How Brakes Work – A Simple Guide for Drivers
🚗 How Brakes Work – A Simple Guide for Everyday Drivers
Ever wondered how your car comes to a stop with just a press of the pedal? At Andrews Car Centre in Lincoln, we believe informed drivers make safer decisions. Here’s a no-nonsense explanation of how your vehicle’s braking system works — and why looking after it is crucial.
🧠 What Are Car Brakes, Exactly?
Brakes are one of the most vital safety systems in your car. Their job is simple: slow your vehicle down or bring it to a stop, quickly and safely.
Most modern vehicles use a hydraulic disc brake system, but some still use drum brakes on the rear wheels. Either way, they work using friction and hydraulic pressure to stop your wheels from turning.
⚙️ The Main Components of Your Brakes
Let’s break it down (pun intended!):
1. Brake Pedal
This is where it starts. When you press the pedal, you activate the entire braking system.
2. Brake Master Cylinder
This component turns your foot pressure into hydraulic pressure — pushing brake fluid through the system.
3. Brake Lines & Fluid
Brake fluid travels through metal or rubber lines to each wheel. This pressure moves the brake components into action.
4. Brake Calipers (Disc Brakes)
Found at each wheel, calipers clamp down on your brake discs using pistons — powered by the fluid pressure.
5. Brake Pads
Pads sit inside the calipers. They’re made from heat-resistant material and create friction when they press against the disc.
6. Brake Discs (Rotors)
The discs rotate with your wheels. When the pads squeeze the disc, your car slows down.
🛞 What About Drum Brakes?
Some cars (especially older models) have drum brakes on the rear wheels. Instead of squeezing a disc, brake shoes push outward against the inside of a drum. They’re slightly less effective than discs and harder to inspect, but still widely used.
⚠️ Why You Should Care About Your Brakes
Your braking system wears out over time. If your pads, discs, or fluid degrade, your car won’t stop as quickly — or safely.
At Andrews Car Centre, we regularly see:
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Worn brake pads
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Scored or warped brake discs
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Contaminated or low brake fluid
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Sticking brake calipers
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Brake warning lights ignored too long
All of these can lead to expensive repairs — or worse, unsafe driving.
🔧 How to Know It’s Time for a Brake Check
If you notice any of the following, book in for a brake inspection in Lincoln:
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Squealing or grinding noises
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Soft or spongy pedal
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Vehicle pulling to one side under braking
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Brake warning light on
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Burning smell or vibration when stopping
🛠 Book a Brake Service at Andrews Car Centre, Lincoln
We provide complete brake inspections and repairs for all makes and models — whether you drive a petrol, diesel, hybrid or electric vehicle.
✅ Brake pad & disc replacement
✅ Brake fluid changes
✅ ABS diagnostics
✅ Free visual inspections
✅ Honest quotes and clear advice
📍 Find Us
Andrews Car Centre
Sunningdale Trading Estate
2C Dixon Close
Lincoln, LN6 7UB
📍 See on Google Maps
📞 Get Your Brakes Checked Today
Don’t risk it. If you’re unsure about your braking system, book a quick inspection with us today. We’ll help keep you and your passengers safe.
📞 01522 520747
📧 service@andrewscarcentre.com
📅 Book Online Here