How Do Car Brakes Work?

How does the brake system work and how can you best care for them? There are many components of working brakes. And since Chevrolet vehicles are built with your safety in mind, they utilize advanced technologies to ensure they’re working properly. If not, there’s a system to alert you of a malfunction. Learn more about the brake system and how it works with us at Bayer Chevrolet.

How Does the Brake System Work? 

Your car’s most important safety feature is the brake system. There are two main types of brakes: disc and drum. Then, there’s the handbrake. 

How Disc Brakes Work 

When you look through the hubcap on one of the wheels of a car, you can often see a metal disc inside. Pressing the brake pedal applies a brake disc pad to the brake disc, causing the car to slow down and come to a stop. Disc brakes on cars operate similarly to the brakes found on bicycles. 

How Drum Brakes Work

In some cases, cars have drum brakes on their rear wheels. These work slightly differently than disc brakes. Drum brakes are built inside the wheel and have two rugged brake shoes that are pushed in and out by pistons housed within a cylinder. When you apply the brakes, brake fluid enters the cylinder, the cylinder pushes out the pistons, and the shoes connect with the drum. This brings the car to a stop. 

How the Handbrake Works 

Usually, the handbrake is found between the front seats inside a car. The handbrake is intended for emergency braking and is entirely mechanical, meaning it doesn’t use brake fluid like your car’s standard brake system. When the handbrake is pulled, a lever system pulls on a pair of cables that put the brakes on the back wheels. As you pull it upward, the handbrake tightens even more. 

How to Care for Your Brakes

Start by having your brakes and brake pads checked at least once a year. In between regular checkups, there are a few measures to take when cruising the Mineral Wells streets. Here’s what you can do:

• Watch and listen for the warning signs that there may be something wrong.
• Avoid braking when drivers in front of you are braking unnecessarily. 
• Coast to slow down before you apply the brakes. 
• Have your brake fluid levels checked often and replaced when needed. 

Signs You Need Your Brakes Checked

As soon as you see, hear, or feel one of these signs, you should immediately bring your Chevrolet to our service center to be checked. Your brakes aren’t something you want to mess around with. If any of these signs appear, carefully make your way to our service center:

• The brake light is on. 
• There are squeaking or grinding sounds when you brake. 
• You notice fluid is leaking. 
• You smell something burning from your vehicle.
• The vehicle bounces when you stop short. 

Visit Bayer Chevrolet for Expert Brake Service 

When your brakes are showing wear or if you’re hearing a strange noise every time you brake, be sure to bring your vehicle in. Our highly-trained technicians are standing by to care for your Chevrolet vehicle. Contact us today if you have any questions or want to schedule an appointment near Eastland and Graham.