THE FUNDAMENTALS OF BRAKING To understand braking systems, it is important to know the different types of braking systems, how many braking options are in a vehicle, and what affects the function of a vehicle’s brakes. In every automobile and light truck vehicle, there are two types of braking system. These systems are the service brake and the parking brake system. You can view these systems in figure 2 of the AudioLearn Study Guide PDF.
Figure 2
The service brake is generally used in slowing down or completely stopping a vehicle and it is operated by stepping on a foot pedal generally located at the left side of the accelerating or gas pedal. The modern service brake consists of components such as the drum or disc brakes, brake pads, push rods, master cylinders, and valves. In some vehicles, disc brakes are used on all four wheels while for others disc brakes are used on the front wheel and drum brakes on the rear wheel. The parking brake is generally used for holding and keeping a vehicle in place when it is stationary or parked. This is why it is called the parking brake and it is generally located between the driver and passenger seats or on the steering wheel. The parking brake is
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