ELECTRIC PARK BRAKE EXPLAINED !!

The Electric Park Brake functions as a conventional hydraulic brake for standard service brake applications, and as an electric brake for parking and emergency braking.

Electric Park Brake (EPB) is a caliper with an additional motor (motor on caliper) that operates the parking brake. The EPB system is electronically controlled and consists of the EPB switch, the EPB caliper and the electronic control unit (ECU).

The electric parking brake or the EPB is an advanced version of conventional parking brake or handbrake. Sometimes, people also refer to this system as 'Electronic Parking Brake'. Technically this system is a sub-part of 'Brake by Wire' system.

The main function of parking brakes is to avoid motion of vehicle when parked. In addition, these brakes also play an important role in avoiding backward motion of vehicle which resumes moving on a slope. Generally, parking brakes operate only on the rear wheels of a vehicle.

EPB functionality relies on four elements:

1. Control switches,
2. Wheel-speed sensor,
3. Force sensor
4. Electric motors.

Together, these monitor a variety of input signals and determine when to apply or release the brakes.

COMPONENTS:

However, in Electric Parking Brake, no cable connection exists. Instead, it works with the help of following main components:

1. Electronic Brake Module
2. Actuator or electric motor
3. Electric Switch in cabin

WORKING PRINCIPLE:

Conventional parking brakes employ a cable that connects handbrake lever and brake shoes. When the driver operates the lever, tension in the cable increases thereby forcing the brake shoe (or pads) on brake drum (or disc). Thus, wheels cannot move further.

When the driver operates the switch, it sends a command to Module which senses that parking brakes are required to be operated. Later, this module commands the actuators or electric motors installed in the brake calipers to operate. Thus, brake pads are forced on the disc thereby restricting the movement of wheels.

Due to the use of electronic components, the operation of this system is almost instantaneous and efficient. Also, it improves the reliability of braking because of the absence of mechanical connection. This brake deactivates automatically when the driver presses the accelerator pedal. Some vehicle manufacturers also integrate Assist function with this system.

TYPES OF EPB:

1. Cable-pull systems

The cable pull system is simply a development of the traditional lever and cable method. As the switch is operated, a motor, or motors, pull the cable by either rolling it on a drum or using an internally threaded gear on a spiral attached to the cable. The parking brake can be released manually on most vehicles. After removing a plastic cover or similar, pulling a wire cable loop will let off the brake.

2. Electric-hydraulic caliper systems

These types are usually employed as part of a larger control system such as an electronic stability program (ESP).
When the driver presses the switch to activate the parking brake, the ESP unit automatically generates pressure in the braking system and presses the brake pads against the disc. The calipers are then locked in position by an electrically controlled solenoid valve. The caliper remains locked without any need for hydraulic pressure. To release the brake, the ESP briefly generates pressure again, slightly more than was needed to lock the caliper, and the valve is released.

3. Full electric drive-by-wire systems

The drive-by-wire system was developed by Continental. It uses an electric motor and gearbox to apply pressure on the pads and therefore on to the disc. A key component is the parking brake latch. This is like a ratchet and it prevents the pressure in the piston from rotating the motor – and it therefore keeps the brakes applied.

ADVANTAGES AND DISADVANTAGES:

Advantages:

• Modular architecture, scalable clamp load and durability with reduced hysteresis
• Significant weight savings compared to mechanical park brake systems to support enhanced fuel economy and reduced emissions
• Vehicle coverage from small car to light truck segments
• Electronic control allows for integration with other safety technologies
• Pioneered EPB technology in 2000 and now in fifth generation with more than 90 million EPB calipers on world roadways
• The response time of this system is very short.
• The operation is highly reliable.
• Improves control of the vehicle while starting from standstill condition on a slope.

Disadvantages:

1. This system is costly.
2. It needs a skilled professional for troubleshooting.

COMPLETE INFORMATION ON HAZARD LIGHTS !!

Hazard lights are those lights which are indicative of a potential hazard that the vehicle flashing it may pose. When the lights are switched on, the four indicators (front and rear - right and left) begin to blink at the same time. This is an indication to all the vehicles passing it that there may be some problem with it. They are also called warning flashers, warning lights, flashers or 4-way flashers. These lights have to be independent of any other lighting or indication system provided in the car. 

If you have stopped your vehicle on the side of the road for some repair or any activity (esp highways) during night time, how will the traveler come to know if there is any other vehicle on the road? Hazard switch illuminates the front and rear lamps in ON-OFF condition to let the other person know that the vehicle is on the road and hence drive carefully.

When to use hazard lights:

1.)Getting pulled over. If law enforcement signals you to pull over, turning on your hazard lights can show the officer that you acknowledge their signal and are following the request. Slow down, turn on your hazard lights, and stop your car in a safe location.

2.)Changing a tire on the side of the road. Use your hazard lights when your vehicle becomes a potential hazard for other road users. If you’re parked on the side of the road changing a tire, it’s generally okay to have your hazards on.

3.)Your car has broken down and you’re waiting for a tow. Your car has become a temporary hazard and you’re waiting for assistance. Warn other drivers of your presence, especially if you are not able to move your car out of traffic.

When NOT to use hazard lights:

1.)Driving in bad weather. With your hazards on and rain or snow already blurring road visibility, other drivers may not be able to tell which lane you’re in or if you’re changing lanes. Turn on your headlights and taillights in inclement weather instead. If the weather is bad enough that you feel hazard lights are truly necessary, pull off the road and stop until conditions improve.

2.)Driving in heavy traffic. While your hazards can make you more visible, they can also make it challenging for other drivers to anticipate what you’re doing and where you’re headed, since turn signals are disabled when hazards are activated in some cars.

3.)Parking illegally. Parking illegally is never a good idea. But if you do park illegally…turning on your hazard lights doesn’t make it legal. Keep driving until you find an appropriate parking spot and won’t be blocking traffic.

4.)A turn signal will do the job. If you’re slowing down to exit the highway due to an unexpected problem, think twice before using your hazards. As we mentioned before, turn signals are generally disabled when your flashers are on. That can make it difficult for other drivers to know where you’re going and could result in a crash.

Hazard lights are an important safety measure that your car is equipped with. So take care and ensure that they are in proper working condition.

EXHAUST WRAP !! WHY THEY ARE DONE ?? EXPLAINED !

Traditionally, exhaust headers were wrapped only in race cars or bikes. Now that everyone wants to feel extra racey with their street car or they're trying to maintain a track-day car, many more cars and bikes are getting their headers wrapped.

Exhaust wraps are simple theory i.e. to keep the exhaust gases heated till they pass out of the exhaust system. This proposition works in several ways to improve the performance of the vehicle. By insulating the exhaust pipes including the headers, mid section and the end, the exhaust gases are not allowed to cool as they pass through the system. 

As the exhaust gases are hot, their density is less, thus allowing the gases to travel faster through the exhaust system. As the speed of the exhaust gases is higher, there is better scavenging of the combustion chamber. Due to the better scavenging effect, the fresh charge fills the combustion chamber more efficiently. At another level, as the heat front the exhaust gases is not being allowed to radiate out throughout the exhaust pipes all the areas in the vicinity of the exhaust pipes routing run cooler thereby promoting a cooler running engine.

Second benefit is a smoother running vehicle and mellowed sounding exhaust note.

Another benefit is in cars, where everything comes in under the hood. Which means the heat from the exhaust headers are radiated into the engine bay. The filter box provides excellent insulation from this too.

Installing wrap on your motorcycle exhaust or car headers is simple. Grab one of our recommended kits and start wrapping. In about an hour you’ll have an exhaust system that looks brand new.