Functions of Car Brake and Common Signs of Brake Problems

pressing the brake pedal

The main function of a car brake is to slow down or stop the vehicle when necessary. The brake system works by converting the kinetic energy of the moving vehicle into heat energy through the process of friction. This is done by applying pressure to the brake pads or shoes, which then press against the brake rotor or drum to slow down or stop the vehicle.

There are several components that make up the brake system, including the brake pedal, brake booster, brake master cylinder, brake lines, brake calipers, brake pads or shoes, and brake rotors or drums. Each of these components plays a vital role in the function of the brake system.

When you press the brake pedal, it activates the brake booster, which multiplies the force applied to the pedal to create more pressure on the brake system. This pressure is then transferred to the brake master cylinder, which pushes brake fluid through the brake lines and into the brake calipers or wheel cylinders.

The brake calipers or wheel cylinders then use this brake fluid to apply pressure to the brake pads or shoes, which in turn press against the brake rotor or drum to slow down or stop the vehicle.

Signs of Brake Problems

There are several signs that may indicate a brake problem in a vehicle. Some common signs of brake problems include:

  1. Squeaking or grinding noise: If you hear a high-pitched squeaking or grinding noise when you apply the brakes, it may indicate that the brake pads are worn and need to be replaced.
  2. Soft or spongy brake pedal: If the brake pedal feels soft or spongy when you apply pressure, it may indicate that there is air in the brake lines or a problem with the brake master cylinder.
  3. Vibrations: If you feel vibrations or shaking when you apply the brakes, it may indicate that the brake rotors are warped or damaged.
  4. Warning light: If the brake warning light on the dashboard is illuminated, it may indicate a problem with the brake system.
  5. Longer stopping distances: If the vehicle takes longer to come to a stop than usual, it may indicate that the brake pads are worn or that there is a problem with the brake system.

If you experience any of these signs, it is important to have your brakes checked by a qualified mechanic as soon as possible to ensure your safety on the road.

What makes a Car to Rough Idle

Car bonnet being opened

A rough idle in a car can be caused by a variety of issues, some of which include:

Dirty or clogged air filter: If the air filter is dirty or clogged, it can restrict airflow to the engine, resulting in a rough idle.

Faulty spark plugs: Spark plugs that are worn out or fouled can cause the engine to misfire, leading to a rough idle.

Vacuum leaks: Vacuum leaks can allow unmetered air into the engine, causing a rough idle.

Dirty fuel injectors: Dirty fuel injectors can cause a lean fuel mixture, leading to a rough idle.

Faulty sensors: Faulty sensors, such as the Mass Air Flow (MAF) sensor or the Oxygen (O2) sensor, can cause incorrect readings and lead to a rough idle.

Electrical issues: Electrical problems such as a weak battery or a failing alternator can cause fluctuations in engine speed, leading to a rough idle.

If you are experiencing a rough idle in your car, it is best to take it to a mechanic to diagnose and fix the issue.

How a car works

A car

The car is a complex machine that is designed to convert fuel into energy that can be used to power its wheels and move it forward.

Here is a simplified overview of how a car works:

Fuel is stored in the gas tank.

The fuel is drawn from the tank by a fuel pump and sent to the engine.

In the engine, the fuel is mixed with air and ignited by a spark, creating an explosion that pushes a piston.

The motion of the piston turns a crankshaft, which converts the up-and-down motion of the piston into rotary motion.

The rotary motion is sent to the transmission, which uses gears to adjust the speed and torque of the wheels.

The power is transferred from the transmission to the drive wheels by a driveshaft and axle.

The wheels spin and move the car forward.

Other systems in the car, such as the braking, steering, and suspension systems, work to control the speed and direction of the car and provide a comfortable and safe ride for the driver and passengers. Additionally, the electrical system provides power to the various components of the car, including the lights, radio, and other accessories. The car’s computer, or engine control module (ECM), monitors and adjusts various systems in the car to optimize performance, fuel efficiency, and emissions.

When and how you know that Your Car needs fixing

Car under repair

In this fast paced modern world, cars are a necessity. The importance of cars for ease of transportation cannot be overemphasized. Cars are also good for pleasure too. However, whether your car is for business or pleasure maintenance is the key. Good maintenance of your car will ensure that you use it for several years and still have good second hand value.

 How and when you know it’s time to fix your car.

Every component of your car is very important to ensure that your driving is very safe and comfortable. Don’t ignore any warning signs your car gives. Below are some warning signs your car can give if it’s about to get a fault and need fixing

Leakages

 If you notice a leakage of oil or water  under where you park your car you should have it investigated. If it is engine oil it’s probably there is a leakage of oil from your engine. If it’s brake fluid then either there’s a leakage or malfunctioning of your break or clutch. And if it’s a water leakage then check if the radiator is not leaking.

Unpleasant sounds from the wheels

Once you notice any unpleasant sounds coming from the wheels arrangements of your car, then have it checked by a qualified personnel at your earliest convenience

Overheating

When your car overheats on the highway, then it indicates that something is wrong with the car cooling system, so have the radiator and the cooling system checked by a qualified personnel.

Burning smell of rubber while driving

When driving are you noticed a smell like that of burning rubber then it’s most likely there’s a problem with your clutch, immediately have it checked by qualified personnel

Lights not coming on  or dim

Always check for malfunctioning of the turning/ signal lights, headlights, the car inner lights and so on.

Repair the faulty ones at your earliest convenience.

Smoking

If white or black smoke is coming out of your car exhaust, don’t take this for granted have the engine checked. This could mean a problem with the engine oil, engine itself or a component of it.

Tire pressure

Make sure your tires are at the correct  and same pressure. If you notice any tire is deflated, have it fixed or you can change to the spare. Don’t drive a car without a spare tire. You will never know when you will need it. Make sure your tires are in good condition, check the wearing indicators of the tire, that way, you will know how long your tires will last or whether they need replacement soon.

Overspeeding and over revolutions

Two important indicators you find in your car are the speedometer and the  engine revolutions indicator. Always subjecting your car to very high speeds such as over all the kilometer per hour and high engine revolutions will make your engine wear out faster/ increase your maintenance costs.

Performance of the brake,  clutch and gears

If you notice reduced performance of the brake, gears and clutch system. You must  immediately have it checked by a qualified personnel.

Indicator lights in your dashboard

If the brake, engine oil, temperature and service engine soon lights come on and doesn’t turn off, immediately and without any form of delay have it checked by a qualified technician.

Regular service every 3 months

Try to take your car for servicing every 3 months. What the mechanic will check and service will include;  the changing of the engine oil, checking of the brake pads, brake fluids,shock absorbers and other springs. That  the horns, doors and  windows are working properly. That the bonnet and boot  are working  properly. In all the mechanic should check that the car is still in fine shape and fix anything that is out of place or faulty.

About the Toyota Yaris

Toyota Yaris is a mini semi compact car sold by Toyota since 1999. Toyota Yaris replaced Toyota tercel Toyota starlet. Toyota Yaris was formerly called. Yaris is also called Vitz, Platz,Belts) in Japan, Vios in Asia region and Echo in Australia and North America.

The name Yaris means charm and beauty. The number of Toyota Yaris models  that have  been sold is  over 8.71 million since 2020.

Toyota Yaris is usually shipped in 3 / 5 door hatchback models, 4-door sedan models, and 2-door coupe models.

The Toyota Yaris is equipped with compact straight four cylinder engine that is best known for its fuel economy. In fact one of its engine models, the 2NZ FE engine won the engine of the year award in 2000.

About Solar Cars

Solar powered car to be commercially available in 2022

A solar powered car is a type of vehicle that is powered by solar panels. It is an electric vehicle that is powered by solar cells fully or partially. A car that is powered fully by solar cells will not be equipped with a battery. A car that is partially powered by solar cells will be equipped with a battery. The battery is a rechargeable one that helps to regulate and store energy from the solar cells.

Solar powered cars are still in their experimental stages and have not been commercialized for public use. 

Solar cars that will be rolled out commercially in late 2022 will be partially powered. 

Rechargeable batteries will complement power that is produced from the solar cells. What it means is this, a solar powered car will be equipped with a battery, this battery can be charged by the sun powered solar panels and more, by the battery’s electric charger plugged  to an electric outlet.

The amount of charge produced by the solar panel is only complimentary. A 6 hour charge of the battery by the solar panels can only produce 8 -10kilowatt-hour of power. This power can only move the solar car for about 50 miles or 80 km. 

The battery that comes fitted with a solar car has enough power to move the car about 400 km on a full charge.

This means that it will take about 30 hours of good sunlight for the solar panels to fully charge the fully discharged battery, whereas, using the battery’s electric charger, the same process will take under 2 hours.