Disc brakes 29

Disc brakes – what should you know?

Brakes are responsible for safely slowing a vehicle down, as every driver knows. Their operation allows you to reduce the speed of travel or stop. There are two types of brakes: disc and drum. The latter now appear only sporadically in passenger cars – if they are fitted, they are located at the rear (in newer vehicles). Disc brakes are in the lead, which are much more durable and efficient compared to drum brakes.

The discs are generally attached to the wheel hub, and depending on the type of car, the design of disc brakes may vary. In light vehicles that are not designed to reach high speeds, solid discs made of metal are most often used.

Performance cars, on the other hand, generally have disc brakes equipped with specific grooves or vents. Their task is to better dissipate the heat that occurs during fast and extreme driving. More and more often you can come across a situation where manufacturers provide ventilated discs or discs made of ceramics. Nevertheless, classic steel solutions are still the most popular choice.

Disc brakes work in an uncomplicated way, you can describe their functioning in just a few sentences. When the driver presses the brake pedal, pressure is generated inside the liquid in the brake lines. The pressure of the fluid on the brake cylinders and pistons is responsible for generating the braking force. As a result, the friction linings of the pads are pressed against the rotating brake disc connected to the wheel hub. The result of this chain of events is a decrease in the speed at which the vehicle is moving.

Disc brake – advantages  

Hydraulic disc brakes are components that have been chosen by drivers for years. It is also worth noting that their form has hardly changed since they were introduced. Learn about the advantages of disc brakes:

• high performance compared to drum brakes,
• durability, which results in low failure rate,
• resistance to contamination due to centrifugal force,
• Easy to service,
• Durability even during intensive use.

An important part of the braking system is the brake caliper pistons which are located directly in the calipers. The task of these small parts is primarily to transfer the pressure exerted by the fluid to the pads. Brake pistons are also responsible for maintaining the tightness of the liquid in the cylinder and are a guarantee of maintaining the required clearance between the pads and the disc.

The braking process is a complex phenomenon that is worth explaining if you are interested in brake discs. Well, when reducing the speed, the pads stick to the disc with a friction lining. The result of this action is an increase in temperature due to the conversion of kinetic energy into heat. For this reason, brake pads must be made of materials that can cope with extreme temperature environments. Otherwise, they may fail.

Choosing the right pads is extremely important in the context of the correct operation of your vehicle and braking system. For this reason, the optimal choice is to buy branded replacements, including brake system components manufactured by companies supplying parts for the first assembly. Brembo, Bosch, Delphi, TRW, Febi Bilstein, ABE and Ferodo are just a part of our offer.

Bet on quality and choose a proven disc brake 

Choosing a brake disc from an established brand will ensure a correctly functioning braking system. To ensure its full efficiency, also check the condition of the master cylinder, brake hoses, brake calipers and brake pedal.

At Inter Cars, we guarantee you durability and a wide range of products that we have prepared for you. We are aware of the importance of brake discs for vehicles, which is why we make every effort to ensure that each of them offers the highest possible quality.

FAQ

What is the role of disc brakes in vehicle safety?

Disc brakes are responsible for reducing the driving speed and stopping the vehicle, ensuring the driver's safety.

What are the types of brake discs used in vehicles?

What are the types of brake discs used in vehicles?