It's widely known that pressing the brake pedal causes the car to slow down. Sounds easy enough. Where would we be able to stop or slow down if not for the brake system components? 

Understanding your vehicle, the warning indications that parts of your brake system need to be changed or repaired and when you should bring your car in for maintenance can all be made easier by familiarity with the components that make up your vehicle's braking system. To find out what the key parts of a braking system are and what to check for when they wear out, continue reading.

Master Cylinder

The brake master cylinder is the starting point of your braking system and perhaps its most crucial part. When the brake pedal is depressed, a piston is forced into the master cylinder, which in turn forces brake fluid through the brake lines. 

That is to say, the master cylinder generates hydraulic pressure, which in turn forces the brake fluid to the wheel cylinders. The master cylinder receives its supply of brake fluid from a reservoir that rests above the cylinder itself.

Brake Booster

Power brake systems include brake boosters. The force supplied to the master cylinder by the brake pedal is amplified by these. Many new cars include power brakes to make stopping easier. 

You'd have to put in a lot more work to slow down your car if you didn't have a brake booster. The majority of boosters use a vacuum created by the engine to increase the force applied to the brake pedal.

Brake Fluid

The mechanical parts of your brake system are actuated by pressurised brake fluid. The brake fluid is sent to the master cylinder from the reservoir. The brake pads are situated in callipers or wheel cylinders at each wheel. The brake lines go from the brake booster to the wheels. This hydraulic fluid not only functions as a lubricant and includes anti-corrosion chemicals to keep your brake system functioning properly, but it also actuates the brake pads and rear shoes (if a drum brake is mounted) at each wheel.

Brake Lines & Hoses

From the master cylinder, brake fluid travels via the brake lines and hoses to the four-wheel brake callipers. The brake fluid travels the vast majority of the distance to the wheels via strong metal tubes linked to the body of the vehicle. The brake hoses are located at the end of the brake lines and transport the fluid to the specific wheel cylinders or callipers. Rubber is used in brake hoses so that the wheel and suspension can move freely.

Brake Caliper

Only disc brake systems have brake callipers, which are located at each wheel. The disc or rotor of the wheel is clamped by these metal pieces. By applying pressure to the brake pads against the rotor, the brake fluid within the calliper helps to slow the vehicle.

Brake Pads & Shoes

Only disc brake systems use brake pads, whereas drum brake systems use brake shoes. To slow a wheel using disc brakes, friction material called brake pads is pushed against the rotor. Brake shoes on drum brakes serve the same purpose, except they generate friction by pressing against the drum's inside.

Brake Rotor & Drum

Only disc brake systems use brake rotors, which are metal discs linked to the wheel hub. It spins with the wheel, and stopping the vehicle is accomplished by applying pressure from the brake pads to the rotor. The brake drum in drum brake systems revolves in tandem with the wheel and houses the wheel cylinders and brake shoes that actually stop the drum from turning.

The brake parts manufacturers at Circlips India are well-versed in all aspects of ensuring that your braking system continues to function as it should.