How Brakes Work

Users should think:

• Leverage & hydraulics
• Friction
  ...............more information

We all know that pushing down on the brake pedal slows a car to a stop. But how does this happen? How does your car transmit the force from your leg to its wheels? How does it multiply the force so that it is enough to stop something as big as a car?

When you depress your brake pedal, your car transmits the force from your foot to its brakes through a fluid. Since the actual brakes require a much greater force than you could apply with your leg, your car must also multiply the force of your foot. It does this in two ways:

• Mechanical advantage (leverage)
• Hydraulic force multiplication

The brakes transmit the force to the tires using friction , and the tires transmit that force to the road using friction also. Three principles: leverage, hydraulics & friction needs to be considered when operating brakes. Other entities to be considered include:

• Master cylinders and combination valves
• Drum brakes
• Disc brakes
• Power brakes
• Anti-lock Brakes

Typical overview of a simple brake system

To inquire about our Brake services please send us an email at dneautoservices@verizon.net or contact us at the information specified below.

You can also request pricing by accessing our on-line form:
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