Pidurijõudu

Pidurijõudu, translated from Estonian as "braking force," refers to the force that opposes the motion of a vehicle and slows it down or stops it. This force is primarily generated by the vehicle's braking system. When a driver applies the brakes, a series of mechanical or hydraulic actions occur. In most modern vehicles, this involves the brake pedal being pressed, which in turn actuates a master cylinder. The master cylinder then forces brake fluid through brake lines to the wheels.

At the wheels, the brake fluid pushes pistons that engage brake pads or shoes against rotating brake discs or drums. The friction created between these surfaces converts the kinetic energy of the moving vehicle into heat, thus reducing its speed. The effectiveness of the pidurijõudu is crucial for vehicle safety, allowing drivers to control their speed and avoid collisions. Factors influencing pidurijõudu include the condition of the brake components (pads, discs, drums, fluid), tire condition and traction with the road surface, the vehicle's weight, and external factors such as road conditions (wet, icy, etc.). Antilock Braking Systems (ABS) are designed to modulate the pidurijõudu to prevent wheel lock-up, maintaining steering control during hard braking.