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As drivers, we know that different systems in a vehicle are important without necessarily knowing how they work. However, learning about the systems in your vehicles can help you understand how to take care of your vehicle and give you a deeper understanding of your favorite Chevy model. When you find yourself wondering, “how does the brake system work?”, the team at Leson Chevrolet Company, Inc. has the answers. Your Chevrolet is made with your safety in mind, and the various components of the car brake system use advanced technology to ensure you stay safe on New Orleans roads. Read on to learn about how do car brakes work, then, contact us if you have any questions, or schedule your brake service appointment online!
No matter which Chevy model Metairie drivers take on the road, the various components that make up the brake system work together to form one of the most important systems in the vehicle. However, across different models, drivers can observe different types of brakes like the disc brakes, drum brakes, and the vehicle handbrake, or emergency brake.
This common brake type can be observed when looking through the wheels of a vehicle, and can be identified by the metal disc inside. Vehicles equipped with disc brakes actually operate similarly to the brakes found on bicycles. So, how do these car brakes work? When pressing on the brake pedal, a disc pad is applied to the disc brake, and friction that is created is what causes the vehicle to slow down and come to a stop.
How does the brake system work with drum brakes? Often found on the rear wheels of vehicles, they work a little differently than disc brakes do. Drum brakes are actually built inside the wheel, and feature two rugged brake shoes that are pushed in and out by pistons located within a cylinder. As the driver applies the brakes, the brake fluid fills the brake cylinder, when the cylinder then pushes out the pistons to make the shoes connect with the drum. Each part of the system works together to bring the vehicle to a stop.
A vehicle’s emergency brake, or handbrake, is an entirely mechanical braking system meant to ensure that the vehicle can stop in an emergency situation, or that the vehicle doesn’t move when parked on steep Belle Chasse streets. Typically, the handbrake is either located between the front seats of the car, or near the vehicle’s floor with other pedals. How the brake system works is by using a lever system to pull a pair of cables that then apply pressure to the rear wheels. Once the handbrake is pulled upward or stepped on by a foot, it will increasingly tighten as it begins applying braking pressure. They’re designed to be a back up system if the regular brakes fail to slow down a vehicle.
Just like routine maintenance for other parts of the vehicle, the brakes and brake pads should be checked at least once a year to ensure they’re functioning properly. There are other ways drivers can maintain their brakes to reach their full lifespan:
When any of the signs below are observed, it’s best to immediately schedule the vehicle for service at a service center near Harvey:
Now that you know a bit more about how the brake system works, explore other service tips with the Leson Chevrolet Company, Inc. service center like learning about what the tire numbers mean, or the benefits of Chevy OEM parts. It’s important to stay on top of your vehicle’s service, but it doesn’t have to empty the wallet. Before your next service visit, be sure to take a look at our service offers.
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