What is My Braking System?

Your braking system is made up of many elements, most of which require regular inspections and occasional replacing. Depending on the make and model of your car, your braking system may include slightly different elements. If you’re not familiar with the components of your braking system and how often they should be replaced, keep reading.

Braking System Components

Braking systems all have similar components, but where they are and what they’re made from varies based on the car. When your mechanic says you need a brake job, they likely don’t mean the whole system needs replacing. A good mechanic will only replace the parts of your braking system that needs are worn.

Because each element of your brakes wear differently, some may need to be replaced sooner than others (and some should never ideally need to be replaced). Here is an idea of the various parts and frequency that replacement occurs.

• Brake pads are generally the first element that requires replacing as may last between 25,000 and 65,000 miles However, that depends whether you have a soft or hard pad and how you drive.
• Rotors or discs last about the same as brake pads. Cars with disc brakes have rotors or discs and cars with a drum brakes have drums which will last longer than discs, up to 100,000 miles.
• Calipers hold the brake pads, pistons and fluids. Unless your car sits unused for long periods of time, they don’t often need replacing. Your mechanic should check your calipers during any brake job and you should have them checked during periodic maintenance.
• Pistons create friction on the on the rotors/discs as they press the brake pads against them. When you have a brake fluid leak, the pistons are often the culprit and will need replacing.
• Brake lines shouldn’t need to be repaired as long as you own your car as the majority of the line is made of steel. The small rubber portion sometimes has an issue which then requires the entire line to be replaced.

Oldsmar Automotive Replaces Brake Parts

You can trust our ASE certified mechanics to replace only the parts of your braking system which need replacing. We use quality parts that are fully compatible with your vehicle for your safety. If you haven’t had your brakes inspected in the past six months or notice any signs that you need new brakes, come by our facility at 3166 Tampa Road in Oldsmar or call us at (727) 784-3501 to schedule an appointment.