How Does Brake Assist Work?

Brake Assist is a safety technology feature that helps drivers apply maximum braking force during emergency situations. How? Well, in simple terms, it works by detecting how quickly and forcefully the driver presses the brake pedal and then applies additional braking force, if necessary, to bring the vehicle to a quicker stop.

Brake Assist is a pioneering safety feature that has been developed to improve the safety of vehicles on the road.

Since we’re a car brand dedicated to ‘all things safety,’ Subaru is committed to providing safe and reliable vehicles to all Subaru owners, by ensuring only the best and most advanced technology is featured. In this blog post, we will discuss how Brake Assist works, its benefits, and how it compares to other driver-assist technologies. We will also dive a little deeper into Subaru’s approach to Brake Assist technology and why we proudly boast a 5-start safety rating across the board.

How Does Brake Assist Work?

We all thought that flying cars would be the cars of the future. Fortunately, it might still be, but certain technological features have allowed cars to sneak their wheels into being classified as a modern and futuristic car. Take Brake Assist, for example, this system is so underrated that most people don’t understand what it is or how it works. Basically, it uses friction to convert the kinetic energy of the vehicle into heat energy, which is then dissipated into the atmosphere. When a driver applies the brakes, the brake pads press against the brake disc or drum, creating friction, which slows down the vehicle.

Brake Assist provides extra braking power to the vehicle in emergency situations when the driver has not applied enough force to the brakes. There are two main types of Brake Assist systems – Hydraulic Brake Assist and Electronic Brake Assist.

• Hydraulic Brake Assist: This type of Brake Assist system uses hydraulic pressure to detect how hard the driver is pressing the brake pedal. When the system detects a sudden and forceful brake pedal input, it activates a high-pressure pump to provide additional brake pressure to the brakes, bringing the vehicle to a faster stop.

• Electronic Brake Assist: This type of Brake Assist system uses sensors to detect how quickly and forcefully the driver is pressing the brake pedal. When the system detects a sudden and forceful brake pedal input, it activates an electronic control unit (ECU) to provide additional brake pressure to the brakes. Electronic Brake Assist is typically used in vehicles with electronic brake-by-wire systems and can respond more quickly than hydraulic Brake Assist systems.

Components of a Brake Assist System

There are four main components of a brake assist system, such as sensors, ECU, brake booster and a brake master cylinder. Let’s get into it.

• Brake Pedal Sensors: This sensor detects how quickly and how much pressure the driver is applying to the brake pedal and sends this information to the Brake Assist System.

• Electronic Control Unit (ECU) – The ECU is the brain of the Brake Assist system. This component receives input from the Brake Pedal Sensor and activates the Brake Assist System when it detects a sudden and forceful brake pedal input.

• Brake Booster: This is a hydraulic device that amplifies the force applied to the brake pedal, providing additional braking power when needed.

• Brake Master Cylinder: This is the main component of the brake system. It converts the force applied to the brake pedal into hydraulic pressure, which is then used to apply the brakes.

How Brake Assist System Responds in Different Situations

Many things can happen on the road that can force you to hit your brakes. The Brake Assist system responds differently to these three emergency situations:

• Panic Stops: When a driver makes a sudden stop, the Brake Assist system detects the sudden pressure on the brake pedal and almost instantly increases the hydraulic pressure to the brake system, providing additional braking power.

• Sudden Braking: If you suddenly apply pressure to the brakes, the Brake Assist system will detect it and provide additional braking power to the vehicle.

• Braking on Slippery Roads: When the road is quite slippery, the Brake Assist system detects the reduced friction between the brake pads and the brake disc or drum and provides additional braking power to the vehicle.

Benefits of Brake Assist in Vehicles

Improved safety and accident prevention are just some of the benefits of having a Brake Assist system in vehicles. Here are some examples:

• Improved Safety: Brake Assist provides maximum braking force and helps to prevent accidents, protecting drivers, passengers, and other road users.
• Reduced Stopping Distance: Brake Assist can help reduce stopping distances during emergency braking situations.
• Prevention of Accidents: When a driver is not able to apply enough force to the brakes, Brake Assist provides additional braking power, thus preventing accidents from happening. 
• Enhanced Vehicle Control: Brake Assist technology enhances vehicle control, especially in emergency situations, by providing additional braking power to prevent your vehicle from skidding.

Comparison of Brake Assist System with Other Driver Assistance Technologies

There are many different types of driver assistance technologies out there; all designed to keep you safe from trouble on the roads. While the Brake Assist System is a remarkable invention – it’s not the only one available. Let’s do a quick comparison of how Brake Assist differs from other driver-assist technologies.

• Anti-lock Braking System (ABS): ABS is a technology that prevents the wheels from locking up during hard braking. It also detects when a wheel is about to lock up and rapidly releases and applies the brakes to prevent it from happening.

• Electronic Stability Control (ESC):  ESC prevents the loss of control by reducing engine power and applying the brakes to individual wheels, helping to keep the vehicle on its intended path. While Brake Assist provides additional braking power in emergency situations, ESC helps to prevent loss of control in various situations.

• Adaptive Cruise Control (ACC): This technology uses radar sensors or cameras to detect the distance between the vehicle and the car in front of it. It adjusts the speed of the vehicle to maintain a safe following distance, and can even bring the vehicle to a complete stop if necessary.

Subaru’s Approach to Brake Assist Technology

Subaru’s Brake Assist system provides additional braking power in emergency situations. This helps prevent possible accidents and keeps passengers safe. This is a standard system that is found in most of Subaru’s vehicles and is part of the company’s EyeSight Driver Assist Technology.

Subaru’s Brake Assist system uses a combination of sensors and the ECU to provide additional braking power in emergency situations. The system is designed to work seamlessly with other driver assistance technologies, such as ABS and ESC, to enhance vehicle control and prevent accidents.

Advantages of Subaru’s Brake Assist System

We mean serious business when it comes to safety. Here are just some of the advantages of Subaru’s Brake Assist system:

• Improved Safety: Our Brake Assist system helps to prevent accidents by providing additional braking power in emergency situations.

• Enhanced Vehicle Control: It works seamlessly with other driver assistance technologies, such as ABS and ESC, to enhance vehicle control and prevent accidents.

• Recognition: Our commitment to safety and technology has earned us several safety awards and recognitions, including the highest possible safety rating from the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS).

Understanding how brake assist works is crucial for ensuring safer and more efficient driving experiences. Subaru SA’s commitment to incorporating this advanced technology into our vehicles demonstrates our dedication to prioritising driver and passenger safety. By providing an extra layer of assistance during emergency braking situations, brake assist plays a vital role in preventing accidents and reducing the severity of collisions. With Subaru’s innovative brake assist system, drivers can have peace of mind, knowing that their vehicle is equipped with cutting-edge technology designed to enhance their safety on the road.

Visit your nearest Subaru dealership for a fantastic new and pre-owned car buying experience, and book a test drive today.