Types of Car Brakes: A Comprehensive Guide to Safety Systems

Posted on: Nov 27, 2024 | 3 mins | Written by: HDFC ERGO Team

Types of Car Brakes: A Comprehensive Guide to Safety Systems

Every vehicle differs from each other not only in exterior or interior styles and designs but also in mechanism. The braking system is one such part which grossly varies from one type of vehicle to another. The usage of brakes varies to a certain extent depending on the nature of the car. Considering such usage patterns, the nature of the braking system also varies.

However, in this context, it must be mentioned that irrespective of the type of braking system your vehicle possesses, you must maintain a valid car insurance policy to abide by the legal norms. It can be a basic third-party car insurance plan just to meet the legal standards.

In this article, we will highlight all the various types of brakes that are commonly used in cars.

Types of brakes in car based on working principle

The types of brakes that are used in cars can be classified into 2 variants:

1. Hydraulic braking system:

This is one of the most popularly used braking systems in cars, ensuring reliable and effective braking. It earns its name by utilising hydraulic pressure for transmitting force from the brake pedal to the brakes associated with each wheel, allowing the vehicle to lose its speed quickly and come to a stop at the right moment. Some of the significant components of this braking system include the master cylinder, brake pedal, brake callipers/wheel cylinders, brake lines, and brake shoes/pads.

2. Mechanical system:

This braking system utilises mechanical components for transmitting force from the brake pedal to the brakes present on each wheel. This brake type uses physical mechanisms to generate the sufficient braking force essential to stop the car at the right moment.

Types of brakes based on construction

Depending on the style of construction, brakes can be classified into 3 variants:

1. Disc brakes:

This is one of the most common forms of brakes types in car. It is composed of a calliper, brake pads, and a rotor. The rotor remains attached to the wheel and keeps spinning with it. As you press the brakes, the calliper presses and squeezes the brake pads present against the moving rotor. This creates friction that compels the speeding vehicle to slow down and stop fast. Disc brakes offer advanced stopping capacity, heat dissipation, premium performance even in wet weather, and low maintenance costs. But, this sort of brake carries comparatively higher installation costs, produces noise, and comparatively faster pad wear.

2. Drum brakes:

These are also termed drum brake shoes and are one of the most distinct types of automobile brakes. A hollow drum remains connected to the wheel along with wheel cylinders and brake shoes. As the driver applies the brake pedal, the wheel cylinder presses up the brake pads against the interior of the drum. This creates friction, fast decelerating the wheel. Drum brakes are quite cost-effective, have parking brake functionality, and it pretty self-adjusting. However, their heat-dissipating capacity is comparatively poor and maintenance is also complex. Moreover, they show reduced performance during wet weather conditions.

3. Emergency brakes:

Popularly known as the hand brake or parking brake, this is an additional braking system present in a vehicle apart from the mechanical or primary hydraulic braking. It is principally used for emergencies and while parking. It is usually operated through an electronic switch, pedal or lever. It holds a vehicle in place even on inclines and is a reliable additional braking system. It ensures enhanced stability, parking brake functionality, and preservation of the existing braking system. However, they offer limited halting power, uneven braking force, ineffective high speeds, and repair complexity.

Brakes in modern advanced vehicles

Apart from the primary function, multiple brake-related functions are performed by the advanced braking systems installed in modern cars. Some such significant features include:

1. Anti-lock braking system (ABS) :

This is an essential safety feature specially designed to prevent the wheel locking while applying brakes. When a working wheel is about the lock, the ABS technology detects and accordingly modulates the brake pressure to the concerned wheel, allowing effortless steering control. This has become a standard safety feature in modern vehicles. ABS allows improved control and stability, reduces stopping distance, and improves steering ability. However, the repair and maintenance costs are comparatively higher and require advanced driving skills. Moreover, vehicle upgradation to include the ABS features may not prove to be feasible in all cases.

2. Regenerative braking:

This innovative technology is usually used in electric and hybrid cars, enabling the car to recover and restore the kinetic energy while applying brakes. This energy is then reused to recharge the capacitor or the battery for future usage. The regenerative braking system is noted for its energy efficiency and effectively reduces brake wear. However, it offers limited effectiveness, making it more useful in cities with frequent stops and starts. Moreover, the initial cost is comparatively pricey.

3. Automatic emergency braking:

This advanced technology is ideally designed to mitigate and prevent collisions, especially during braking in emergencies. This highly favoured safety measure is still developing, aiming optimum safety of passengers and the driver equally. This is a significant component of the Advanced Driver-Assistance System suite, which remains equipped with several other safety measures. AEB involves multiple sensor technologies, like radar, cameras, lidar, etc. to ensure uninterrupted road monitoring during driving, keen on detecting and avoiding collisions. It effectively mitigates human errors, ensures increased safety, and allows protection to vulnerable pedestrians. However, certain disadvantages include false activations, limited effectiveness, high costs and complexity, and driver reliance on complacency.

Conclusion

We have aptly highlighted the various types of brakes in cars based on multiple aspects. However, not all brake types are suitable for all vehicles or all sorts of drivers. Before you plan to purchase a four-wheeler, you must be aware of all the associated aspects, including its mechanisms. Basic knowledge will help you make an informed decision which will prove to be beneficial for you, your family, and your beloved four-wheeler.

FAQs

1. What are the most popular types of brakes used in cars?

Some of the most commonly used car brakes include disc brakes, regenerative brakes, and drum brakes.

2. Do all vehicles remain equipped with AEB or Automatic Emergency Braking?

No, since AEB is not a standard feature, it is not present in all vehicles. This optional safety measure is expensive and is included in comparatively higher-priced models only.

3. Can the existing braking system of a vehicle be upgraded?

Yes, depending on the circumstances, it might be possible. However, it requires keen expertise and skilled execution. Drum brakes can be switched to disc brakes, or upgrading the entire braking system to a more advanced one. However, this is not possible in all kinds of vehicles. You have to clarify it with experts before installation.

Disclaimer: The above information is for illustrative purposes only. For more details, please refer to the policy wordings and prospectus before concluding the sales.

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