How do Brakes Work
Most of us want the products we use to last, not only to conserve our resources but also for the monetary reward it gives us, having to repair or replace items less frequently. The more knowledge we accumulate with regard to any system we operate, the more we are able to maximize its benefits and longevity. So it is with automotive brakes. A little understanding of how they work can go a long way toward reducing their overall cost of maintenance.
How do brakes stop a car? Without delving too far into a physics lesson, brakes use friction to convert the mechanical energy of a moving vehicle into heat. As the car slows down, the temperature of the brake assembly rises. In order for this to take place the braking surface sacrifices a minute amount of itself every time the brake is applied. This is why they must be periodically replaced and why brake pads and all parts adjacent to them must be made from heat resistant material. The following is what you need to know to make your brakes last longer.
Assuming your brakes are operating correctly, two events must simultaneously be taking place in order for them to wear. Your car must be in motion and your foot must be applying pressure to the brake pedal. These two events are proportional. In other words, the faster your vehicle is traveling and the harder you press on the pedal, the more the brake surface wears. While these events cannot be eliminated, let’s examine how they can be reduced.
Keep your foot off the brake as much as possible. Some drivers place one foot on the brake pedal all the time. You can spot them ahead of you as their brake lights are lit even when they are accelerating or maintaining speed. This is referred to as "riding the brake". If you want your brakes to last, do not touch the pedal until necessary. When you enter an area with a possible road hazard ahead, release the accelerator and place your foot above the brake. This technique positions your foot so you can decelerate quickly if necessary but does not needlessly engage the brakes.
Anticipate when you will have to stop. As you approach a red light or stop sign, remove your foot from the accelerator. Let the engine do the work of the initial deceleration. Once your speed is reduced, use the brake to bring your vehicle to a halt. This not only reduces brake wear, but saves fuel as well. It also lowers the overall temperature of the braking system.
Use a lower gear when descending steep hills. The steeper the hill, the more gravity will tend to accelerate your vehicle. Shift to a lower gear and let the engine do most of the braking. Use the brakes only when necessary to keep your speed in check. If you apply your brakes excessively down a long hill, they will overheat. This will in the long run reduce their life, and in the short run cause them to fade. Brake fade occurs when the braking system becomes so hot that it begins to lose its ability to stop the vehicle. This is as dangerous as it sounds.
Maintain your brakes. Have your brakes checked according to the service schedule in your car’s operating manual. Have them repaired immediately if you notice they are not functioning properly. Pay close attention to any of these symptoms. They pull to one side. They make a grinding noise. They drag (slowing the vehicle even when they are not applied). The pedal pulsates or vibrates when you press it. The pedal travels further toward the floor than usual. You are stopped with your foot on the pedal and it slowly moves downward. Each of these is a good reason to have your brakes serviced.
Check your emergency (parking) brake. This system typically acts on only the rear wheels of the vehicle. If the linkage is sticky or rusted, it will not release properly and the brakes will drag, causing excessive wear and heat.
Finally. Not only should you maintain the proper level of the brake fluid, but if you want your braking system to last, it should be changed at specified intervals. Brake fluid absorbs moisture and will eventually begin to corrode internal metal parts causing premature failure. High moisture content will also contribute to brake fade.
Hopefully, this information will save you money in the future. If you apply these techniques, your brakes will last much longer than average, requiring repair and replacement less often.
