How a brake system works

Your safety depends on your brakes working properly, so it is important to have your brakes inspected and maintained on a regular basis.

Your car's brake system is a complex grouping of parts and a general understanding of your vehicle's brake system will make driving safe and will save you money as well.

A few decades ago, drum brakes were widely used. Nowadays, they're use on the rear wheels of some vehicles. This type of brake employs a drum-shaped assembly that spins with the wheel. Drum brakes work well, but the problem with drum brakes is that they have a difficult time shedding heat and preventing fade. Brake fade occurs when your brakes overheat. When this happens your braking power is vastly reduced and the brake components and linings can be damaged.

A significant innovation was made in the form of disc brakes. Disk brake system uses hydraulic pressure to press a pad against the rotor. When you push down on the pedal, this pressure is applied to a master cylinder which has a piston that puts pressure on a group of hydraulic brake lines connected to each of your vehicle's wheels. When the piston is moved, it pushes the brake fluid through the brake lines and into the caliper or wheel cylinder. The pads are made to survive under high heat and pressure and are from a hard organic or metallic compound. The rotor is bolted between the wheel and the spindle, and rotates at the same speed as the wheels. When the brake pads contact the rotor, there is friction and heat is created. This is how your car stops, by turning the rotating energy of your wheels into heat through friction.

The rotor is typically made from cast iron and made heavy enough to dissipate heat and not warp over time. In today’s cars, however, many of the rotors are not large enough and could warp within 1,000 miles.
A grinding or a squealing sound when you step on the brakes can mean a damaged brake shoes, worn brake pads , warped rotors, damaged wheel bearings, calipers, brake fluid lines, brake pad wear sensors, brake hoses etc. If this is too much work for you, have it properly diagnosed by a qualified auto brake repair specialists. If you are not one of those lucky people who have a trusted mechanic, be sure to get a quote before you hire. There's always a chance that something goes overlooked, or you get over-charged, or they make you pay for something they never worked on or was completely unnecessary.

Keeping your brake system in tip-top shape should be a top priority. Safety is important to you and your family.

Scott Stephens is a spokesperson for Auto Repair Report. Auto Repair Report teaches drivers how to save thousands of dollars on Auto Repair costs... Without needing to become a mechanic! Check it out today!