Vehicle Maintenance: An introduction to brake safety
Brakes are a wearing component of your vehicle. We recommend checking them regularly to stay safe on the road.
How brakes work and the different types of vehicle braking systems
All brake systems use hydraulic pressure to function; a system of fluid-filled pipes that can create and multiply force as it transmits it from one place to another under pressure (like a syringe). When the brake pedal of a vehicle is applied it forces the fluid under pressure through a series of cylinders to the braking system within each wheel.
This pressure generates the force and friction needed to operate the brakes to slow and stop the vehicle. Without the hydraulic system, simply pushing your foot onto the brake pedal would not produce the force needed to bring a fast-moving vehicle to a stop.
Disc Brakes
These work in a similar way to brakes on a bicycle. When a vehicle driver pushes on the brake pedal, a pad made of hardwearing material clamps onto a spinning brake disc. The disc is attached to a moving wheel hub and when the pad rubs against it, causing friction, the hub rotation is slowed to the point where the vehicle stops. Today disc brakes are increasingly popular as they have greater resistance to fading.
Drum Brakes
These work in a slightly different way, instead of the brake pad rubbing on a disc; they have a hollow drum that’s attached to the wheel. Inside the hollow drum is a pair of curved brake ‘shoes’ made of hardwearing material. When the brakes are applied, the shoes are forced to expand into the hollow drum and push out, causing friction that slows and stops the vehicle. Some vehicles have drum brakes only on the rear and disc brakes on the front, because under braking, weight is transferred to the front of the vehicle, so requires stronger disc braking.
Handbrake
A car’s handbrake applies the two rear brakes (disc or drum) in a slower, less forceful way to lock the cars brakes and keep the car stationary. The handbrake on older cars is usually a lever located between the 2 front seats. On many newer cars the handbrake, also known as the parking brake, is a button that operates the brake electrically.
Why should I check my brakes?
Having your brakes inspected regularly may mean the difference between life and death on the road!
How modern disc brakes work
Still not sure? No problem, Protyre are here to help
Having your brakes inspected regularly may mean the difference between life and death on the road! Our expert technicians will be more than happy to inspect your brakes and advise you if any work is required. Protyre offer Free brake Checks at all of our garages. Click the button below to book your vehicle in.
What's included in a Protyre Free Brake Check?
Our Free Brake Check is a seven stage process:
Disc pad wear
Calipers checked for leaks and security
Discs & Drums are checked for wear, cracks, corrosion and any other damage
Brake hydraulic system
Brake shoes checked for wear or damage
Sufficient brake fluid
Brake warning lights operational
Choosing the Right Tyre Made Easy
When it comes to your car's safety and performance, tyres can play a huge role. That's why we've put together a collection of helpful articles to guide you through the process of selecting the perfect tyres for your ride and maintaining your vehicle in general.
If you're looking for a smoother, more luxurious driving experience, premium car tyres might be the way to go. Or, if you want added security against flats, run flat car tyres could be your best bet. Trying to decide between summer car tyres and winter car tyres? We've got you covered there, too.
We also dive into the world of tyre brands, comparing top manufacturers like BF Goodrich tyres, Bridgestone tyres, Continental tyres, Dunlop tyres, Falken tyres, General tyres, Goodyear tyres, GT Radial tyres , Hankook tyres, Michelin tyres, Pirelli tyres, Runway tyres, Sumitomo tyres, and Toyo tyres.
But we don't just stop at helping you choose the right tyres – we also share tips on how to keep them in tip-top shape. From checking your tread depth and keeping your tyres properly inflated to extending their life through regular rotation and balancing, our articles have got you covered.
So, whether you're a car enthusiast or just looking to keep your vehicle safe and reliable, our car help and advice articles are here to help you make informed decisions about your tyres. Check them out and feel confident in your tyre choices!