Unsung Road Heroes: The Evolution Of Brakes To Make Our Journeys Safer

Pratyaksh Dubey Dec 09, 2023

The evolution of brakes as unsung heroes working to make our journeys safer Imagine hurtling down a highway, unable to slow down for a red light or stop for an unexpected obstacle. The mere thought sends shivers down our spines. Brakes provide us with the peace of mind to navigate busy streets, confidently avoid collisions, and arrive at our destinations safely. They are not merely a convenience; they are essential to the very act of driving itself.

“Every year the lives of approximately 1.3 million people are cut short as a result of a road traffic crash. Between 20 and 50 million more people suffer non-fatal injuries, with many incurring a disability as a result of their injury,” stated the World Health Organisation (WHO).

WHO findings give multiple reasons for road accidents. Let's look at one of the major components that prevent accidents and without which safer mobility cannot even be imagined, which is the ‘Braking system’.

Let us dive into the evolution of cars and brakes, which evolved from simple wooden blocks to complex hydraulic and electronic systems over more than a century.

Some of the major milestones in the history and evolution of car brakes are:

Wooden block brakes: The earliest brake system consisted of a lever that moved a block of wood against the wheels. This method was effective on steel-rimmed wheels, which were used in horse-drawn and steam-powered vehicles.

Mechanical drum brakes: The mechanical drum brake was developed in 1902 by Louis Renault, a French manufacturer and a pioneer in the automobile industry. Drum brakes work because brake shoes generate friction by rubbing against the inner surface of a brake drum attached to a wheel. There are two types of drum brakes: external-contracting and internal-expanding. External-contracting drum brakes were prone to slipping, unwrapping, and jamming due to dust and moisture.

Hydraulic brakes: The hydraulic brake was introduced in 1918 by Malcolm Loughead, an American engineer and inventor. Hydraulic brakes use a fluid to transfer force from the brake pedal to the brake shoe when pressed. Hydraulic brakes have several advantages over mechanical brakes, such as more even braking, less maintenance, and better performance in wet conditions.
Power brakes: The power brake was the next advancement in the field, which used a vacuum pump, powered by the intake manifold, to give the driver a power boost and make it easier to apply the brakes. A vacuum-assisted brake booster is the key component of the power brake system, which reduces the pedal effort required to stop the vehicle.

Disc brakes: The disc brake was invented in 1902 by William Lanchester, an English engineer and automobile pioneer, but it was not widely adopted until the 1950s. Disc brakes work by squeezing a pair of brake pads against a rotating disc attached to the wheel. Disc brakes have several benefits over drum brakes, such as better cooling, less fading, self-adjustment, and easier replacement.

Anti-lock braking system (ABS): The anti-lock braking system is a modern electronic system that prevents the wheels from locking up and skidding during hard braking. ABS works by sensing the wheel speed and modulating the brake pressure accordingly. ABS improves the vehicle’s stability and steering control, especially on slippery surfaces. ABS was first developed for aircraft in the 1920s, but it was not until the 1970s that it became available for cars.

Some of the pros and cons of different types of car brakes are:

Wooden block brakes:

Pros: simple and cheap

Cons: ineffective on rubber tyres, noisy, and prone to fire.

Mechanical drum brakes:

Pros: easy to install and operate

Cons: susceptible to external factors, uneven braking, and frequent adjustment.

Hydraulic brakes:

Pros: more consistent and efficient braking, less maintenance, and better performance in wet conditions

Cons: potential fluid leakage, air bubbles, and contamination.

Power brakes:

Pros: less pedal effort, faster response, and smoother braking

Cons: dependent on engine vacuum, complex components, and higher cost.

Disc brakes:

Pros: better cooling, less fading, self-adjustment, and easier replacement.

cons: higher initial cost, heavier weight, and more brake dust.

Anti-lock braking system

pros: improved stability and steering control, reduced stopping distance, and increased safety

Cons: higher cost, complex components, and possible malfunction.

An accident that results in the death of one or more people is fatal. “The total number of fatal road accidents had increased from 1,42,163 in 2021 to 1,55,781 in 2022, registering an increase of 9.6 per cent corresponding to the same period last year,” stated a report by the Ministry of Road Transport and Highways (Transport Research Wing).

Advancement and innovation in the braking system are indeed a much-needed evolution and should continue to happen with time.

Brakes are indeed the silent guardians of journeys. They work tirelessly behind the scenes, ensuring safety and peace of mind on every road trip, commute, or errand. So, the next time you put your foot on the brake pedal, take a moment to appreciate these unsung heroes of the road. They are the true champions of safe and responsible driving.