Volkswagen has been at the forefront of automotive safety efforts since its formation in 1937. As such, they have developed an array of different brake systems to ensure the car remains safe and in control during braking. This article will explore the different types of Volkswagen brakes, their benefits and how they work.
Drum brakes are one of the oldest type of brake available. They are composed of a rotating drum with a series of curved shoes that makes up the brake lining. When the brake pedal is pressed, hydraulic pressure is applied to the shoes, causing them to press against the drum, creating friction and slowing down the vehicle. Drum brakes are cost effective and generally easier to service than other brake types. However, they have a lower maximum braking capacity than other designs and can create a lot of noise due to the action of the shoes against the drum.
Disc brakes operate in a similar way to drum brakes, with the primary difference being that instead of a drum, a disc brakes uses a rotating rotor disc. The brake pads are encased in a caliper and are forced against the disc when the brake pedal is pressed. There’s also a rotating piston in the caliper which forces the brake pads against the disc, providing significantly more braking power than drum brakes. Disc brakes are much quieter than drum brakes, are more responsive and are far more efficient at dissipating heat.
Nowadays, most high-performance Volkswagen brakes are equipped with ABS (Anti-lock Braking System). This system uses sensors to measure the vehicle’s speed and control the brakes by automatically intervening when it detects any wheel locking up. This helps to reduce stopping distances, prevents the vehicle from skidding and helps improve car handling.
Volkswagen’s state-of-the-art braking system is the ESP system (Electronic Stablisation Program). This system electronically augments the brakes for even more control and stability under braking, with sensors monitoring the vehicle’s speed, steering and brakes to calculate the exact amount of force to be applied at each wheel. The ESP system also has the added benefit of being able to reduce oversteer, which results in a more efficient and safer handling of the vehicle.
No matter which Volkswagen brake system is chosen, they’re all designed to improve the safety and performance of the vehicle. As Volkswagen continues to develop more innovative braking systems, customers can expect cars and trucks with even better stopping power, control and safety.
