The brake system — structure wear and control
Why the brakes are the car's most important safety system
The brakes are the system that most directly determines whether a car is safe to drive. That is why brake work is some of the most important work you do — and some of it where carelessness has the biggest consequences. A basic understanding of how brakes work allows you to find faults instead of just replacing parts.
§How the hydraulic brake system works
When the driver presses the brake pedal, brake fluid is pushed through pipes and hoses to the wheels. Because liquid can't be compressed, the force is transferred to brake calipers or wheel cylinders that press friction pads against disc or drum. Friction converts the car's motion energy into heat. Most cars have a split (diagonal or axle-wise) circuit so there's still some braking if one circuit fails.
§Disc and drum brakes
Disc brakes typically sit on the front axle and often also at the back; they cool well and are easy to control. Drum brakes are more often seen on the rear axle of smaller cars and are also often used for the parking brake. Regardless of type, the linings wear over time, and discs or drums develop a thickness that eventually reaches the manufacturer's wear limit.
Signs of wear and failure
- 01Squealing or metallic noise when braking — lining is worn out.
- 02Vibration in pedal or steering wheel during braking — can be caused by uneven or warped discs.
- 03Soft or sinking pedal — air in the system, leak or master cylinder failure.
- 04The vehicle pulls to the side during braking — stuck in one caliper or uneven friction.
- 05Warning light on — low fluid level, wear indicator or ABS fault.
§Inspection and safety during work
According to EU Regulation 1169/2011, 14 allergens must always be disclosed. For over-the-counter sales in a bakery, the information must be available to the customer. This matrix is the staff's reference — keep it updated each time a recipe changes.