The brakes are the most important component of any vehicle. It helps to slow or stop a moving vehicle, brakes are installed in all vehicles, whether they are automobiles, motorcycles, trains, or even airplanes. The friction generated by pushing the brake converts kinetic energy into heat, which causes the brake rod to move and stop the vehicle. Depending upon the vehicle type and desirability, brakes are grouped into four different types, as follows;
Disc Brakes –
Invented by Frederick William Lanchester in 1902, disc brakes are considered to be the best type of brakes. They have a disc that is fitted behind the wheel. As the brake shoe is pressed, the disc is squeezed against the wheel, causing it to stop. It is generally a round, flat piece of metal made from cast iron. Disc brakes are popular mainly due to their durability, as they last for more than three decades. They are more effective than other types of brakes and work best on motorcycles, cars, and bicycles.
Vacuum Brakes –
Originally devised for use on trains, vacuum brakes work on the principle of creating air pressure changes in a compartment called brake cylinder. The brake cylinder consists of a piston that utilizes the force of incoming air to move the brake shoes through a rod. This happens due to pressing down the brake pedal that causes friction to move the brake rod. As opposed to disc brakes and air brakes, vacuum brakes take more time to show their effect. It is due to this reason that trains take considerably more time to stop when the brakes are pressed.
Drum Brakes –
Similar to vacuum brakes, drum brakes use oil pressure instead of air pressure as in the case with vacuum brakes. These were invented by Louis Renault in 1902. While the rod moves and causes the brake shoes to squeeze, friction is caused on a rotating drum that is attached to the wheel. The speed of the wheel can be controlled by stopping or slowing the drum. Drum brakes do not last longer and demand frequent replacing; hence, they are not much effective as compared to disc brakes. And for this reason, they are being replaced by disc brakes in most vehicles.
Air Brakes –
Air brakes are used in two different mechanisms monitoring two different types of brakes. Firstly, they are applied in road vehicles, particularly in trucks and trains. They consist of either a disc or drum brake, but utilize compressed air instead of compressed liquid to create friction. Secondly, air brakes are also used in airplanes for slowing and monitoring the speed of the aircraft while in flight. Aileron is one such example of air brakes, that is, the surface that moves out from the plane to create more wind resistance.
Toyota Parts Centers in the Pittsburgh, PA area offer one-stop shopping for parts and accessories for the do-it-yourselfer as well as for dealer-installed products. Located within Toyota dealerships, these stores offer a full selection of Genuine Toyota Parts and Accessories. You’ll also find Pennsylvania brakes at competitive prices.
Also see – Tips to Inspect and Replace your Car Disc Brakes and Pads
