What are brakes?
You need brakes to stop your vehicle and if they're not working properly, you could end up having a really bad day. Your vehicle has two types of brakes: disc brakes and drum brakes.

Disc brakes
Disc brakes are generally on the front wheels of your vehicle, and work like a vise, closing around the outside of the vehicle's rotor to slow your vehicle down.

Drum brakes
Found on the rear wheels, brake shoes push against the inside surface of a rotating brake drum to slow the vehicle. Most newer model vehicles are equipped with computer-controlled Anti-lock Braking Systems (ABS) and/or other traction control devices. This safety feature is designed to prevent wheel lock-up and skidding when you apply sudden pressure to your brake pedal.

Most newer model vehicles are equipped with computer-controlled Anti-lock Braking Systems (ABS) and/or other traction control devices. This safety feature is designed to prevent wheel lock-up and skidding when you apply sudden pressure to your brake pedal.

How do my vehicles brakes work?
When you apply pressure to the brake pedal, a piston forces hydraulic fluid through brake lines and hoses. This fluid pressure moves the disk and drum brakes into action, creating friction which slows the automobile. When the pedal is released, springs return the brakes to their normal position.

What could go wrong with my brake system?
The most common problem facing your brake system is wear. Every time you apply your brakes, you're wearing them out ever-so-slightly. If you're a two-footed driver, meaning you drive with one foot on the gas and the other foot on the brake, your brakes will wear faster because you're braking with one foot while other foot is accelerating. Other problems that will affect your brake system are old and dirty brake fluid, leaks and clogs in the fluid lines and hoses, and problems with the drums, rotors and hydraulic components.

How will I recognize a problem with my brake system?
If you hear a grinding or squealing noise when you press on the brake pedal, your vehicle may have a brake problem. You could also have brake problems if you have to depress the pedal all the way to the floor to stop or slow down, your car skids, pulls to one side or takes longer to stop. Of course, if you have a brake warning light that will alert you to a brake problem, but conscientious drivers will be able to discern a problem before that light comes on.

How will Cars of Sarasota fix my brake problems?
Cars of Sarasota will perform a free inspection of your brake system - any time. At the first sign of trouble, bring your car in to Cars of Sarasota, and we'll take care of the rest. In fact, just ask our technician to check your brakes during every other oil change-- it won't cost you a dime for us to take a look.

If you do have a problem with your brakes, we'll test your brake system, determine the cause of the problem, and provide you with our recommendations and all of your options before we begin any repairs. If you decide to let Cars of Sarasota handle your brake job, we'll fix or replace only what's necessary using MAP guidelines.