curved brake shoes expand outward to slow or stop the drum which rotates with the wheel.