How Do Car Brakes Work | Firestone Complete Auto Care

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Store Details Change Store Find a Store Schedule An Appointment How Do Car Brakes Work?

Firestone complete auto care performs nearly one million brake repairs every year.

How Car Brakes Work

When you apply your vehicle's brakes to stop at a traffic light or avoid a road hazard, you count on them to keep you, your passengers, and your vehicle safe. But you likely don’t give much thought to how they work.

There are two types of car brakes: disc brakes and drum brakes. Both disc brakes and drum brakes work by using friction and resistance to convert kinetic energy into heat energy. A hydraulic system creates that friction. Fluid moves through brake lines in the hydraulic system to create pressure, pushing disc brake pads against the brake rotors and stopping the car. Drum brakes work the same way, with brake shoes pressing against the drum. All cars come equipped with four brakes: two rear brakes and two front brakes. In most cars, front brakes are primarily responsible for halting your vehicle and provide 60% to 90% of the vehicle's stopping power.

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When Should I Get My Brakes Checked?

It's important to have your brakes checked whenever you notice your brakes aren’t working properly or showing signs of wear. But you shouldn't wait to have your brakes checked until there's a problem! Routine brake maintenance should be done at least once a year. A professional at Firestone Complete Auto Care can inspect components like the:

• Brake lines
• Brake fluid
• Brake rotors and drums
• Brake pads and shoes
• Brake hoses
• Brake calipers and wheel cylinders
• Master cylinder
• Brake booster

Give your vehicle a break and stop by your neighborhood Firestone Complete Auto Care for a free brake check* today. *Brake service costs extra.

How Long Do Car Brakes Last?

Over time, brake rotors and brake pads wear out. Brake pads can last 25,000 to 65,000 miles, depending on your driving behavior, while brake rotors can last 15,000 to 70,000 miles before they need to be replaced or resurfaced. A trained professional at Firestone Complete Auto Care can determine whether your brake pads and rotors need to be serviced. To prevent your brake system — including the brake pads and rotors — from stopping you in your tracks, head to your local Firestone Complete Auto Care for a free brake check and regular maintenance.

Keep in mind that driving with worn brake pads can lead to damage of the brake rotors and calipers, decrease braking response or cause your vehicle to shake and vibrate when you try to stop.

 

WHAT KIND OF BRAKES DOES MY CAR HAVE?

Your vehicle has disc brakes or drum brakes, or a combination of the two. Most modern cars come with disc brakes. Typically most front brakes on vehicles sold in the U.S. are disc brakes, but you may find the rear brakes are drum brakes.

Why are disc brakes better? They typically last longer than drum brakes, do abetter job of dissipating heat, and hold up better in wet weather.

These days, you’ll find that most newer vehicles come with an anti-lock braking system. This system helps prevent the brakes from locking up. Brakes locking up can lead to skidding and a loss of steering control.

WHY DOES MY CAR SHAKE WHEN I BRAKE?

Damaged brake rotors or drums can cause your vehicle to shake when you brake. However, other factors can cause your vehicle to shake when you apply the brakes, including:

• Loose front end components
• Worn steering components
• Dry guide pins
• Poor alignment
• Worn brake pads

If your vehicle is shaking while braking, the issue is likely brake related or due to loose or worn steering/suspension components. No matter what’s causing your car to shake when you brake, an expert technician at Firestone Complete Auto Care can diagnose the problem.

 

Learn More About Brakes

Auto Brake Parts from Firestone

From brake pads to brake rotors, brake calipers to the master cylinder, Firestone auto professionals install or replace brake parts using the best brands.

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Brake Fluid Exchange & Repair Services

Brake fluid service includes testing, flush, and exchange of your brake fluid at your nearby Firestone Auto. Schedule an appointment online or visit us today!

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Brake Inspection & Services

Experiencing brake problems? Your nearby Firestone Complete Auto Care can check your brakes, do a brake fluid change, and more. Visit a nearby location today.

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Brake Repair

Your Firestone Complete Auto Care offers free brake checks 7 days a week. Have confidence your brakes are working right. Schedule an appointment or visit today!

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Brake Rotors

Visit Firestone Complete Auto Care near you to find out more about brake pad and rotor replacement costs and get your professional brake inspection.

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Disc Brakes vs. Drum Brakes

Learn the difference between disk brakes vs. drum brakes. Find out what types of brakes your car has at Firestone Complete Auto Care.

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How Do Car Brakes Work

Learn how hydraulic car brakes work on cars and trucks. Find out how to care for disc brakes and drum brakes at Firestone Complete Auto Care.

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Parking Brake Repair & Service

Need an e-brake check? If you have a loose handbrake or stuck emergency brake, get it repaired at Firestone Complete Auto Care. Make an appointment today!

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Auto Care Tips & Advice

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Brakes

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