Capital

Last week’s Engine Retrofit Top-8 elicited a number of comments from readers, including the following piece from P. Kibru – an automobile aficionado with some obvious expertise in things mechanical. Following is a condensed version of his appreciative comment.

Dear Brakes Please!

I can’t thank you enough for having launched Brakes Please! I was beginning to think that us car buffs were doomed as far as automotive literature is concerned. Bravo! I would like to suggest that you feature the history of automotive racing in Ethiopia -especially the Ethiopian Highland Rally which used to be the premier circuit in Africa next to the Paris-Dakar.

Happy driving!
P. Kibru

Thanking, P. Kibru for his highly appreciative e-mail, Brakes Please! takes this opportunity to invite auto enthusiasts, professionals in related occupations, traffic safety officers, drivers and of course, our entire readership to contribute thier much valued comments, critiques, suggestions and tips. Brakes Please! will only be as good as the level of readership input.
You will recall that Brakes Please! began last week a retrofit review of six major automotive systems. This week we treat Brakes, Rims and Tires. These are vital components of your vehicle and must be maintained in good working condition at all times.
Various Braking Systems

1.Disc Brakes = Common in the cars of the 90’s, good value for money
2.Anti-lock Brake System (ABS) = Most dependable braking system. Prevents, skids, wheel jam and improves handling; expensive.
3. Ceramic Disc Brakes = Latest technology in braking systems, only available on top range luxury performance vehicles, motor sports
4. Drum Brakes= Most older vehicles have this rather obsolete system
5. Pneumatic (Hydraulic) Brakes = Mostly required for large multi-wheeled commercial vehicles