When you hit the brakes to stop at a red light or simply navigating through traffic, you trust your car’s brakes to protect you, your passengers, and your vehicle. However, you might not often consider the mechanics behind how brakes work. Pressing the brake pedal initiates a chain reaction that engages various components, ultimately enabling the vehicle to come to a stop.
Understanding How Brake Fluid Works in Your Car.
Car brakes generally fall into two categories: disc and drum brakes. Both types rely on friction and resistance to transform kinetic energy into heat energy, enabling your car to stop. This process is powered by a hydraulic system, which pushes brake fluid through the brake lines, generating pressure. Over time the brake fluid in a car breaks down so it will be necessary for a brake fluid change service to have peak stopping power.
Understanding braking systems is crucial for maintaining safety and performance while driving. In disc brakes, this pressure forces the brake pads against the brake discs, halting the car. In drum brakes, the same pressure causes brake shoes to press against the brake drum. Every vehicle is equipped with four brakes—two in the front and two in the rear. Typically, the front brakes handle the majority of the stopping power, responsible for 60% to 90% of the braking force.
When Should You Have Your Brakes Inspected?
If you notice that your brakes aren’t performing as they should, it’s essential to have brake repair service in Lake Jackson by an expert brake mechanic. But don’t wait until there’s an issue—routine brake maintenance should be done annually. A qualified technician can inspect critical brake components like:
- Brake lines
- Brake fluid
- Brake rotors and drums
- Brake pads and shoes
- Brake hoses
- Brake calipers and wheel cylinders
- Master cylinder
- Brake booster
A drum brake system consists of hydraulic wheel cylinders, brake shoes, and a brake drum.
How Long Do Brake Pads Last?
Over time, brake pads and rotors wear out. Brake pads, which generate friction against the brake discs to stop the vehicle, typically last between 25,000 and 65,000 miles, depending on your driving habits, while rotors may last between 15,000 and 70,000 miles before requiring replacement or resurfacing.
Our professionals at Autocare Pro’s can assess whether your brake pads and rotors need servicing. To keep your brake system in top shape, including the pads and rotors, make sure to schedule regular maintenance and free brake checks.
The disc brake system, which includes a brake disc, caliper, and brake pads, is designed to create friction for stopping and is known for its superior performance in dissipating heat and handling demanding situations.
Driving with worn brake pads can damage the rotors and calipers, reduce braking efficiency, or cause your car to shake and vibrate when stopping.
What Type of Brake System Does Your Car Have?
Your vehicle may be equipped with disc brakes, drum brakes, or a combination of both. Most modern cars feature disc brakes on the front wheels, while drum brakes may be found on the rear wheels. Disc brakes are often preferred because they typically last longer, dissipate heat more effectively, and perform better in wet conditions.
The drum brake system operates by converting braking energy into heat through friction generated by brake shoes pressing against a rotating drum. Additionally, many newer vehicles come with an anti-lock braking system (ABS), which helps prevent the brakes from locking up and causing the vehicle to skid, maintaining steering control.
Why Does My Car Shake When I Brake?
If your car shakes when braking, it could be due to damaged brake rotors or drums. Other potential causes include:
- Loose front-end components
- Worn steering parts
- Dry guide pins
- Poor alignment
- Worn brake pads
Whatever braking issues or other components like the steering or suspension your vehicle is having, an Autocare Pro’s technician can diagnose and fix the problem fast.