How Do Brakes Work?

Many drivers like to know how their brakes work when they come in for Honda brake service in Athens, GA. We'll give a high-level explanation here: First, when you press the brake pedal, the brake booster system amplifies this force. It is then translated into hydraulic pressure by the master cylinder. This component causes hydraulic fluid to flow down your brake lines, where it then reaches the calipers.

When the fluid arrives at the brake calipers, the pistons they contain clamp your brake pads to the automobile's rotors. Rotors, also known as brake discs, are attached to the wheel; when the pads are pressed against them, friction turns the kinetic energy of the vehicle into thermal energy. This process slows your car or brings it to a stop.

As you can imagine, stopping a car requires a lot of force and generates a lot of thermal energy. These processes wear down your brake pads, calipers, and discs over time. Hydraulic fluid can get old, or contaminants can enter it and slow its effectiveness. You can also experience issues with components like master cylinders during the lifetime of a car. Thus, diagnosing an issue in your brake system can be difficult – luckily, our certified team of experts can help you figure out if you need a Honda brake fluid refill or brake pad replacement.