What everyone should know about brakes on their motor vehicle
Brakes are one of the most important safety features on a motor vehicle, and must be kept in optimum working condition at all times, along with Shock Absorbers and Tyres.
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It is easy to see when tyres are worn, unlike Shock Absorbers and Brakes. I call these three items; Brakes, Tyres and Shock Absorbers the safety triangle.
You can have the best brakes available fitted to your vehicle, but if you have worn Tyres or Shocks the brakes cannot work as efficiently. The shock absorbers main function is to keep the tyre on the road, if the tyre is not gripped to the road while braking the vehicle will not stop. One worn Shock Absorber can increase the braking distance by as much as three metres.
Most modern motor vehicles can accelerate from 0 to 100 kp/h in around 8 seconds.
But we require the vehicle to stop in an emergency; in 3 to 5 in seconds. It takes three times the energy to stop as it does to make it go.
Most modern motor vehicles weigh around 1.4 tonne and have an average 3.5 litre engine. This will vary from vehicle to vehicle.
See graph: Courtesy of Disc Brakes Australia
Courtesy of Disc Brakes Australia
The modern motor vehicle is heavier than previous models, because of such items as Airbags, Electronic s; Power Windows and Seats plus other comfort features fitted; all adding weight to the vehicle; also faster due to modern technology. This is adding stress to the braking system. Therefore we must keep brakes in optimum working condition at all times; after all when do you need to have your brakes working at their best? In an emergency stop!
Brakes half worn can increase the stopping distance by up to two metres, brakes at the tail end of their working life can increase the stopping distance by up to four metres. That’s the difference between having an accident and avoiding an accident. Brakes are part of a system consisting of hydraulic components, brake fluid, friction material, rotors and/or drums. If one part of this system is not working efficiently the entire system fails. Brake fluid is hygroscopic (which means it absorbs moisture) when this happens the boiling point of brake fluid reduces, and the braking system is less efficient.
Brake shudder or brake pedal pulsation under braking is a common occurrence on the modern vehicle. If you feel this happening in your vehicle while braking have it seen to immediately, by your local MTA member.
When considering replacing safety items such as Brakes; Shock Absorbers or Tyres, do not settle for inferior products always insist on quality products being fitted to your vehicle.
Name: Steve Borg Title: President Motor Traders' Association of NSW
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