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1
) Wheel Cylinder
2
) Brake Light
3
) Brake Pedal
4
) Rear Brake Lines
5
) Stop Light Switch (Mechanical)
6
) Front/Rear Balance Valve
7
) Pressure Differential Valve
8
) Brake Warning Lamp
9
) Brake Fluid
10)
Brake Pad
11)
Master Cylinder |
The
Brake system of a modern automobile is quite sophisticated.
It is quick in reaction, puts a lower effort on the
feet, and ensures the car does not drag to the side
and also the car should not topple over.
The basic system is still the hydraulic pressure.
The brake oil used is synthetic oil. That is
the oil is manufactured separately. It is not mineral
base oil. The oil has very good compressibility properties;
high temperature resistance and ability to transfer
pressure quickly. But it has a draw back too - it is hygroscopic i.e. it absorbes water.
DO NOT WASH THE BRAKE OIL RESERVIOUR. OIL ABSORBS
WATER AND WILL LEAD TO FAILURES. Only wipe clean - if
required.
The oil is categorized as DOT3 or DOT4 etc. Presently
most of the new cars use DOT4 oils. Even though these
oils can be mixed but it is a risk to do the same. So:
ALWAYS USE THE CORRECT GRADE OF OIL
Brake oils are all mixable from various makers. However
it is recommended to use the original make only - that
the oil that is filled from the plant should only be
used to top up. This is listed in the user manual too.
With lower controls of the regulating authorities, there
are a lot of spurious oils available. So when ever there
is a top up requirement - BUY ONLY ORIGINAL OIL FROM THE DEALERS. AND CRUSH THE CAN AFTER USE.
 The
BRAKE usually does not fail suddenly. The pedal becomes
soft or spongy or the braking force becomes weak. Do
not ignore these signs, and get the car checked immediately.
There might be a small leak, or some failure has started.
This is something that should be handled by the mechanics.
Brakes also are not applied on all the 4 wheels together.
Normally there is a proportioning valve. This makes
the front right wheel and rear left wheel to brake a
bit before than the other two. This helps in stability
of the car. This will be reflected as the wear pattern
of the pads of the wheels may be different and that
is OK.
At every service, please ensure the brake linings are
checked and any leaks are checked and the brake pad
gaps are adjusted.
The car should not move in any direction on braking
- slow braking or sudden braking. If that happens, please
get the brakes adjusted? This may be because of the
improper sequence of braking, or a wheel alignment issue.
Lastly on the parking brakes. This is meant to
be used every time you park your vehicle. This is a
mechanical and positive brake. Whenever the car is parked,
this should be applied. If the level is tight or goes
up high, any mechanic can adjust this very easily.
In summary:
1.
ALWAYS USE THE CORRECT BRAKE OIL
2. REPLACE OIL
AFTER 2 YEARS - EVEN WHEN EVERY THING IS OK
3. BE AWARE OF
BRAKE PEDAL SIGNALS - SPONGY, WEAK OR UNUSUAL
4. GET BRAKES ADJUSTED
ON EVERY SERVICE |
Use
Seat belts while Driving - The best precaution
on the roads |
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