Hybrid car brakes – get to know the most important facts!
Drivers’ preferences related to drives have been changing over the years. Today, ecological solutions are gaining popularity. How do brakes work in hybrid cars – get to know the most important facts!
In the article:
Efficiency comes first
The principle of regenerative brakes
Brake servicing and maintenance in hybrid vehicles
Comparison with systems in combustion vehicles
Key notes for hybrid car owners
In the era of energy transformation in Europe, drivers are encouraged to change their driving habits. The natural bridge between a purely electric drive and a combustion engine is currently a hybrid system. How do brakes work in cars with this drive? How are they similar to solutions used in conventional drives and electric cars?
Efficiency comes first
Due to a number of regulations imposed on car manufacturers by officials, efficiency is in many cases the first priority. Cars are supposed to emit the least possible harmful substances, have moderate fuel consumption and be durable. It is difficult to combine all these elements. However, hybrid drives work very well, especially in the city. All thanks to the well-thought-out concept of engineers.
One of the most revolutionary solutions are recuperation systems, which enable the recovery of kinetic energy during braking. This not only improves the energy efficiency of vehicles, but also contributes to increasing their range.
Principle of operation of recuperative brakes
A unique solution has been used in hybrid and electric cars, which transforms standard braking into an energy-generating process. During deceleration, instead of the traditional consumption of energy as heat by the brake discs, the electric drive system switches to generator mode. The kinetic energy that would normally be dissipated is converted into electrical energy and stored in batteries. This solution not only increases efficiency, but also reduces the wear of traditional brake system components, such as discs or pads.
Brake servicing and maintenance in hybrid vehicles
Although recuperation systems are beneficial, they require a slightly different approach to servicing. For example, less frequent use of mechanical parts of the braking system, such as discs, can lead to corrosion or deposits. This requires the intervention of a mechanic over time, because the rolling resistance and resulting noises start to be irritating to the driver. Braking power also weakens significantly, which has a direct impact on reduced safety.
Therefore, it is recommended to periodically use traditional brakes to “clean” the discs. Additionally, the correct settings of the recuperation system, which can be adjusted by the user, play a key role in maintaining the efficiency of the braking system.
Comparison with systems in combustion vehicles
Compared to combustion vehicles, where the braking system is quite loaded and used regularly, systems in hybrids and electric cars allow for less wear of mechanical components. This translates into lower operating costs and a lower risk of failure. It is worth noting, however, that despite lower wear, these systems require thorough and regular inspection of their technical condition to ensure safety and reliability.
Key points for hybrid car owners
It is crucial for hybrid vehicle owners to understand that despite advanced technology, regular maintenance and understanding of the operating principles of their vehicle are essential.
The driver is still responsible for servicing the brake discs, brake fluid and properly using the recuperation system. These are the basics that will ensure long and trouble-free use of the hybrid car.
Brakes in hybrid cars are an excellent combination of innovation and efficiency, but like any advanced system, they require appropriate attention and understanding. This allows you to enjoy their full potential without surprises.
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