Car Brakes 101: 4 Interesting Things You Should Definitely Know

Since the introduction of drum brakes in 1902, the automobile industry has continuously strived to make the entire system safer, efficient, and better performing. The very first design of drum brakes introduced by Louis Renault, Founder of Renault Motors, has long been perfected since then, and the brakes in Helpringham in your vehicle are far more superior to their predecessors.

However, there are certain things about car brakes that haven’t changed a lot, even after an extended 117 years of improvement, modification, and design upgrades. The stopping system integrated into your vehicle is a set of complex and fine-tuned assembly that houses many interesting quirks. Let’s take a look.

1. They run burning hot

The brakes in your car operate at an average of 350°C. That temperature can reach about 750°C if driven with heavy loads or while driving in adverse terrain.

A modern car’s brakes are heat treated to be able to withstand such high temperatures. However, you should still avert sudden braking to allow all four brakes to dissipate heat properly. It will keep the rotors and callipers in right conditions and will increase the service life of your car’s brakes in Thorpe Latimer or anywhere else in the UK.

2. Brake fluids are hydrophilic

Brake fluids are a unique mixture that reduces the friction between its moving components. However, the nature of this fluid is extremely hydrophilic. Over time, it will continue accumulating water molecules from the air, reducing its boiling point and increasing its viscosity. It also induces rust and corrosion inside the fluid chamber.

Periodically changing your car’s brake fluid will help keep the entire unit in a serviceable condition. Take your vehicle to a reputed service garage, like Roberts Tyres, at least once every two years for inspection and necessary overhaul of components. They also provide car diagnostics in Sleaford and customers living in her neighbourhood.

3. Colder weather = longer stopping distance

The longer stopping distance during winters is not because of weak road grip from the tyres alone. Brakes in Latimer Thorpe also lose their effectiveness as temperature drops; these components work best at a specific temperature, above, or below which, they significantly fall short in their performance metrics.

Another reason for poor performance during severe cold is the formation of ice on brake rotors. Brake pads can fail to clamp down on the rotors and provide adequate friction to stop the spinning of the wheels.

4. They are not all metal

Despite common belief, not all the components of your car’s brakes in Helpringham are made out of metal. At least the brake pads are made out of ceramic composites, a carbon-ceramic compound in case of high-performance vehicles. Some of the best braking systems can be found in F1 cars, capable of reducing speeds from almost 200mph to 0 within a few seconds.

The technology behind such advanced equipment has trickled down to everyday passenger vehicles. The modern car’s brakes in Thorpe Latimer or anywhere else in the UK is capable and safe equipment, provided a car owner runs it through periodic maintenance and necessary repairs when needed.