Brakes on any vehicle work with a friction pad placed against a disc with force. The friction between the disc and the pad causes heat to spread over the brake disc, which causes the car to slow down. This is also true for brake drums that have the brake shoe pressing against them. The brake drums heat up, causing the car to slow down again.

Starting under your foot the pressure you apply to the brake pedal is transferred to the brake servo, this utilises engine power to increase the pressure and ensuring you can still feel your leg after a long journey!

How does the pressure transfer to the friction pads (brake)? The secret to brake fluid is in the brake pipe, which runs from the servo and the brakes. Fluid used in cables would need constant adjustment because of stretching due to heat and constant usage.

The brake discs dissipate heat from the pads. For improved dissipation vented brake discs have a central channel that increases the surface to air ratio of the disc and gives more efficient cooling. Drilled and vented discs increase the air ratio, prevent a build up of gases and keep the pads in a clean condition. To further improve the braking of a high performance car you can always fit larger discs but you may have to fit different wheels.

Brake pads are obviously an essential part in stopping your car and the higher the friction the better the performance. Fast road pads give a good compromise between standard and racing pads with some generating zero pads. Your driving style and driving habits will have a significant impact on how the pads and discs wear.

ABS prevents lockups when you brake hard. It also allows you to steer your car, but ABS will cut in more.

Brake upgrades

Stainless steel braided hoses prevent any flexing and therefore loss of pressure at the pad end, they also look nicer and theoretically last longer too – get a full set and do the front and back at the same time.

There are many ways to upgrade your car’s braking system. The fitting of bigger discs is an upgrade that could be a fairly simple option. Take a standard family car for example with small discs – you could visit your local breaker or buy brake parts online for a performance model from the same vehicle. It is common for small cars to share brake parts with their bigger brothers. A little bit of research can lead to some surprising results.

General Care of Your Brake System

At least once per year you need to give your brakes a once over. Check your brake pads and discs for wear. The discs should not have a ridge on the edge due to excessive wear, thin discs can warp under immense heat conditions. Check your pads for wear as they will eat into your discs when worn.

Brake fluid levels should be changed at least once per year but no longer than every two years.

It is important to check your brakes after you have driven through standing water. This will help to eliminate any grease and water buildup.

I hope that you found this useful. It’s important to pay attention to your brakes in order to safely stop your car.

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