Brakes

How brakes work is simple: a brake piston moves along a brake cylinder bore, pressurizing brake fluid, moving it down a series of hoses and lines, charging your brake calipers, and using them to press brake pads to brake rotors. As everything rubs together, it generates friction, which your vehicle uses to slow down and stop. If you're driving an older model, it may even use brake shoes and brake drums to do the job.

Unfortunately, any brake parts can go bad, either from age and wear, at which point, they'll degrade and break down.

When Do Brakes Need to Be Replaced?

That depends on the part. To determine the answer, do a full inspection and look for signs of brake problems. Besides warning lights on the dash, they include:

• Shuddering brakes
• Unusual brake noises
• A brake pedal that's overly soft or low
• A loss of brake grip
• Taking longer to stop
• Pulling sideways during braking
• Grinding noises

The last is a sign of rotor damage. It usually indicates your rotors have come in direct contact with your calipers because their pads have worn out. If you need new brakes, you're in luck. You can order parts for them right here online, at our auto parts store. We carry only genuine OEM brake parts, too, so they're sure to fit the make and model you drive. Buy now!