Getting to Know the Brake Pedal Components in Your Car

One of the most crucial components in a vehicle is the brake pedal. That's why every vehicle owner should routinely inspect and maintain the brake pedal components of their car.

 

Moreover, if you drive your car every day, it's essential to have a basic understanding of the components and functions of the brake pedal in the vehicle.

 

For those who are new car owners, here's a brief explanation of the brake pedal that you should know.

 

Also read: Things to Consider When Driving Downhill to Avoid the Brake Failure

 

Components of the Brake Pedal in Cars

 

Technically, brakes can function through a process involving more than one component.

 

Each component has an important function that you should observe and maintain to ensure its performance works optimally.

 

1. Disc Brake

 

The first component of the car's brake pedal is the disc brake, which uses disc-shaped material. This part will rotate simultaneously with the vehicle's wheels.

 

2. Master Cylinder

 

The master cylinder's task is to hold the pressure sent by the brake pedal. When all the pressure is held, the master cylinder will send a signal to the drum brake components through brake fluid.

 

3. Drum Brake

 

The drum brake is a component that functions to reduce the speed of the tire when the brake pedal is pressed.

 

But for this component to work optimally, the drum area must receive pressure from the brake shoe and brake lever.

 

4. Brake Pedal

 

The pedal or lever, is the part used to activate the braking function. This component is generally located at the bottom of the steering wheel or beside the accelerator pedal.

 

5. Brake Booster

 

The brake booster is a crucial component that helps to decrease brake pressure, particularly during sudden braking situations.

 

6. Proportioning Valve

 

On the brake lever, there is a cooling component whose main task is to reduce heat energy from friction.

 

Thanks to this component, brake pads or brake shoes do not harden due to excessive brake use.

 

Using the Brake Pedal Properly

 

Operate the brake lever smoothly. As a driver, it's crucial to understand the correct technique for pressing the brake lever to ensure optimal performance and efficiency.

 

1. How to Press the Brake Pedal in Automatic Cars

 

In automatic cars, the brake lever is only on the left side or beside the gas lever.

 

To use it, you can press the brake lever deeply and hold it for a few seconds until the car's speed decreases and it stops.

 

But if you only want to reduce speed, you can gradually press the brake lever until the speed decreases.

 

One thing to note when using automatic cars is that you should not press the gas and brake pedals simultaneously.

 

This condition will only cause the car to slow down quickly and lead to skidding.

 

2. How to Press the Brake Pedal in Manual Cars

 

For manual cars, there will usually be three different pedals: the gas pedal, the brake pedal, and the clutch pedal.

 

The right foot is responsible for pressing the gas and brake pedals alternately, while the left foot remains on the clutch pedal.

 

The technique for using the braking system in manual transmission cars is very different from automatic cars.

 

To do this, you can press the clutch pedal with your left foot and brake with your right foot.

 

Ensure you execute this braking technique from a safe position or distance to prevent collisions with the vehicle ahead.

 

Optimal Timing for Brake Pedal Maintenance and Associated Expenses

 

It's generally recommended to check the brake lever components every six months.

 

For brake repairs, it's typically done after the car has traveled between 20,000 and 30,000 km.

 

However, under certain conditions, you might need to service the brakes sooner than usual.

 

Here are some signs indicating it's time for brake service:

 

• Pressure or vibration when pressing the brakes.
• Strange noises while slowing down
• Decreased responsiveness of the brakes

 

If you notice any of these symptoms, it's important to take your car to the workshop for further repairs immediately.

 

The cost of brake repairs can vary, usually ranging from IDR 150,000 to IDR 500,000, but these are rough estimates. 

 

The actual cost may differ based on the specific brake pedal components needing replacement