Did you love Saturday morning cartoons when you were young? The Flintstones is a classic. What kid doesn’t love the idea of having a dinosaur for a pet? Or using your feet to start and stop a car?
The concept seems a bit childish when you age and understand just how fast a car goes. Starting a car – maybe. If you’ve ever had to push a car to start it, you realize power comes from forward motion.
But stopping – that’s altogether different. You need more than feet to stop a car.
Driving here in Colorado, car brakes are an important part of our daily commute. Whether you sail in and out of the pickup line for your kids, or fly down the highway for a day of skiing with friends, life would be tricky (and treacherous) without brakes.
But have you ever stopped to think about how they get their stopping power? What makes car brakes work?
Let’s find out.
Where car brakes started
The invention and development of car brakes can be attributed to several individuals over time. The early automobiles did not have effective braking systems, and the earliest forms of braking were rudimentary compared to modern standards.
One notable early advancement in automotive brakes was the introduction of mechanical brakes. In the late 19th century, various inventors and automobile pioneers began experimenting with braking systems. One such example is the application of mechanical brakes on the horseless carriage built by Karl Benz, the inventor of the first practical motorcar, in the late 1880s.
However, the early braking systems were often primitive and unreliable. The transition from mechanical brakes to hydraulic brakes, which significantly improved braking efficiency and reliability, occurred over the early decades of the 20th century.
In 1918, Malcolm Loughead (later changed to Lockheed) introduced hydraulic brakes on the Duesenberg automobile. This marked a significant advancement in braking technology, providing more reliable and responsive braking compared to mechanical systems.
As the automotive industry continued to evolve, hydraulic brake systems became more widespread. The development of power-assisted brakes, such as vacuum-assisted and later hydraulic-assisted systems, further improved braking performance and control.
How today’s modern car brakes work
Modern car brake systems primarily rely on hydraulic mechanisms and friction materials to achieve effective deceleration and stopping. The prevalent disc brake system in contemporary vehicles comprises essential components such as brake discs or rotors, brake calipers, brake pads, and a hydraulic system.
When the driver presses the brake pedal, a hydraulic process is initiated. This begins with the master cylinder, which contains brake fluid and pressurizes it upon pedal depression. The pressurized brake fluid is then directed through brake lines to the brake calipers at each wheel.
In disc brake setups, the calipers house pistons that, when activated by the brake fluid, squeeze the brake pads against the rotating brake discs. These discs, attached to the wheel hub, generate friction when in contact with the brake pads, converting kinetic energy into heat and ultimately slowing down the vehicle.
Brake pads are positioned on each side of the brake discs within the calipers. They play a crucial role in this process by providing the necessary friction. The heat produced is managed through ventilation slots in the discs and other cooling features to prevent brake fade.
Additionally, modern cars often feature advanced systems such as Anti-lock Braking System (ABS), Electronic Brake-force Distribution (EBD), and Brake Assist to enhance safety and control during braking maneuvers. ABS prevents wheel lock-up by modulating brake pressure, while EBD optimizes the distribution of braking force among individual wheels. Brake Assist recognizes emergency braking situations and supplements braking force if the driver doesn’t apply sufficient pressure.
Overall, modern brake systems are designed for efficiency, reliability, and safety, incorporating advanced technologies to deliver optimal performance.
Brakes work only as well as the driver behind them
According to the Office of Motor Vehicle Management, 98 percent of all car accidents are due to human error.
Want to be a better driver? Until autonomous vehicles become the norm, the best way is to sharpen your driving practices. This is where you should start.
- Anticipate Stops – Be aware of traffic conditions, signals, and road signs well in advance. Anticipating stops allows you to brake gradually and smoothly.
- Maintain a Safe Following Distance – Keep a safe distance from the vehicle in front of you. This provides you with more reaction time and space to stop safely.
- Gradual Braking – Avoid abrupt or sudden braking, as it can lead to skidding or collisions. Gradually apply pressure to the brake pedal to slow down smoothly.
- Avoid Overusing Brakes on Downgrades – On downhill slopes, use engine braking (shifting to a lower gear) where appropriate to reduce the load on the brakes. This helps prevent brake fade and overheating.
- Check Brake System Regularly – Ensure that your vehicle’s braking system is well-maintained. Regularly check brake fluid levels, brake pads, and discs. Address any issues promptly.
- Adapt to Road Conditions – Adjust your stopping distance based on road conditions. Wet or slippery surfaces may require increased stopping distances, so be mindful of the weather and road conditions.
- Avoid Tailgating – Maintain a safe following distance to allow for unexpected stops by the vehicle in front of you. Tailgating reduces your reaction time and increases the risk of rear-end collisions.
- Use Turn Signals – Use turn signals to indicate your intention to stop or turn. This alerts drivers behind you and improves overall road safety.
- Stay Alert at Intersections – Be particularly vigilant at intersections. Look for pedestrians, cyclists, and other vehicles before proceeding or stopping.
- Practice Defensive Driving – Stay aware of your surroundings, anticipate the actions of other drivers, and be prepared to react to unexpected situations.
And above all, check your brake system regularly. You can do this by paying attention to the way your brakes perform. Notice a difference in sound, touch, or odor? It’s time to bring it in for inspection. Have a dashboard light illuminated? Don’t ignore it; it’s a sign something is wrong.
If you have a question, we’re here to help.