Do it yourself
Frequently asked questions about cars and motorcycles
Car tutorial (Do it yourself) Motorcycle tutorial (Do it yourself) Frequently Asked Questions

How does the hydraulic braking system work?

Model: (Various brands) Various
Part: Brake system

In this video we see the basic principle of the hydraulic braking system, which exploits the so-called "Pascal's law", according to which a pressure exerted on an incompressible fluid (such as in this case the brake fluid) is transmitted uniformly in all directions. In practice, when we press the brake pedal, we are exerting a force on a piston inside the master cylinder; this force compresses the brake fluid inside the cylinder, generating a pressure, which propagates - through rigid or flexible pipes - to the brake calipers, located near the wheels. In the calipers, the pressure acts on other smaller pistons, which push the brake pads against the wheel discs. Friction slows down and stops the rotation of the wheels, decelerating or stopping the vehicle completely.

Posted on 2 August 2025 by ScegliAuto

Video tutorial

Related tutorials

How does the parking brake work on vehicles with rear disc brakes?
How does the parking brake work on vehicles with rear disc brakes?
(Various brands) Various This very interesting technical explanation introduces us to a question that perhaps few of us have ever considered: how does the parking brake work …
How does a vacuum brake booster work
How does a vacuum brake booster work
(Various brands) Various In this interesting animation, we see how a vacuum brake booster works, a fundamental component of the braking system in modern cars, whose main purp…
How Electric Power Steering Works
How Electric Power Steering Works
(Various brands) Various In this video, see how steering assistance reduces the effort needed to turn the wheels or manoeuvre the vehicle. Power steering decreases the effort…

Other guides you may be interested in

How to Open the Bonnet on the Lancia Y

To open the bonnet on this vehicle, follow these simple instructions: first, open the driver's door and locate the lever positioned just below the dashboard, marked with an image of the vehicle with the bonnet open. Pull this lever towards you until you hear a "click" indicating the bonnet is released. Next, exit the cabin and stand in front of the bonnet to disengage the safety catch and complete the opening. To do this, slightly lift the bonnet, locate the yellow lever underneath, and pull it to the left to fully release and open the bonnet.

Watch the video!


by ScegliAuto

More videos