Do you know your braking system? Do you know how the whole set works and what are the main problems that the disc brakes can give us? For this we are here, to tell you everything you need to know about the braking system, and that you know how to identify its main signs of degradation.

Disc Brakes Australia (DBA) is the first manufacturer of brake discs in Australia. They offer these sports discs in two models.

• High benefits
• Great braking capacity
• Less wear
• Available for most vehicles.

It is very unlikely that we will find ourselves in situations that cause the breakage of a brake disc, but we can experience fading or other minor problems. That’s why we’re going to see everything in detail, to shed some light on the interesting world of the braking system.

The brakes are the active safety system most important in a car and one of its key parts. It is convenient to remember that the braking system is the best lifesaver of your car. For thisreason, you must keep it in perfect working order, as it is the maximum responsible for stopping the vehicle in the shortest possible time. It is increasingly common for cars to have built-in a disc and not drum brakes, although some models still incorporate them. That the vehicles that circulate around us do not monitor the condition of their brakes is a risk for all users, not only for the vehicle in question. To clarify some doubts that exist about the braking system, we will explain

How do disc brakes work?

The disc brakes are composed of a metallic rotor disc on which pressure is exerted through the brake calipers. These have to have mounted some pads of friction material. The pressure performed by the brake calipers is normally carried out by means of a hydraulic system. The pads are those that exert pressure against the surface of the disc and generate the braking force. It is so important that the friction material is in good condition and of quality as the gripper slides correctly and smoothly in its guides.

What are the disc brakes made of?

Currently, disc brakes are the most common in the front axle of the vehicle. In general, the drum brake has been relegated to the rear axle and older vehicles due to its lower efficiency. They are the surface against which the pads act to stop the vehicle. They rotate at the same time as the wheel while our vehicle circulates and withstand temperatures of up to 500ºC.

How do disc brakes work?

When we step on the brake pedal a hydraulic pump is activated that drives the brake fluid towards the brake calipers. The pressure of the brake fluid causes the pistons to push the pads. The pads make friction against the brake disc, where the kinetic energy is converted into dissipated heat, and thus the vehicle as a whole decelerates progressively. With the passage of time, depending on the type of car and the way of driving, the brakes will wear out.

When replacing the brake discs, the pads must also be replaced, since they will have the same level of wear. The components of the brake system must be replaced by axles, only this way a balanced brake is ensured on the two wheels of the same axle and the stability of the vehicle is guaranteed. The elements of the braking system are interrelated. Remember that the discs can not only wear out due to the effect of the pads but also can deteriorate when bending due to excessive heating, among other causes.

If you notice a strong vibration in the direction when braking, it may be time to change the brake discs. The brakes pads must be marked with the ECE R-90 approval number, both in the box and on the surface of the pad itself. There is no exact number of kilometers to change the pads or brake discs, as it will depend to a large extent on the vehicle and the use we make of them as drivers. It is recommended to control the wear of discs and pads every 20,000 km. As a general rule, it can be said that in the city the pills wear out before travelling by road. Current vehicles usually incorporate a wear indicator in the instrument panel that is activated, with a certain margin of time, when the pads come to an end.