Car Brakes: Everything You Need to Know

Your Guide to Brakes and Brake Service

As a car owner, it’s essential to take care of your brake system. Every Charlotte and Indian Trail driver should at least know what kind of brakes their car has, and how to spot the early warning signs that it’s time for brake service. The Keffer Chrysler Jeep Dodge RAM service center is taking an in-depth look at your brake system so you can be prepared when it’s time for a brake inspection or service.

The Function of Car Brakes

This is pretty simple: the function of your brakes is to slow and stop your car when you press the brake pedal. Can you imagine navigating Monroe streets without a good braking system? It would be a disaster.

A car brake system is composed of these key components:

• Brake pedal
• Rotor
• Drum
• Caliper
• Master cylinder

When you hit the brake pedal, brake fluid from the master cylinder moves through the system’s hoses and lines to keep the brake system’s moving parts lubricated for smooth braking. Depending on what kind of braking system you have, either a rotor or drum will press against the tires to slow or stop the vehicle.

Types of Car Brakes

Drum Brakes

This is one of the oldest braking systems and they’re not common on new cars. These brakes feature two curved metal drums connected to a wheel hub on either side, with brake shoes inside that press against the drums when activated. When you press down on the brake pedal, cables or hydraulic pressure forces the brake shoes outward against the drum, which creates friction and slows down your car.

Disc Brakes

It’s not uncommon to have disc brakes for your SUV brakes. Disc brakes feature a metal brake disc or rotor attached to each wheel hub, with two brake pads on either side that squeeze together when you press down on the brake pedal. This causes friction between the pads and rotor to slow your car. Because disc brake systems dissipate heat better than drum brakes, they’re ideal for high-performance vehicles when stopping quickly is essential.

Anti-Lock Brake System (ABS)

ABS is an advanced type of disc brake system that uses sensors to detect when one or more wheels start slipping while braking or turning corners too fast. When this happens, ABS will apply pressure to individual wheels to keep them from slipping or skidding. This makes it easier to control your car even if you need to make quick stops or sharp turns at speed—something that would be difficult, if not impossible, with regular disc or drum brakes alone.

Maintenance of Car, Truck, and SUV Brakes

Brake service is essential for optimal performance and longevity. Regular brake inspections when you have your car serviced are key for spotting the early stages of wear and tear before they become big problems. Brake pads wear out because of friction and need to be replaced about every 50,000 miles, depending on your driving habits. The brake rotors also wear out over time, as do brake calipers. They should be included in your brake inspection.

Another necessary part of brake service is flushing brake fluid every two years or so. Over time brake fluid soaks up water and becomes less effective. Flushing brake fluid removes the water and any contaminants in the fluid.

Replacing Your Brakes

It’s crucial to replace your brakes when you notice any signs of wear, such as squeaking or grinding noises, reduced braking performance, or a soft brake pedal. Use OEM brakes that were made specifically for your make and model of vehicle. You don’t want to take chances with brake discs or rotors that don’t properly fit when you’re replacing your SUV brakes. You can find Chrysler, Dodge, Jeep, RAM brakes in our parts department. If you’re an experienced car DIYer you can replace your SUV brakes on your own, but we recommend bringing your vehicle to Keffer Chrysler Jeep Dodge RAM’s service center for all brake services and brake inspections.

Get Your Brake Service at Keffer Chrysler Jeep Dodge RAM

Your car brakes are a crucial safety component of your vehicle, and it’s essential to take good care of them. Regular brake inspections can extend the life of your brakes and prevent costly repairs. If you’re unsure about the condition of your brakes or need to replace them, schedule an appointment with us today.