Braking System
You might not think twice about what happens when you press your car’s brake pedal. It feels simple; you push the pedal, and the car slows down. But behind that simplicity is a complex braking system made up of multiple components, each playing a vital role in keeping you safe on the road.
Understanding how your braking system works won’t just make you a more knowledgeable driver, it can also help you spot early warning signs before they turn into expensive problems. That’s especially important when your safety, and the safety of those around you, relies on your ability to stop when needed.
In this guide from Somerset Vehicle Services in Bridgwater, we’ll walk you through:
- How car brakes work and what’s happening beneath the surface
- A step-by-step look at the braking sequence
- Critical components like ABS and the parking brake
- Why servicing your brakes regularly is essential for your peace of mind
Let’s get started.
Braking System Fundamentals: How Car Brakes Work
Your car’s braking system is capable of controlling immense force. Every time you decelerate, it’s counteracting the motion of over a tonne of moving metal, often at motorway speeds. Let’s take a look at how it all comes together.
The Simple Science Behind Stopping
Motion equals energy. Specifically, kinetic energy. The faster you drive, the more kinetic energy your car carries. Brakes are designed to convert that energy into heat through friction. That’s what slows the vehicle down.
In most everyday vehicles, this is done through a hydraulic braking system. Here’s how it plays out:
- Pressing the brake pedal initiates the process.
- Hydraulic pressure builds inside a sealed circuit of brake fluid lines.
- This pressure travels to all four wheels.
- At each wheel, the braking mechanism creates friction — either through disc brakes (pads clamping onto a spinning disc) or drum brakes (shoes pushing outward inside a rotating drum).
Modern braking systems also feature Anti-lock Braking Systems (ABS). During heavy braking, ABS modulates the brake pressure at each wheel, stopping them from locking up so you can maintain control.
But what’s really happening when you bring your vehicle to a stop? Let’s take a deeper look beyond the pedal…
What Takes Place After You Press the Brake Pedal
Every time you brake, a precise chain reaction begins, all within fractions of a second.
Your foot applies force to the brake pedal. That mechanical force passes to a component called the brake servo (or booster), which amplifies the effort so you don’t need to stamp down hard.
Next, that amplified force moves into the master cylinder. This part converts the mechanical force into hydraulic pressure in the brake fluid.
Because the braking system is sealed and filled with specialised brake fluid, pressure is distributed through lines and flexible hoses to each wheel, where braking is needed. It’s sealed nature means tha minimal pressure is lost.
Now, the stopping power kicks in:
- Disc brakes (common at the front, and often all round on newer cars): The hydraulic pressure pushes brake pads against a fast-spinning disc. Friction between pad and disc converts motion into heat, which slows the rotation.
- Drum brakes (found on the rear wheels of many older models): Hydraulic cylinders force two brake shoes outward, pressing them against the inner surface of a rotating drum to create friction and slow the wheel.
Once you release the brake pedal, pressure in the system drops. Return springs inside each brake mechanism allow components to retract. With the brakes released, the wheels can rotate freely again.
It’s a precise, responsive system that gives you complete control, and it all happens in the blink of an eye.
Regular servicing at Somerset Vehicle Services in Bridgwater helps keep every part of this sequence running properly. Our trained technicians are on hand to spot wear, contamination, or faults before they become dangerous.
Other Key Features of the Braking System
Anti-lock Braking System (ABS):
ABS monitors the speed of each wheel and steps in when one is about to lock. It rapidly adjusts pressure — applying, releasing, and reapplying — to maintain rotation without skidding. This helps you steer safely during emergency braking.
Parking Brake System:
This independent system holds your car stationary when parked and can act as an emergency backup. In traditional setups, pulling the handbrake lever activates a mechanical cable that engages the rear brakes. Newer cars may use an electronic handbrake activated by a switch. Regardless of the setup, the parking brake functions separately from the main braking system and is legally required to act on at least two wheels, making it a vital safety feature as well as a parking tool.
Stay in Control: Book a Brake Check with Somerset Vehicle Services
Your brakes aren’t something to take for granted. If you notice strange noises, a soft pedal, or longer stopping distances, don’t ignore them. These early signs can point to any number of issues, including wear, fluid contamination, or deeper faults in your braking system. In that situation, it’s best left to the professionals.
At Somerset Vehicle Services in Bridgwater, we treat brake safety with the importance it deserves. Every service includes a thorough inspection, but you can book a check any time something feels off.
We have a {{average-rating}} star Google rating from {{review-count}} satisfied customers across Bridgwater, Taunton, and Weston Super Mare.
When you choose us, you get:
- Workmanship backed by a 12-month parts and labour guarantee
- Transparent pricing and clear communication — no jargon, no hard sell
- Expert brake servicing and repairs for all makes and models
- High-grade parts that meet manufacturer specifications
- Dealer-level diagnostic equipment for accurate fault finding
So, whether it’s time for your routine service or you’re concerned about your stopping distance, call Somerset Vehicle Services today on 01458 210402. We’ll make sure your braking system is ready for anything.
