Kerékfékeket

Kerékfékeket, meaning "wheel brakes" in Hungarian, refers to the braking system of a vehicle. These systems are essential for slowing down or stopping the vehicle by converting kinetic energy into heat through friction. The most common types of wheel brakes are disc brakes and drum brakes.

Disc brakes typically consist of a rotor (a disc) attached to the wheel hub and a caliper that houses brake pads. When the brake pedal is pressed, hydraulic fluid pushes pistons within the caliper, forcing the brake pads to clamp onto the rotating rotor. This friction creates the braking force. Disc brakes are known for their superior stopping power and resistance to fading, making them prevalent in modern passenger cars and performance vehicles.

Drum brakes, on the other hand, use a drum that rotates with the wheel. Inside the drum are brake shoes that are forced outward against the inner surface of the drum when the brakes are applied. This friction slows the rotation of the drum and, consequently, the wheel. Drum brakes are generally less effective than disc brakes and are often found on the rear wheels of less expensive vehicles or as part of a parking brake system.

Modern vehicles often employ anti-lock braking systems (ABS) which work in conjunction with the wheel brakes. ABS prevents the wheels from locking up during hard braking, allowing the driver to maintain steering control. The primary function of all kerékfékeket is to ensure safe operation of the vehicle.