The four main types of car brakes

Your car brakes play a critical role in your vehicle’s performance. That’s why it’s so important to make sure you care for them regularly. Keeping them in top shape helps maintain your safety and the safety of everyone on the road. Our Orlando Toyota service techs recommend replacing worn-out brake components and maintaining your brake fluid levels. But it’s also crucial to monitor parts like your brake rotors and brake calipers, which are key to your car’s overall braking efficiency.

While it might seem overwhelming to keep track of all these parts, we’ve got good news! Our Toyota of Orlando service center is here to take care of the necessary maintenance and repairs. And to help you better understand how your braking system works and why regular maintenance is so important, we’ve created this detailed guide to car brakes. Let’s take a closer look at the main types of car brakes and the key components that keep you safe behind the wheel. We’re “Making It Simple™”!

 

What Are the Main Types of Car Brakes?

There are several different car brakes systems that vehicles use, but the two most common are disc brakes and drum brakes. Let’s dive into each type and explore how they work with our expert Orlando Toyota service techs.

1) Disc Brakes: The Most Common Braking System

Disc brakes are the most popular type of braking system in modern Toyotas. These car brakes use a variety of brake components to bring your car to a stop. The system includes brake pads, brake rotors, brake calipers, and brake fluid. Here’s how they work:

• When you step on the brake pedal, brake fluid is pushed through a hydraulic system to the brake calipers.
• The brake calipers are activated, pushing the brake pads against the brake rotors. These are large metal discs located near the wheels.
• The friction between the brake pads and brake rotors slows the rotation of the wheels. This brings your car to a stop.

One of the best advantages of this type of car brakes is that they perform well in a variety of conditions. Since the brake rotors are exposed to the elements, they can dissipate heat better. They cool off faster than other types of brakes, which means a lower risk of overheating. They also dry out quickly in wet conditions, which is important for braking in rainy or snowy weather. This means you can rely on your disc brakes to give you consistent stopping power every time you drive. Want to check them out? You can experience them in person at Toyota of Orlando.

2) Drum Brakes: An Older, Less Common Type of Car Brakes

While disc brakes are the standard in most cars, drum brakes are still found in some older or budget-friendly cars. Unlike disc brakes, this type of car brakes use a different design and mechanism. Instead of a metal disc, drum brakes have a drum that rotates along with the wheel. Inside the drum, brake “shoes” are pressed against the interior of the drum to create friction and slow your car down.

Why is this type of car brakes becoming less common? The main drawbacks of drum brakes are that they don’t handle heat as well as disc brakes. They can also suffer from corrosion. The drum design can actually trap water, which leads to rust and reduced braking efficiency. Additionally, drum brakes are less effective at dissipating heat. Overheating can cause them to lose their stopping power. This makes them a less reliable choice for modern cars, especially those that drive in heavy traffic or hot weather (like here in Orlando).

3) Anti-lock Brakes (ABS): Better Safety When You Need It

Anti-lock brakes, also known as ABS brakes, are not a type of car brakes technically. Instead, they’re a safety feature in your car’s braking system. They prevent the wheels from locking up during emergency braking situations (like when you slam on the brakes). Without ABS, if you slam on the brakes too hard, the wheels could lock. This can cause your car to skid and you to lose control. With ABS, the braking system rapidly pulses the brake pressure to each wheel. This helps you maintain traction and prevent skidding.

Here’s how ABS works according to our Toyota of Orlando team:

• When you apply the brakes hard, sensors in the ABS system monitor how fast each wheel is turning.
• If the system detects that one or more wheels are about to lock up, it reduces the brake pressure momentarily. It then reapplies it, which allows the wheels to keep turning.
• This stop-and-go process helps you maintain better control of your car and regain traction, especially on slippery roads.

ABS is a big help in bad weather conditions where roads are slick and you need more distance to stop safely. The ABS car brakes system keeps you safer and gives you traction when you need it most.

4) Emergency Car Brakes: A Backup for Safety

Your emergency brake, which you might also call the parking brake, is an essential safety feature in your vehicle. It keeps your car in place when you’re parked, especially on hills. The emergency brake is usually activated with a hand lever, foot pedal, or button.  It’s connected to the main brake system by a cable. This brake doesn’t rely on hydraulic pressure like the primary braking system, but it still gives you stopping power when you need it.

The emergency brake serves another important function –  it’s a backup if your main car brakes fail. If you have a brake failure while driving, you can pull the emergency brake to slow the car down gradually and come to a safe stop. While the emergency brake isn’t meant for regular use, it’s an important safety tool that ensures you can stop your car in an emergency. Our Orlando Toyota specialists recommend knowing where it is and how to use it in case you need it.

Why You Need Car Brakes Service at Toyota of Orlando

Keeping your car brakes in top shape requires regular brake service. At Toyota of Orlando, we recommend car care to make sure your brake components—like brake pads, brake rotors, and brake calipers—are all in good condition. Here’s a closer look at why these parts matter.

Brake Pads: These pads create friction against the brake rotors to slow your car down. Over time, they can wear out, reducing your ability to stop effectively. If you hear squealing or grinding noises when braking,  your brake pads need replacing. We offer affordable brake pad service at Toyota of Orlando, so book it before your brake system gets damaged.

Brake Rotors: The brake rotors are the metal discs that work with the brake pads to stop your car. Over time, brake rotors can become warped or scored from friction. If this happens, you might feel vibrations or hear weird noises when you’re braking. Have our Orlando Toyota service team regularly check your rotors to ensure they’re in good shape.

Brake Calipers: The brake calipers hold the brake pads in place and apply pressure to the brake rotors. If the calipers become damaged or fail, your car won’t be able to stop properly. Make sure to have them checked regularly at our Orlando auto service center to avoid unexpected issues.

Brake Fluid: Brake fluid is a critical component of your car brakes. It transfers the force from your foot on the brake pedal to the brakes themselves. Over time, brake fluid can become contaminated with moisture, which reduces its effectiveness. Regular fluid checks and flushes can help ensure your braking system functions at its best.

Visit Toyota of Orlando for Car Brakes Service Today

If you’ve noticed any issues with your car brakes, like worn-out brake rotors, low brake fluid, or malfunctioning brake calipers, visit Toyota of Orlando for a brake inspection today. We can also make sure your brakes are in top-notch shape all the time! Our expert techs are here to provide every brake service, from replacing brake pads to full brake repairs. We also offer brake fluid flushes and rotor resurfacing to ensure your vehicle’s brakes are ready to stop when you are.

Call us at (407) 298-4500 or visit us at 3575 Vineland Road, just off I-4, across from the Millenia Mall. Our service department is open seven days a week, and we’re always ready to help keep you safe on the road!

Posted in Toyota Service | No Comments »