The Braking System

The vehicle´s braking system consists of a series of elements that work together to stop the vehicle.

Every time the brakes are applied, the system works together to provide effective friction in order to slow, and hopefully stop, the vehicle.

The braking system is fundamentally similar on all vehicles, however, there are significant differences in each make and model, a lightweight and less powerful vehicle does not have the same requirements to stop as a sports car capable of high performance, or a large SUV, which will exceed two and a half tons of weight in running order, for example.

The manufacturer looks for the best compromise between the effectiveness of the brakes and the price of the set at the time of its development. If we want to improve its effectiveness, brands usually have the option of more powerful equipment, which also might well increase the price to the consumer.

What it costs to brake by type of vehicle

The braking distance depends on many variables: condition and temperature of the road surface, tyres, shock absorbers, weight plus load and, above all, the speed of the vehicle. In addition, it will not be the same in a compact car as an SUV, which almost doubles in weight, or a sports car.

Types of brake: disc and drum

Currently, the automotive industry uses two main types of brakes: disc and drum. Almost all cars and motorcycles always mount discs on the front axle, while the drums are used on the rear axle of the basic versions of the lower segments, the most economical ones.

The base, in any case, is the same, with the same components in the main system through a circuit that allows the force to come by the pressure of the fluid.

The disc brakes have a disc attached to the hub of each wheel and are more effective and powerful, evacuating heat better. Its diameter depends on the weight of the car, its benefits … and what we can afford.

The drum system is more economical and, although it offers a greater friction surface, it does not have the same capacity as the discs and dissipates the heat that occurs with friction. The drum is attached to the bushing and inside it go the shoes, on which the pressure is exerted.

Prices

As in any maintenance work, the price is variable in each province or workshop.

Brake pads. The pads can be purchased from about 15 euro, but the average cost of assembly in the workshop is around 105 euroin each axis, due to the complexity of the work.

Discs. In the disks, the variations are more evident, because these are specific for each car model, and cost from about 180 euro, to which we must add the cost of changing the pads.

Brake fluid. In the case of brake fluid, the average price is around 57 euro.

Pipes. The pipes are not very expensive, from approximately 20 euro, but when replacing them you have to change the circuit fluid too.

As the braking system is one of the most important safety systems in the car, caution must be exercised before attempting to perform any work yourself, leaving it to the professionals is often the best option.