The Importance Of Rear Brakes

When it comes to brakes, most people only think about the front brakes. After all, isn’t it the front brakes that do most of the work? While it’s true that the front brakes are responsible for around 70% of the braking power, that doesn’t mean that the rear brakes are unimportant.

In fact, rear brakes play a vital role in keeping you safe on the road.

How Does the Brake System Work? 

We all know how important brakes are – they help us stop our cars when we need to. But have you ever wondered how the brake system actually works?

When you press the brake pedal, hydraulic fluid is sent from the master cylinder to the calipers. The calipers then squeeze the brake pads against the rotors, which slows down the wheels and eventually brings the car to a stop.

The brake system is a vital component of your car, and it’s important to make sure that it’s always in good working order. You should have your brakes checked regularly by a qualified mechanic to ensure that they’re in good condition and ready to do their job when you need them.

What’s the Difference between Front and Back Brakes? 

There are two brakes on a car, front and back. Each serves a different purpose. The front brakes are used to slow down the car while the back brakes are used to stop the car. The front brakes are also used to help keep the car from skidding. 

The back brakes are not as effective at stopping the car as the front brakes, but they are still important in helping to control the car. When you press the brake pedal, both sets of brakes are applied. 

However, the front brakes do most of the work in slowing down or stopping the car. It is important to maintain both sets of brakes so that they can work together effectively. If one set of brakes is not working properly, it could cause an accident.

Here’s a closer look at why rear brakes are so important.

Rear Brakes Help to Maintain Traction

One of the most important functions of rear brakes is to help maintain traction. When you apply the front brakes, weight is transferred to the front of the vehicle. This can cause the back end of the car to start to slide out, which can lead to a loss of control. 

By applying the rear brakes as well, you help to distribute the weight more evenly and maintain traction. This is especially important when braking on slippery surfaces or making a quick stop.

Rear Brakes Help Keep Your Car Stable

Another reason why rear brakes are so important is because they help keep your car stable. When you hit the brakes hard, your car has a tendency to nose dive. This nose-diving can cause problems with steering and stability, making it more difficult to stop safely. 

By applying pressure to the rear brakes, you help keep your car more level and stable, making it easier to stop quickly and safely.

Rear Brakes Provide an Extra Layer of Safety

As anyone who has ever been in a car accident will tell you, even a minor fender bender can be a traumatic experience. And while front airbags have become standard in most vehicles, rear airbags are still relatively rare. 

That’s why it’s important to have another layer of safety in place—and that’s where rear brakes come in. In the event of an accident, rear brakes can help reduce the severity of injuries by keeping your car from nose-diving and maintaining stability.  

Rear Brake Design Features 

There’s no need to get your panties in a bunch about the new rear brake design features. They may look complex, but they’re actually quite simple. 

First, there are two separate brake pads for each wheel. This means that if one pad wears out, you can simply replace it without having to buy a new set. Second, the pads are made of a special high-friction material that helps to improve braking performance. 

And finally, the design of the pads ensures that they make full contact with the rotor, providing optimal stopping power. So next time you’re in a panic-stop situation, you can rest assured that your brakes will work just fine. Thanks, Science!

How Does Parking Brake Work?  

When you park your car on a slope, you engage the parking brake to keep it from rolling downhill. But how does this system work? 

Essentially, the parking brake is a ratcheting mechanism that locks the wheels in place when engaged. When you pull the parking brake lever, a cable runs from the lever to each of the rear brakes. As the cable tightens, it pulls on a series of levers that force the brake pads against the rotor or drum. This friction slows or stops the wheel from turning. 

Some newer cars have an electronic parking brake that engages automatically when you shift into Park. Others have a button that you push to engage the parking brake. Either way, you can rest assured that your car will stay put until you’re ready to hit the road again. Thanks, parking brake!

What Should I Do if My Brakes Need Servicing?

If your brakes need servicing, the best thing to do is to take them to a professional. They will be able to assess the situation and give you an accurate estimate of what needs to be done. In most cases, brake pads will simply need to be replaced. 

However, if your brakes are significantly worn, you may need to have them serviced or replaced entirely. Whichever route you choose, always make sure to get your brakes serviced by a qualified technician. 

They will be able to ensure that your brakes are properly serviced and that they are safe for use.

Wrap Up!

As you can see, rear brakes are just as important as front brakes—if not more so. So if you’re ever in doubt about whether or not to use your rear brake pedal, err on the side of caution and give it a light tap. It could just save your life.

John D. Archer