Characteristics That Describe Your Brake System in Detail

There is no other system in a vehicle, save for steering, that provides more safety for the driver than that of their brake system. It’s used countless times throughout a drive, and there is no doubt many drivers have had some close calls where their brakes alone helped to avoid an accident. Rarely do we consider and thank the fact that our brakes are rightfully trusted every time we get in our vehicle. You push the brakes expecting to slow down, and most of the time, that is what happens. Without working brakes, we wouldn’t have the vehicles we do.

It’s understood to many what comprises a braking system, but when we speak of brakes, do we know the various characteristic that describe them. It’s an odd and difficult thought, because as would be assumed, there is certain jargon used when describing brakes. This is exactly what we are going to attempt to demystify now. So without further ado, the 10 characteristics that describe a vehicles braking system.

Noise

 Brakes that are properly functioning generally create little to no noise. However, squealing and other noises can be heard which may signal that the brake pads are thin or are creating less friction than is needed to slow the vehicle down.

Peak Force  

The peak force refers to the maximum effect of deceleration that can be had from the brakes. Generally, the peak force of brakes are greater than the traction limit of a tire, which is what results in a wheel skidding across the pavement. The brake stopping power is greater than that of the traction on a tire.

Weight

The weight of a brake refers to the physical weight that is added to a vehicle when the brakes are installed. Some tires have brake weight limits, and if the weight of the brakes exceed this limit, problems with traction and handling can occur.

Continuous Power Dissipation 

Brakes generally become very hot when continually used, such as going down hills or driving fast. One reason brake failure can occur is because the brakes become too hot. The most heat that can be dispersed through the brake without it failing is considered its continuous power dissipation.

Durability 

Brake shoes, pads, discs, and drums all need to be replaced occasionally due to wear and tear. Brakes that are high performance, need to be replaced more often since the wear on them is greater due to higher force and duration of friction.

Fade 

Along with continuous power dissipation, fade referes to to how the brakes become less effective as they heat up. There is obviously various windows of a brakes usefulness when they are experiencing certain heat temperatures. Some brakes are relatively prone to a high fade rate, while others are for the most part immune.

Drag

 Brake drag refers to the amount a brake slows down a vehicle when the brake is not being applied. Many brakes naturally have a little drag planned for in their design. But other times, excessive drag can be the result of a deformed pad or a damaged component.

Smoothness 

A brakes smoothness refers to what is felt within the car when applying the brakes. Some brakes are jerky, grabby, and/or chatter. This all depends on the quality of the brake, whether the brake was installed properly, and the age of the brakes, or rather how much use they have seen.

Pedal Feel

The pedal feel when speaking of brakes refers to the amount of “power” felt when applying the brake. This entails the resistance felt and how much pressure needs to be applied for different levels of brake pressure. Some brakes are very loose feeling while others are extremely tight, and neither have anything to do with a brakes effectiveness.

Power

 A brakes power refers to the amount of physical energy that must be spent in pushing the brake pedal. Power is often confused with continuous power dissipation, which it does not. It is also confusing when you consider that a brake may be powerful in that little energy is spent to push the pedal in, but the result has nothing to do with the total power. Meaning even though it may be easy to brake physically, the brake itself does not perform as well as other “less powerful” brakes.

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