The Opel braking system is a complex system of components and technology that work together to safely bring your vehicle to a stop. Many of the components in an Opel braking system are designed to perform a specific type of job within the overall system in order to provide optimal performance. Taking the time to understand the different pieces of your Opel braking system, and how they work together, will help you to better understand the importance of routine maintenance and when systems might begin to malfunction.
At the heart of the Opel braking system are its four basic components: the master cylinder, brake disc/drum, calipers, and brake pads/shoes. The master cylinder is a reservoir that houses the brake fluid. This fluid is pressurized when the brake pedal is pressed, sending a signal along the brake lines and into the brake disc/drum and brake calipers. This pressure causes the brake disc or drum to squeeze against the brake pads or shoes. This friction creates the stopping power needed to bring a vehicle to a stop.
The calipers in an Opel braking system are what make sure that the pressure applied to the brake pads or shoes is even. These devices work like a clamp, gripping the brake rotors or drums and keeping the brake pads in contact with the brake surface. This is also where the rotor or drum is tightened against the brake pads, helping the brake system operate more smoothly.
The brake pads and shoes are where the tear and wear of a vehicle’s braking system is most likely to occur. These components are made of a high quality friction material designed to withstand repeated use and provide the stopping power needed to slow a vehicle down. Over time these components can become worn or corroded, leading to a decrease in braking performance. Regular inspection and replacements of your brake pads or shoes is essential to keeping a vehicle’s braking system in optimal condition.
The Opel braking system is an incredibly complex and important system on any Opel vehicle. Taking the time to understand the components of your vehicle’s braking system will not only help you to understand when it needs maintenance, but also help you to reduce the risk of additional damage to other parts of your vehicle or yourself and others if an accident should occur.
