Automotive Braking Systems
(Image Credit: engineeringdiscoveries.com)
(Image Credit: myfreznomazda.com)
June 26, 2024
Juan Valenciana
11th Grade
St. Francis Preparatory School
Automotive braking systems are fundamental components of any vehicle and are essential for ensuring safety and control. These systems enable drivers to decelerate or bring their vehicles to a stop. Over time, braking systems have evolved significantly, driven by advancements in mechanical engineering and technology.
Initially, drum brakes were the standard design choice. Invented in the early 20th century, drum brakes consisted of brake shoes pressing outward against a rotating drum attached to the wheel. This also means that during prolonged or heavy braking, the friction generated between the brake shoes and the drum could lead to excessive heat buildup and could cause the brake shoes to wear out quickly.
Disc brakes revolutionized automotive braking systems. Similar to drum brakes, when a driver presses the brake pedal, it activates the master cylinder, which converts the mechanical force from the pedal into hydraulic pressure. However, unlike drum brakes, this hydraulic pressure is transmitted through brake lines and hoses to the brake calipers. The calipers then squeeze brake pads against the brake rotors (discs), creating friction that slows the vehicle's wheels. This process converts the vehicle’s kinetic energy into heat, dissipating in the air and simultaneously preventing the brakes from overheating.
The introduction of the Anti-lock Braking System (ABS) in the 1970s further enhanced braking safety. Anti-lock brakes use technology to detect when the driver is losing traction on one or more tires. It then lowers the pressure on those tires and restores it quickly, similar to pumping the brake. ABS prevents wheel lock-up during hard braking, allowing the driver to maintain steering control.
(Image Credit: rnlautomotive.com)
Future braking designs include regenerative braking and autonomous braking systems. In electric and hybrid vehicles, regenerative braking captures kinetic energy during deceleration and converts it into electrical energy stored in the vehicle’s battery. This technology not only improves energy efficiency but also reduces wear on traditional braking components. Autonomous braking systems use a combination of sensors, cameras, and artificial intelligence to detect obstacles and apply brakes automatically, theoretically enhancing safety. This technology is being integrated into both semi-autonomous and fully autonomous vehicles from manufacturers like Tesla.
Reference Sources
Engineering Discoveries. “Difference between Drum Brake and Disc Brake.” Engineering Discoveries, 25 July 2019,
Lampton, Christopher. “How Regenerative Braking Works.” HowStuffWorks, 23 Jan. 2009,
https://auto.howstuffworks.com/auto-parts/brakes/brake-types/regenerative-braking.htm.
Nice, Karim. “How Disc Brakes Work.” HowStuffWorks, 21 Aug. 2000,
https://auto.howstuffworks.com/auto-parts/brakes/brake-types/disc-brake1.htm.
Repp, Robb. “What You Need to Know about Brakes.” R&L Automotive, 28 Mar. 2018,
www.rnlautomotive.com/what-you-need-to-know-about-brakes/.
Shweiki, Jason. “Understanding Anti-Lock Braking Systems.” Frezno Mazda, 20 Oct. 2020,
www.myfresnomazda.com/understanding-anti-lock-braking-systems/.