Disc Brake Components: How to Maintain Them?
When talking about cars, a disc brake, or a car braking system is one the most important components. This component is often seen in modern cars, especially four-wheelers. Most of these cars are equipped with disc brakes which helps in stopping the car.
Brakes are essential because they are the first line of defense when an accident happens. It is quite important to understand what are the components of a Disc Brake and how they work.
Major Components of the Disc Brakes of Your Car
Brake Callipers
Brake Callipers or Callipers are an important component of disc brakes in cars. They are also known as Brake Pads or Piston Brake. Their main purpose is to lock the brake lining on the disc. They work using hydraulic pressure which in turn is generated by the change in brake fluid.
Brake Shoes
They are an important part of a car’s braking system. Brake shoes are the crescent-shaped component that sits on the Brake Drum. They help in slowing the wheel down when the Brake Pedal is pressed. They are pushed outwards which results in the deceleration of the wheel.
Brake Fluid
The main function of the Brake Fluid is to act as a medium between Brake Pedal and the Calliper. It generates a thrust that results in clamping down on the brake pads on the disc. Generally, under normal circumstances, the brake fluid does not decrease but if it does, there must be some kind of leakage.
Master Cylinder
The Master Cylinder is one of the most important components of a disc brake. It has the vital function of converting the mechanical movement of the Brake Pedal into hydraulic pressure. It has a system component that is directly attached to the brake pedal.
Piston Brake
Piston Brake is a tube-like shaped component that has a grooved end. It is located inside the Calliper and its function is to push the brake lining to the disc. Due to this, wheel acceleration and rotation are slowed down.
Tips For Maintaining Disc Brake of a Car
All modern cars, at the minimum, offer standard disc brakes at the front. You don’t need to be an expert to maintain the disc brakes. Even though the car braking system in itself is complicated, one doesn’t need to exert much effort to maintain them. Below we will provide you with various tips and tricks to maintain the disc brake of your car.
Maintaining Brake Lines
Air pockets and air bubbles can obstruct the pressure in your car’s braking system. So, it is important to remember that whenever you change your brake fluid, adjust your bleeder valve and depress the brake pedal. Continue this until you feel the brake resistance is similar to what you are used to. Try to practise this at least once every 2 to 3 years.
Maintaining Brake Fluid
Brake Fluid is a vital part of your braking system. It basically acts as a catalyst that connects both you and your car’s braking system. So, it is important to keep a check on the level of your brake fluid. We recommend that you, replace the brake fluid at regular intervals, which is around 30,000-40,000 kilometres.
Maintaining Brake Pads & Rotors
Brake Pads and Rotors, both are designed to wear overuse due to the heat and friction produced by their compression against the disc rotors. Among the two, it is the brake pads that require frequent maintenance. You should inspect the brake pads whenever you hear a squeaking noise from the brake.
Similarly, there is always a possibility of your car rotors getting rusty and in need of replacement. Try to keep your disc brakes clean. It is essential to get a full car service, especially during the lockdown..
Maintaining & Replacing/Upgrading Brakes
Although some cars do have a specialised braking system that withstands a higher amount of heat, most of the cars don’t. So, it is important to keep a check on your brake pads. Even if you have to replace them, do that as it would last longer than the upgraded ones. The cost would be slighter higher but the duration between the replacement will increase.
Maintaining Accelerated Brake Wear
Various factors and reasons come into play when we talk about both, effectiveness and wearing out of the braking system of your car. We will discuss a few things that you should be alert about.
First of all, the weight of the car affects the brake. The more it weighs, the more brake force is required to stop your car. Similarly, more force is also required if you apply the brakes late. So, the more pressure and force you put on the brake, the quicker it needs to be replaced. Hence, don’t weigh your car down with unnecessary things and apply brakes with ease.
Frequently Asked Questions
What vehicles are disc brakes used in?
Disc Brakes are present in almost all modern vehicles, especially four-wheelers, such as sports cars, family sedans, trucks, etc.
Are disk brakes better on cars?
Yes. Disc Brakes work more efficiently in a car as it provides better stopping power along with good heat resistance.
Do modern cars have disc brakes?
Yes, almost all modern cars and four-wheelers have disc brakes.
What is a brake disc on a car?
A brake disc is a rotating component in an assembled disc brake’s wheel. Brake pads are applied against a brake disc.
How long do disc brakes last?
On a surface level, disc brakes last for more than 50,000 miles on average. But various factors affect its lifespan. It is vital to get full car service and MOT.
Disc Brake is an essential component of every four-wheeler that is running down the road. This rings even truer for all the modern cars as they all are equipped with it. Maintaining inspection of Disc Brake should be a routine check for all the car-owning folks. Look out this space for more!
