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Introduction;
One of the most important parts of a vehicle are their brakes. Brakes have become synonymous with safety measures for all types of vehicles. The first vehicles were stopped through the pressing of a wooden pad to the wheel rim, and operated by levers (ABE 2021). The development of brakes were then largely influenced by pneumatic tires. Pneumatic tires are rubber tires that are filled with air after being mounted to a vehicle’s wheel. Mechanical drum brakes were the next brakes to be developed in 1902, becoming the foundation for the current brake system we have today. This concept of braking system consisted of a cable wrapped drum that was anchored to the vehicle’s chassis, its underlying structure (Monforton 2021). During these stages, brakes were fitted on the outside of the vehicle, leaving them vulnerable to debris and the elements, leading to the innovation of the expanding internal shoe brake.

Brakes continued to develop over time, they were once solely reliant on the drivers muscle power, and were only placed on the rear wheels instead of all four. The introduction of hydraulic brakes in 1917, lessened the physical burden placed upon the driver to stop the vehicle. The disc brake was the next system to be adopted. It was invented and patented in 1902, but did not become popular until the mid 20th century. It mainly became popular due to the increase in weight and speed of vehicles (Monforton 2021). A few years later, a brake assist system (Anti-lock Braking System – ABS) was added, enabling cars to go faster and brake without locking the wheels and being able to decelerate faster and safer (ABE 2021).

Brembo is a company that through its growth, has come to be known for its technological, sport and commercial success, proving to be a top leader around the world synonymous with the word “brakes”. The company Brembo was founded in 1961 by Emilio, Sergio and Alberto Bombassei and Italy Breda. They started out as a small mechanic shop, but in 1964 when the company started production of the first Italian brake discs for the spare parts market (Brembo). Brembo had a lot of growth through its participation in Motor sports, bikes and its acquisition of new brands and products, making Brembo a more trustworthy and reliable brake company that supplies the best brakes.

Interior Car Controls;

In every vehicle, there is a brake pedal that sits on the left of the gas pedal/accelerator. The brake pedal is the first form of contact we have with the brakes. The pedal is connected to a “brake booster”, being the hydraulic component meant to increase the amount of force applied to the brakes. Next is the brake master cylinder that pushes brake fluid through the brake lines that are connected to all four brake calipers on each wheel. Brake fluid is also a very important component on the braking system, and must always be monitored by a driver even though brake fluid does not “dry up”.

Exterior Components;

The disc brake is composed of many parts. The first thing that you may see is the disc/rotor itself that rotates with the wheel. There are also brake pads that must be annually replaced and monitored, the brake caliper that remains stationary and houses two brake pads, inner and outer, brake pistons, locking pins, bleeder screws and bleeder caps (Samarin 2022). All these components work together and are very essential to the function of the brakes.

How they all work together;

With all these components you may think that braking is very complicated, however it is not. When you press the brake pedal, the pressure created is then increased by the brake booster and transferred to the master cylinder. The master cylinder’s job is to now distribute brake fluid equally to whichever brakes needed to slow the vehicle down (Mike 2022). When the fluid reaches the brake calipers, the programmed ABS works to ensure the wheels don’t lock up and prevent you from slowing down. This force then pushes the piston to the brake pads and onto the disc to slow it down. Brake pads and discs always experience wear and tear and must be replaced if needed. Finally, the brake fluid should be changed annually so that your brakes remain responsive and don’t cause a firm gas pedal and unusable brakes. (CBAC 2021)

Conclusion;
In conclusion, Brakes are one of the most important parts of vehicles. They ensure the safety of all drivers and pedestrians. Having the best breaks helps reassure drivers that their car will stop in case of an emergency where someone runs into the road, there is an accident requiring an emergency stop. Car brakes have come a long way, from being as simple as pads pressing on the wheels to technology assisting drivers in the form of ABS to slow down efficiently. Brembo brakes are well trusted, however you do not have to spend your life’s saving to get your hands on them unless you want the reassurance of the brand recognition. Brakes from car manufacturers are very efficient and reliable as long as they are maintained properly.