Wheel and Brake Systems
The entire system of wheels and brakes is an important part of the automotive part components both for safety and appearance. The ability to stop safely and quickly relies on the automotive parts in the brake system. Later model automotive parts related to wheels and brakes may include anti-lock brakes, front and rear braking capability and long-lasting brake pads. Tires are an automotive part that adds safety, appearance, and road-gripping ability for all types of road conditions. The type of tire is usually selected to balance expected mileage and cost. The rims and hubcaps may be selected solely for appearance, but the buyer should also be aware of safety and long-term wear.
Automotive Parts: Tires, Wheels and Rims
A tire is defined as the ring-shaped wheel cover that allows the vehicle to be cushioned from shock while at the same time increasing the amount of road contact. These automotive parts are generally made of fabric, rubber and other components such as steel belts. The wheel or rim is the automotive part that supports the vehicle and rotates to move it forward or backward. The wheel can be plain or very decorative. It is attached to the vehicle by an automotive part known as a lug nut. Different wheels have different numbers of lug nuts in different patterns.
Automotive Parts: Hubcaps
An automotive part that provides a metal cover to either the entire wheel or sometimes just the central portion is known as a hubcap. Stamped steel wheels add hubcap automotive parts to add to the attractiveness of the wheel. Center caps are usually found when the wheel is made of alloys or in a styled design. This automotive part protects the ends of the hub in addition to adding to the appearance of the vehicle. Hubcaps today are generally made of plastic, but originally were constructed of metal. They may use a clip-on system or a threaded fastener to hold the hubcap in place.
Automotive Parts: Brake Pads
Automotive parts that provide a gripping surface that slows and stops the moving automobile are known as brake pads. The automotive part is part of a disk brake and is constructed of two abrasive surfaces that press against each other. The amount of pressure is regulated hydraulically and translated into heat energy when the pad comes into contact with the rotor. The automotive part wears down a little after each use. The rate of wear depends upon the strength of the brake pad.
Automotive Parts: Types of Brakes
Automotive parts known as brakes usually come in one of two styles—either disk brakes or drum brakes. Today’s vehicles usually have disk brakes all around or disk brakes on the front with drum brakes on the rear wheels. Because disk brakes are an automotive part that can dissipate heat more quickly than the drum type, they are not as likely to overheat and cause brake failure. When a potential automobile buyer is reviewing options on a vehicle, the disk brake is an automotive part that should be considered.