Vehicle brake

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A vehicle brake is used to slow down a vehicle by converting its kinetic energy into heat. The basic hydraulic system, most commonly used, usually has six main stages. The brake pedal, the brake boost (vacuum servo), the master cylinder, the apportioning valves and finally the brakes themselves.

Friction brake

A friction brake is a type of automotive brake that stores the heat in the rotating part (drum brake or disc brake) during the brake application and then releases it to the air gradually.

Drum brake

A drum brake is a brake in which the friction is caused by a set of shoes or pads that press against the inner surface of a rotating drum. The drum is connected to a rotating wheel.

Disc brake

The disc brake is a device for slowing or stopping the rotation of a wheel. A brake disc (or rotor in U.S. English), usually made of cast iron or ceramic, is connected to the wheel or the axle. To stop the wheel, friction material in the form of brake pads (mounted in a device called a brake calliper) is forced mechanically, hydraulically, pneumatically or electromagnetically against both sides of the disc. Friction causes the disc and attached wheel to slow or stop.

Electromagnetic brake

An Electromagnetic brakes, slow an object through electromagnetic induction which creates resistance, and in turn either heat or electricity. Friction brakes apply pressure on two separate objects to slow the vehicle.

Brake lights

Brake lights come on when the brake pedal is pressed.

See also