When you need to make repairs to the brake system on your car or truck, you must use brake parts that will provide the best performance and durability for your driving style. There are some differences between some of the standard pieces, and while they may fit the same vehicle, their effectiveness can vary. 

Brake Systems

The first step in buying brake parts for your vehicle is understanding your brake system and what is necessary for it to work correctly. Most newer cars and trucks have disc brakes with calipers and rotors on the front with drums on the rear or disc brakes on all four wheels.

Both systems are effective, but the brake parts used in them are different, so you need to know which you have to purchase replacement parts for your car or truck. Most auto parts stores can help you find the right brake parts for your vehicle. On cars where both were offered, you may need to look under the rear to determine which system was used before buying brake parts. 

Pads And Rotors

The brake pads on most cars are an organic or semi-metallic friction material that provides resistance to the rotors at the end of the axle when you apply the brakes. For most general driving, the stock brake pads and rotors are sufficient. However, when replacing the brake parts in the system, you may want to consider upgrading the pads and rotors if you spend a lot of time in stop-and-go traffic or use your vehicle for towing. 

Both situations put a lot of additional stress on the brake and ceramic brake pads that resist heat, and a heavy-duty disc that is vented will help move more air around the brakes during heavy braking. If you are unsure what brake parts you need, you can take your car to a brake repair shop and have a service technician make the repairs for you. 

The brake repair tech can help you decide if you need upgraded parts for your situation and explain the differences in performance. The tech can also show you the brakes and go over damage or wear with you to help you better understand what is wrong and how to remedy it if you ask them to.

If your vehicle is still using drum brakes in the rear, the function is the same, but the brake parts used to slow and stop the rear wheels use two shows inside a metal drum instead of the squeezing motion used on the disc brakes. Both systems are reliable, but disc brakes do a better job of shedding water, and the stopping force generated is typically higher with less braking effort.

For more information on brake repair parts, contact a supplier near you.

Share