The Main Types Of Vehicle Brakes

Everyone knows that brakes in Murfreesboro, TN are designed to slow or stop a vehicle when you press down on them, but not everyone knows that there are a few main types of brakes that are placed into vehicles. Although they all serve the same end purpose (to slow or stop the vehicle), they do so in different ways. Here are the three main types of brakes in Murfreesboro, TN, as well as a description of how they work.

Vacuum Brakes

Vacuum brakes in Murfreesboro, TN were originally designed and created with the intent that they would be used to slow trains down. The brake cylinder compartment in vacuum brakes makes use of changes in air pressure to slow vehicles down. A piston is contained within the brake cylinder compartment, which is designed to use the pressure of incoming air to change the position of a rod that is connected to the vehicle’s brake shoes. When a person applies pressure to a brake pedal and holds it down, incoming air makes its way into the cylinder, which in turn uses the air pressure to move the brake rod. As the brake rod moves into its new position, it makes the brake shoes cause friction by pressing into the sides of the wheels. It is this friction that causes the vehicle to slow down.

Drum Brakes

Drum brakes were invented in 1902 by a man named Louis Renault. This type of brake works in a similar manner as a vacuum brake, but it uses oil pressure rather than air pressure to slow or stop the vehicle. As the oil pressure mounts, it causes friction by squeezing the brake shoes against the wheel drums, effectively causing the vehicle to stop. Drum brakes in Murfreesboro, TN used to be more common in regular vehicles, but they needed to be replaced often and for this reason they were mostly phased out by disc brakes. 

Disc Brakes

The disc brake is the most common type of vehicle brake and it can also be found on motorcycles and bicycles. It works by pressing the brake disc (rotor) to the wheel and axle in order to create friction. This friction is what slows down or stops the car. The disc brake is made from metal (typically cast iron) and is flat and round in shape. When a person applies pressure to their car brakes, the brake pads squeeze the brake discs against the wheel to create the amount of friction necessary to successfully slow the car down.