Cruising through the smooth and well-appointed streets of the USA, on your dream ride is an incredible feeling. This feeling is exceptional so much beyond words. The ones who’ve experienced this, well only they know the fantastic and the out-of-the-box experience they achieve.
Rider’s Cruise across America
Most of the riders charm upon cruising through America; it indeed is perhaps challenging while the sheer bliss acquired out of the experience is nothing less than ecstasy in itself. Well, of course, you needed to be prepared for it and got to carry that kind of an attitude and stamina for the same. The country is large and so would the journey be, so if you’re the one prepared for it, the sky indeed is the limit for you.
Bikers who ride and cruise through places, indeed extract the charm by feeling free, and feeling the breezy winds blowing through them, they are more content than anything else. The thrill and the excitement one gets rising through the lanes of America, making them fall in love with the two-wheeled miracles, exploring the absolute beauty of the surrounds, enthralling landscapes while riding through so the astounding natural wonders of humankind.
Riding on your beauty machine through the lanes of America is much like a dream come true. The very thought of cruising through the remarkable country is an experience that is matchless and one of a kind.
These are added to the entire charm, making this experience worth living and dreaming.
Each place you ride through in this amazing country is certainly special. There are loads of aspects and elements that make this journey all the more special on your dream machines.
However, there are many things to consider and plan before you begin this never-ending and unforgettable journey on your dream rides. Read through the list of some of the essential that needs to be considered, before you start your journey:
Start with the bike first; it is, however, important to decide whether the bike is your own or would you rent out one.
Explore the bike rental market to fix your deal. This market is highly competitive, so better to explore it adequately.
America it is that you’re talking about. It certainly is a large country!
Have much and adequate time in hand, precisely more than two weeks’ time at least.
Keep the bike simple and enjoy the fun. High-end bikes would certainly have more features, but do not guarantee more fun.
Have a thorough check up on the tires of the bike; the journey is going to be long enough
It’s always so much fun to read maps. Keep a map handy; it’s much classier, and the fun gets doubled.
Make sure you keep the time of the year in consideration and carry the essential gears for the same. A vest looks super cool in summers while there is nothing that beats a classy black leather jacket in the winters.
This is just not going to be the only journey, so be prepared to get loads of more exciting trips coming up.
Highways speak for themselves; you would feel like they are just exclusively made for the bikes.
They indeed go much slower, deliberately to get the best out of the amazing and exotic surroundings and sink in the innate beauty of the surroundings.
You can certainly blame the surrounding scenery to get the best out of everything out here in America.
The highways are way too scenic and would certainly make it worthwhile riding a bike.
Just imagine the wildlife so close while you are riding through the amazing by-lanes of the country.
You would certainly need a hint of confidence to ride through the streets of the USA that are indeed the finest roads for car and bike rides.
There are many places to explore the most popular ones could be:
You would have many television series and movies shot in the exotic highlands of America.
You can explore the Virginia countryside, exploring the local charms, ponds, and some more fascinating sites.
It would certainly give you a high while riding through the Great Smoky Mountains of North Carolina which offers some of the most exotic and beautiful sights and mesmerizing views.
Most of the highways of the country do not entertain trucks all through the day. You could just encounter a few of the service trucks on the by-lanes.
There are many routes to choose from you might pick on the one that suits you the most. The country offers so much more than just its plain and smooth roads. Spend some quality time with the locals out there and enjoy a tranquil time.
It is always highly recommended to inspect the condition of your bike. Make sure the oil levels are apt, and the engine is performing to its fullest.
Since the country is large, it is always advisable to carry a GPS along. Just in case you are lost somewhere or there is an emergency.
From May onwards until October, you can consider it to be the best time to ride across the USA.
No matter how many recommendations or suggestions you might take, this road trip is just going to be simply amazing, and you will certainly cherish these astonishing memories for a lifetime to come. Talk about the amazing experience and the unforgettable memories to your friends, family, and social networking, while the pictures you capture would certainly add on. You can blog about this unmatched experience.
So, what are waiting for?
Just get set and get prepared to get an amazing experience, which would be a lifetime experience for you!!
We hope the above tips will help you plan out the biking road trip and offer some exciting moments while you will certainly enjoy the thrill and the matchless adventure of riding through America.
A mobility vehicle, also known as a Wheelchair Accessible Van (WAN) is a car used by a physically disabled person, with modifications made in the car such that he/she can get into the car with ease; sit as a passenger or a driver, all by themselves without help from anyone.
This enables them to live an independent life, just like any of us, with confidence in themselves. The seating arrangement is in such a way that the physically challenged person can get into the car with the wheelchair and drive or enjoy the ride, sitting in the rear seat.
With several modifications that can be custom-made in the mobility vehicle, there are several factors that need to be taken care of according to the convenience and usage of the specially challenged person.
Types of Cars for Mobility Users
1. Sedans
Photo Credit: http://101mobility.com/sedan.php
The Toyota Avalon has always been the most favored car among mobility users due to its wide cabin space. 2013 remodel of this car makes it even more attractive with more features such as wider seat adjustments and even wider cabin space than before. It also comes with a bigger trunk, which can enable mobility users to carry their mobility scooter.
The Toyota Prius also comes with wider cabin space, offering more comfort to its riders. It has an advanced feature of low-effort steering, which enables riders with lower upper body strength. It also has the feature of Keyless ignition for people with arthritis for whom it could be painful to start the car using a key.
The Toyota Prius-V is the best pick in this category. It is also a fuel-efficient car with a 40mpg capacity. Its cabin is a very quiet and peaceful space due to the noise-free engine. It provides a good suspension, thus giving almost no shock while riding on bumps and bad roads, thus protecting people from spinal cord problems and enabling safe travel.
The Scion XB is a boxy style car and has been a popular choice among mobility users. It has the provision of a side ramp that can be fanned out so that the disabled person can enter and exit the car without any difficulty. It also comes with several other customization options, which give a personal touch to the rider. The only disadvantage of this vehicle is it has a low roof height, which is inconvenient for taller wheelchair users.
3. Minivans
Minivans are often known for their bigger cabin space than other cars and decent fuel economy.
The Toyota Sienna is an outstanding model in this category. It is the only vehicle in this category to offer an all-wheel drive. It is an automatically accessible seat that enables the rider to turn it by 90 degrees and get down from the car or get inside. Its height can also be lowered up to 19 inches from the ground.
The Mercedes-Benz Sprinter is one vehicle that offers a unique facility of high roofing for taller wheelchair users, which is not offered by many mobility vehicle models. This model also offers a good mileage compared to its Ford and GM rivals.
Ford’s Transit Connect is another good Boxy model with taller room for heightened wheelchair users with a very wide interior space.
Full-size mobility vans are a greater option for larger wheelchair users or for those in high-powered chairs. These vehicles offer the widest space than any other type of mobility car.
5. Other Vehicles
Other popular mobility vehicles are the Kangoo from Renault, Chrysler Voyager, Citroen Berlingo, Kia Sedona, and Doblo from Fiat. These are relatively smaller cars but are accompanied by similar features.
While each type of mobility vehicle has its own advantages and disadvantages, it is always better to do minor research about each type and choose the best possible care according to a mobility user’s convenience.
Vehicle Modifications for a Mobility Car
A normal car can be converted into a mobility car by performing certain modifications. There are two options to consider in this: either the mobility user is the driver or the passenger who sits in the rear seat and travels. The following modifications are made in the car for the two options.
When the disabled person is the driver
Lowering of a portion of the floor for convenience.
Seating is modified in such a way that the wheelchair can be fixed instead of a seat and later changed back to normal.
Accessories for tying down the wheelchair are installed.
How to Get a Free Mobility Car?
These cars are obviously expensive, as they have been remodeled to a great extent to provide comfort and ease to a physically challenged person to drive a car like any other. As it is not possible for everyone to afford a mobility car, there are certain ways where you can get a free car in the United States, and you can remodel it according to your needs.
1. Keep Your Necessary Information Handy
Keep a list of necessary paperwork and proofs readily in hand as to why you need a car, your list of medical records and prescriptions, a list of reasons as to why you need a mobility car, proof of your everyday expenses and living, and your economic condition. With all these proofs in hand, you can request a free mobility car from the US Government.
There are several organizations that accept old cars from people and donate them to those who need them. There are certain criteria to be eligible to receive a free car from them.
You must be a citizen of the United States, presently living in America.
A sufferer of domestic violence, and because of this, there is a major handicap.
Someone who needs medical help for a lifetime.
A victim of any natural disaster that struck the US, such as a tornado or hurricane
Living in a mobile shelter home
Living below the poverty line
A member of a family from which a person is actively on military duty.
You can apply online on the Free Charity Cars website by creating a profile and collecting votes from people by explaining why you really need a free car. If you receive the maximum votes, you will be provided with a free car.
3. Contact NGOs
There are many nonprofit organizations that have a policy of donating free cars to people for whom they are needed. You can check their websites for such policies. Even if there is no free car donation facility, you can receive a car for a low cost.
4. Contact Churches
Many people donate cars or other utilities to churches so they can claim a tax write-off. You can contact the church and explain to them your necessity and check for any such offerings so that they can donate that car to you.
In countries like the UK, there is a special scheme run by the government known as the “Motability Scheme” that gives loans and allowances for disabled persons to purchase a mobility car.
As a popular saying, ‘It is not the disabilities, but the abilities that count’. Hence, never tie down your emotions, and explore the beauty of life by taking a road trip in your latest Mobility car.
How To Understand The Intelligent Parking Assist System
An advanced parking guidance system is commonly known as an Intelligent parking assist system. An intelligent parking assist system was used in the Lexus models of the US. It is the automated system for parking that is developed by the Toyota Motor Corporation in the year 1999. It was initially used in Lexus Models and Hybrid Prius for the Japanese market. This technology provides assistance to the drivers to park their vehicles efficiently without causing any damage.
The vehicles that are equipped with an intelligent parking assist system have a touch screen on their dashboard with button controls. With the help of an intelligent parking assist system, the car can drive automatically to get parked in the available space with just minimal precision from the driver’s side.
The second new version of the intelligent parking assist system comes into the limelight in Japan. It was featured in a luxury edition of Lexus LS. It featured this advanced parking technology with other various new inventions by Toyota.
The versions that we see today in our cars rolled out in 2009 were included in the Prius Model made for the United States.
This technology is renowned in Europe and Asia as an intelligent parking assist system in Lexus and Toyota models. In the US, it is known as the “Advanced parking guidance system” and is included in the Lexus models only.
Development of the Intelligent Parking Assist system or Advanced parking guidance system
Initially, this intelligent parking assist system was developed to park cars in reverse or parallel parking.
In the initial stages, this system doesn’t require driver intervention as it estimates the size available for parking and thus parking the vehicle appropriately and smartly.
This became possible because of a computer system installed inside the car that estimated the space using cameras that were present on the front and rear sides of the cameras.
A sensor that was placed nearby the cameras counts the proximity of other close vehicles around and provides the system with exact space.
The screen installed on the dashboard shows the details of the available space, and then the driver has to mark the exact position of the car using the arrows available on the touch screen.
With the help of the arrow keys, the driver decides the exact location to park the vehicle and initiates the command using the button available on the screen.
After that, the computer takes over the steering and parks the vehicle smartly in the driver’s allocated space.
The early version of this intelligent parking system had a lot of glitches.
The system faced difficulty in detecting the objects like cats, babies, or pedestrians.
The other glitch was that if this system was used in a smaller space parking, the screens would keep on flashing the warning signals constantly, stating that the car could hit other parked cars.
In such circumstances, the driver’s assistance was required by the computer. Late on, an upgraded intelligent parking assistance system came to light in 2005, which included the recognition capability of parking stripes. With the passing years, technology has evolved further, and now the intelligent parking assistance system has parking sensors.
This version can calculate the exact details of parking the vehicle parallel or in reverse. It also helps the driver to determine the space in that particular parking lot by displaying colored strips on the screen which give the indication of obstacles and proximity around.
How Does the Intelligent Parking Assistance System Work?
The technology used in building an Intelligent parking assistance system includes:
The intelligent parking assist system or advanced parking guidance system uses computer processors.
These computer processors are attached to the vehicle warning system known as SONAR system, the backup cameras, and sensors.
These Sonar sensors for parking include various sensors that are fixed on the front and back bumpers.
These sensors are attached to detect obstacles and raise a warning when an obstacle is detected nearby.
These also help the computer steer the vehicle at the perfect angles required to park the vehicle.
These sensors are further attached to two other sensors that work with the central processing chip, which again is attached to backup imaging systems that display the information about parking to the driver.
The sonar sensors used in the intelligent parking assistance system help the computer for calculating the parking angle data that can be seen on the touch screen on the dashboard along with the obstacles nearby.
The IPAS gets activated when we put our car to reverse mode.
The sensors and cameras that are present on the rear side themselves get activated automatically.
In reverse mode, the driver can use the auto parking buttons present on the screen to park the vehicle automatically.
When the automatic parking assistance system gets activated, the computer processor starts calculating the angles of operations to parking the car in a reverse position or parallel and then integrates with the steering system of the car thus enabling it to park efficiently by itself.
Intelligent Parking Assist Systems – The Functions
More up-to-date variants of the intelligent parking assistance system permit the car for reverse or parallel parking. When the drivers are parking parallel with the help of the system, the driver first needs to pull the car near the parking stripes. Then, the car moves forward until its back bumper crosses the back wheels of the vehicle that is parked in the open parking lot.
When you put the vehicle in reverse, it will activate the intelligent parking assistance system. With the help of a camera, the driver can look at the rearview display console on the dashboard. On the display, the screen driver can see the grid, usually marked with green, yellow, and red lines that tell the proximity of the other obstacles.
Although everything is automatic, the driver still needs to check if the proximity box on the touch screen is displayed properly according to the parking.
If there is a lot of parking space available, then the box will appear green in color.
If the box is incorrectly placed, then it will show a red color.
The driver needs to place the box correctly to turn the box green.
Once everything seems to be perfect and the space for parking is identified, the driver can press the ok button and take their hands off the controlling wheel. Once the driver removes their feet from the brakes, the car starts to accelerate and will park the vehicle in the parking space.
Conclusion
The automatic parking assistance system works completely when you are parking your car. It works with precision through the computer system. Most of the time, when we are parking the car on our own, we neglect many obstacles that come our way. But with the help of an intelligent parking assistance system, these obstacles can be easily marked within the sensors. Now, there is no need to worry about your parking tensions as this new advanced technology will be there to help you park very easily and conveniently.
We hope that with the help of this blog, you will be able to understand the parking assistance system in an efficient manner.
List Of Nation’s Best Auto Shows In The United States
Visiting auto shows is an incredible method for finding out about innovation in the car business, finding new patterns in vehicle outline, and ecologically cognizant advancements in new autos. Individuals contemplating buying another vehicle for reasons unknown will get valuable data about new vehicles, financing, charge motivations, and different points that may aid them to select the right car for themselves.
Taking a look at the models from an assortment of makers in plain view in one spot is leverage to auto customers. While searching for an automobile should be possible on the web, auto demonstrates permit individuals to encounter the autos in an individual. Agents and representatives for a broad range of car that belongs to the various brands of automobile industry organizations are nearby for customers to make inquiries about item details, efficiency, advancements amongst earlier and also the upcoming models, unique improvements, and financing bargains.
If you are very much curious to know about cars and various automotive, then it is the perfect article for you are going. You can also find the schedule of these shows online and also through car clubs and Industrial Organizations. These resources may help you select the perfect show to visit and fulfill your curiosity.
Major Annual Car Shows in the United States
There are numerous automobiles demonstrated annually in the States, and many of the automobiles belong to real industry occasions. There is an industry exchange that appears and afterward explains what is interesting in the general population. The bigger shows have a broad range of classifications of autos, trucks, cruisers, great vehicles, and considerably more. The following are the car shows in no particular order.
This show is one of the biggest in the United States. It happens in January annually, and the show was performed for almost a week. Also, it is a day for the media; a day is given to industries, and a day is also given to charity purposes, and afterward, a few days are given to open appearing. You can hope to see the debut of many vehicles. Automotive workforces from organizations around the globe were also presented in this show to present to all of you the data you may require or need.
2. New York Automobile Show
The New York International Auto Show happens towards the start of the month of April and gives you sneak looks, new idea models, new creation models, and more. The venue of this show is Jacob Javits Center. It is an event of charity and the chance to have personal visits. There is a ride-and-drive territory, and that is especially for the test of new models.
3. Los Angeles Auto Show
This automobile expo in LA happens toward the month of November at the LA Centre. In this show, various appearances of new auto ideas can be experienced, including models that utilize elective fills, Venture cars, and secondary selling autos. They test drive numerous automobiles, play recreations, and also see workmanship shown on autos. The event features renowned hot rods and different well-known names from hustling. The Los Angeles Car Show has world premieres and also North American premieres of new autos.
4. SEMA Car Show
This show happens at the Las Vegas Centre. This show is only for industry and is not for the general population. Part into 12 distinctive areas, the show unites almost a lakh industry pioneers across a hundred nations. There are item exhibitions, instructive classes, and organizing opportunities, and the sky is the limit from there.
5. Atlanta International Automobile Show
The Atlanta Show always happens annually in the month of March at Georgia World Centre. This show showcases the automobiles from real car producers in plain view, and additionally numerous upcoming models. Also, there are a lot of chances to drive autos and buy things. There will be a chance to have a look at the great automobiles from the show, big sports names, and different celebrated figures in hustling and excitement.
6. Philadelphia International Car Show
The Philadelphia show is an extraordinary occasion for the whole family. Rather than producers appearing, the vast majority of the merchants in the range have dispensed. As of late, it has always been updated and gotten fresher and all the more energizing autos straightforwardly from the makers and pioneers in the vehicle business. The great auto area is exceptionally great.
7. Shows Famous in California
Many custom shows are located in California during various months of the year. There are numerous dragster custom auto shows to go to because there is a whole custom auto culture that grew and is mainly performed in Southern California. You might have the capacity to locate a free auto appearance while others may give their returns as a part of the charity.
The Orange County Auto Show car Expo happens at the Anaheim Centre annually in the month of October. The show is an enormous auto show with more than only traditions; you can also test-drive a portion of the freshest vehicles, see fascinating autos, converse with those that are in the rebuilding business sector, and a great deal more.
9. Capitola Rod Car Show
The Capitola Rod show takes place in Capitola in June every year. You can see all distinctive sorts of custom autos from the territory. These autos are an astounding situation, and you may also make inquiries of the proprietors, look in the engine and go to the numerous occasions that took place. You can witness a portion of the best autos from the speedster time.
10. Sausalito Automobile Show
The Sausalito Custom Car Show happens annually in Sausalito and is also a perfect spot on the magnificent waterfront. It typically happens on the first most Sunday in the month of October. This Sausalito Custom Car Show has an extensive variety of exemplary autos to see, a lot of nourishment, and extraordinary music. The diverse classifications incorporate dragsters, custom cars, extraordinary interest autos, antique-fashioned autos, vintage autos, and exemplary vehicles.
This Oldies yet Goodies auto show happens once every month. The show happens majorly in March, April, May, June, and July. These are all distinctive sorts of custom autos that are accessible to see, and there is no passage expense. also, many grants are available so that you can put in your efforts and win them.
Conclusion
These shows are a must-do if you are a diehard fan of cars and motorcycles. Do comment on the information we have provided on automobiles and automotive shows held. Happy driving!
How To Differentiate Braking Systems In Automobiles?
Every mechanical device capable of motion, be it a car or cart, does have a brake as a component, thus incorporating it into our lives every day. A much-clarified description of the vehicular component brake would be:
A brake is what makes the device or automobile motionless for the time being.
The brakes in your car are a vital part without which your life is in constant danger. It is extremely essential to keep your brakes in the most competent position at all times, hence making them the most important component of your vehicle.
It sucks when you are having trouble with the brakes on your car, and the mechanic utters complicated terms such as ‘disk brakes’, ‘drum brakes’, ‘hydraulic fluids’, ‘piston’, etc. You’d feel vulnerable and worry that you might get scammed. Well, we’re here to impart some knowledge about this important set of mechanical components engineered into our daily lives via automobiles.
Background
To begin with, braking systems have evolved through the years. About a century ago, brakes were still on an improvising basis, which indicates that although various vehicles were common back in the day, stopping them was not as easy as it is now. From tire brakes on a four-wheeler horse coach to the anti-brake locking system, brakes have come a long way.
The framework for the brakes we use today was established around 1945 with the Studebaker 1946 model. In current times, the fastest and the most efficient brakes are found in the cars that race for the Formula 1 World Championship.
There are different sorts of brakes within your car and also among two automobiles. Let’s warm you up with basic knowledge about the set of brakes you can find in your car. There is more than one brake in your car, and they are used in more than one scenario. One is when the driver is maneuvering the vehicle and wants to slow down or stop at a signal, i.e., in ordinary driving scenarios.
The emergency brakes are for urgent situations where the vehicle might be on the verge of collision i.e. an exceptional driving scenario. There is also a different mechanism of brakes used when you’re parking.
How Does a Brake Work?
The most common kinds of braking systems you need to remember are Service brakes, Emergency Brakes, and Antilock Brakes Systems. These systems are found in a typical braking system.
We shall ease your way into it. Let’s start with pedals and then accelerate our way inside the mechanism. When you push the brake in your car, you’re actually creating the momentum that is carried through the pedal towards the master cylinder, which is then immediately forwarded to the wheels. The ‘momentum’ is, in fact, Hydraulic oil, aka Brake fluid, and it carries the force to each wheel like a steel rod being pushed through a tube.
Why Hydraulic oil?
With the medium substance being in the liquid state, it enables easy flow through tubes, pipes, and hoses which are present in the braking system of your car. Without air bubbles in the oil, the brake fluid is capable of flowing rapidly through the master cylinder to the wheel with the exact same pressure you pushed the brake.
Air makes the consistency spongy, thus defeating the efficiency of the entire braking system. To ensure that there is no air in the fluid, we have ‘bleeding screws’ at intervals in the cylinders of the wheels as well as calipers. The number of components and the way those components work in separate braking systems differ.
For example, disk brakes and drum brakes work like brakes on a bicycle except with pads and shoes, respectively. The mechanism of brakes is based on the same prototype of creating friction to slow down the motion of the vehicle, but it differs at some levels.
Service brakes are the braking system we make the most use of. Service brakes are used while slowing down the vehicle, stopping at a signal, or just to keep the vehicle at a stationary position. These brakes are used for the most ordinary scenarios while driving a vehicle. The left pedal you find below your steering wheel is primarily used to operate the Service Braking System.
There are further diverse applications of the Service Braking System. The one in your vehicle works on any of the following three mechanical principles:
1. Electromagnetic Braking: This type of braking system is majorly found in locomotive automobiles like trams and trains. Earlier on it was called Electro-Mechanical brakes, which gradually changed to Electromagnetic because of its literal meaning defining the type of brake. Over the years, its application and variation in different aspects have developed drastically. Originally, electromagnetism depended on kinetic energy born due to heat, but eddy current brakes depend entirely on Electromagnetism.
2. Frictional Braking: This is a very well-known principle applied in most braking systems today. You can see the framework of a braking system working on friction in bicycles. But in larger vehicles like cars or trucks, the braking system is complex. Although it works on the basic principle of friction, it has a number of components to get the desired result. Brake pads or shoes are rubbed against the rotor with the help of calipers in a rotating motion inside the braking system to create heat by the mode of friction in the forward-moving vehicle, thus slowing it down or bringing it to a complete halt. The use of either Brake pads or shoes depends on the braking system- Disk or drum, respectively.
3. Pump Braking: To pump your brakes is popularly called Cadence braking or Stutter Braking. It cuts off the fuel supply within the vehicle via a piston motor. When the fuel supply to the engine is cut, the vehicle gradually comes to a halt. It is mostly used to maneuver the vehicle or brake on a slippery surface to avoid skidding. This braking system is overshadowed by the concept of Anti-Lock Braking Systems in modern cars, but it’s a skill worth learning.
The Service Braking System is made up of different frameworks depending upon the type of vehicle it is engineered for. The complex grouping and placement of components differ with the vehicle type. It could be either of the following or a combination of two:
Disc Brakes
Disc Brakes
Disc brakes were earlier on called plates or plate brakes. These are an ideal sort of brakes today with less wear, more efficiency, self-cleaning, and self-adjusting, and can be used to stop even jumbo jets. Disc brakes by default are used to control the front wheels of an automobile. In some cases, disc brakes are used even on the rear wheels, but not necessarily.
Why do we have disc brakes on the front wheel by default?
When a car has to be stopped, the front wheels play a more imminent role than the rare wheels. Disc brakes are proved better in braking than other braking systems in the market today; it is the choice of every engineer. To decrease the chances of inefficiency and failure, we always employ disc brakes on the front wheels.
Brakes are applied in a forward-moving vehicle by the heat caused by friction in the wheel brakes. A wheel brake is applied to slow down the vehicle’s wheel rotation, thus bringing it to a gradual halt. Two pads are set in place inside the wheel brake, and when the brake is applied, the metal pads in the brakes are pushed against a rotating component via the calipers set in place.
Drum Brakes
So if disc brakes are the proven best brakes, why do we still have drum brakes?
Drum Brakes are less expensive compared to Disc Brakes. It is cheaper to engineer a drum brake into the rear wheels not only because of how much it costs but also because installing Parking Brakes on the rear wheels becomes easier. With a disc brake in the rear wheels, we have to install a whole new system for Parking Brakes. But if a drum brake is installed on the rear wheels, parking brakes can be activated only by adding a lever.
The components used in a Drum Brake are:
Brake drum
Brake shoes
Backing plate
Wheel cylinder
Return springs
Automatic adjusting framework
When the brake pedal is pushed, the hydraulic oil (pressure) pushes the wheel cylinders to rub brake shoes against the brake drum, thus causing friction. When the brake is successfully applied, the shoes return to their previous position with the help of Return Springs.
With constant and regular use, the wear of these components, especially brake shoes, must be checked. When the metal of the shoes becomes visibly worn, it is highly recommended to get it changed for your own safety. Any brake failure caused due to the inefficiency of this system can result in dangerous repercussions.
The mechanical principle of applying the brake in a Disc brake framework and a Drum brake framework is almost the same.
Brakes are applied in the forward-moving vehicle by the heat caused due to friction caused by the shoes/pads of the brakes and the surface.
A brake through the pedal is applied to slow down the vehicle’s wheel rotation thus bringing it to a gradual halt.
The brake shoes/pad are made of steel/metal, and they are pushed against the surface via the brake fluid.
The difference lies in the use of different components to cause friction and the addition of Return springs in the latter.
It is a braking system that evolved in the modern era. Found in newer models, the Antilock Braking system goes literally by its name. It is utilized under heavy braking. It helps the wheels when the brakes are pushed too hard (especially in the case of emergencies), and when the wheels are on the verge of getting locked thus causing a possible skid.
If heavily braked, the rear wheels might face a lot of weight, and that can result in the locking of wheels, consequently, a skid. When rear wheels are engineered into an automobile, they are made less powerful on purpose. With the ABS, any chances of wheels getting locked are eliminated.
The Antilock Braking skid works from within the brake system using three components: the central Electronic Control Unit, Speed Sensors on the wheel, and valves in the hydraulic pumps. What the ABS does it that if it detects that a wheel is going visibly slower or faster than other wheels, it reduces or increases the hydraulic pressure towards the wheel, thus avoiding misbalancing and possible accidents on the road.
Single-Circuit Hydraulic Brakes
The hydraulic brake fluid flows to the master cylinder when the driver applies a brake. The system has connected the master cylinder with a series of metal pipes, tubes, and hoses installed at the wheel cylinders. Each wheel brake has opposite pistons on the drum or band brake. When the pressure is applied on the brake pedal, pistons located at the wheel cylinder are pushed apart and it, in turn, forces brake pads into the wheel cylinder.
Dual-Circuit Hydraulic Brakes
It is a primary command circuit for when the pressure on the brake is applied and a secondary circuit controlled by a computerized system in the car that incorporates the force applied and inserted the same into the hydraulic pump system.
Brake-by-Wire
It is a system with integrated cable wires that when pressure on the brake pedal is applied, calculates electrical resistance and directs signals to the computer system in the car, which measures applied force and directs the same to the hydraulic pump system.
This braking system can be utilized to stop even the heaviest of automobiles using the naturally born vacuum force within the engine combined with the outside air to exaggerate the pressure applied by the driver on the brake pedal. The master cylinder is connected to the brake pedal with air valves, which open in the diaphragm’s rear to let in outside air.
With the pressure of the air received from outside depending on the speed of the automobile, the piston on the master cylinder is pushed; thus, assisting the brakes to stop the vehicle. The same mechanism can be followed even when the engine is off because of the direct link of the master cylinder with the brake pedal created via a servo fitted in the framework, but with much more exerted power on the brake pedal.
Air Brakes
Via : https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Air_brake_(road_vehicle)
It works the same way as a typical braking system. Instead of brake fluid or Hydraulic oil, Air is used as a medium. Air is pushed through the tubes to apply force to a drum brake or disk brake. Air brakes are normally applied in braking systems of large vehicles like trucks, trailers, and buses.
Advanced Emergency Braking System (AEBS)
This is an advanced braking system not found in regular cars today. With the help of sensors installed in the car, the system monitors how close other vehicles are to the car. If the proximity is too close, the brakes are automatically applied to the car, thus avoiding any chances of collision or accidents. Although this braking system sounds like a hoot in terms of automated safety, it is ridiculously expensive, which makes it all the rarer to use.
Aircraft/Watercrafts
Via : http://www.hotrod.com/articles/speedway-motors-bendix-lincoln-drum-brakes/
Brakes are usually applied to a rotating surface within the wheel brake, but in certain cases, it is deployed onto substantial surfaces such as air or water.
How does that work?
Well, airplanes have a combination of wheel brakes and air brakes for when they wish to slow down in the air.
So the pilot opens up flaps on the sides of the aircraft, thus going against natural airflow. That helps in reducing the speed of air.
The same goes with watercraft.
Flaps are opened up in the water, going against the natural flow of water causing a slower speed or total halt.
These Service Brakes whether run on hydraulic pressure, computerized systems, air, or water, are mechanized to keep your safety in check.
The type of Service Braking System chosen for the vehicle depends on the type and weight of the automobile.
The best technology is used in evolving automobiles only to enhance your driving experience.
But the brakes you use while driving your car are different from the brakes you use in emergency situations.
Parking Brakes
The mechanism used for parking your car is somewhat similar to the other Braking Systems. But the tool used to apply brakes while parking is different. You usually find a tiny pedal beneath the steering wheel in the driver’s area, or a handbrake is used after halting the vehicle to keep the car stationary on a flat of inclined road.
A handbrake is a lever you find between the two front seats that run on the mechanical force. It is linked to wheel brakes overlapping the service brake systems to function smoothly in case of a brake failure.
Some advanced models have replaced the levers/latches with just a tiny button. It latches the wheel directly on the signals of the parking brakes located in the driver’s cab.
The use of parking brakes and emergency brakes differs only as per the situation. Parking brakes are used when the car is in a very slow motion with an intention to halt/park whereas emergency brakes are used when the car is in regular motion, i.e. when the car is being driven to avoid a collision or accident. Therefore, the same tools are used for Parking as well as Emergency situations.
But how does the car system evaluate the purpose for which the tool was hit?
The car system has an equalizer in the braking system. Only the rear wheels of the automobiles work for emergency brakes.
Depending on the pressure applied on the brakes combined with whether the car was stationary or in motion determines with what intention the brakes were used.
The equalizer divides the signals towards both rear wheels, directing them to slow down.
If the car was at speed, it might cause the rear wheels to skid due to the misbalancing within the wheels and braking system; thus, causing a probable accident.
If you have a well-mechanized combination of service brakes and emergency brakes with good maneuvering of the vehicle, you might not face a possible skid.
It was created to reduce skidding in the rear wheels caused due to emergency brakes or heavy service braking.
The ABS is an excellent safety system found mostly in newer and advanced models of automobiles.
Regular Maintenance
Wear and Tear: Get your service brakes checked every now and then. The pads, shoes, and brake linings may have worn off due to constant braking. Check for noises like grinding and squeaking. Also, if the car takes the time to halt, you know where to start checking.
Have the pipes and tubes in the braking system checked. Check for air bubbles in the hydraulic oil, causing it to be spongy, thus making it inefficient. The valves connecting the master cylinder, pedals, and wheel brakes (fluid and air) need to be checked as well.
Don’t accelerate and brake together. You might not see visible consequences, but long-time braking causes the brakes to heat up. Slow your car down to medium speed, and then hit the brakes to come to a halt.
You have now gained complete knowledge about the mechanism of the braking systems in your automobile and the variations and applications of usage in different conditions and different vehicles. It is also equally important to maintain and upgrade the braking system and its components to ensure the safety of you and your loved ones. The failure of your braking system can cost your life. Discuss your car’s brake system and maintain it with the help of your mechanic.
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