Types of brakes and braking system
The brakes on your car are one of the most important elements of the car, and when you learn the ABC of accelerator, brake and clutch you realise if you hadn't already how to standardly operate the brakes. And you will also learn about the hand brake, and when to use it and when to release it.
A braking system has two ways of being operated so that if one stops working then other is able to stop the car, in order to help ensure safety. And they are also independent of the engine, meaning that if the enegine is not running the brakes still function.
A drum brake is one of the two types of braking system and this describes one that rotates with the wheel and contains brake shoes that have friction linings. Disc brakes in contrast work more like the brakes that will be instantly familiar to anyone who has ever ridden a push bicycle.
As mechanical objects, there is always the possibility that brakes can fail and since they are so important it is necessary to test them as soon as you drive your car just to ensure that they are functioning correctly, you don't want to only find out at a higher speed that there is a problem with them.
Related Articles...
Vulnerable road users - pedestrians
Pedestrians whether old or young are all potentially vulnerable. Any impact at all on a pedestrian is potentially fatal, and that goes for a pedestrian of any age.
Of course within the class...
Mock Driving Theory
On our Mock Driving Theory page you can practice no fewer than fifteen different mock tests.
Each of them...
What to look for when you see a vehicle
Here is a simple check list of things to take into account when you check a used vehicle that you are considering purchasing.
Firstly, look at the engine carefully, and see if you think it has...
Reversing Exercises in the driving test
There are three reversing exercises that you could be tested on in the driving practical test.
You will be asked to perform two out of these three so that the person undertaking your test (the...
Regular car checks to perform
In addition to the daily checks that you should perform on core elements of your car such as the tyres (see article entitled 'what to check on your car daily') there are various other elements that...
Theory test case studies
One of the relatively new elements added to the driving theory test is what is called the case study element. This was introduced on 28th September 2009, and there is one case study in the theory...
Professional driving instructors
When you learn to drive, you have the choice who teaches you. The majority of people decide to learn through a professional driving instructor and often through a major school of...
Vehicle's registration certificate
A vehicle has a document called a V5C, and this is the registration certificate for the vehicle. However this document by itself is not alone proof that the person selling you a vehicle actually...
Understanding illuminated signals on motorways
The location of the signs and signals that you see on motorway itself tells you some information: who it applies to.
Signs at the edge of the road will apply to all drivers, whilst those that...
Before Learning to Drive
The minimum age at which you are allowed to learn to drive a car on public roads is 17. As you probably know, you are not allowed to drive legally on your own until you pass your test. This means...
Back to home page of driving theory test questions
