Brake Pads and Rotors

Your brakes may need to be replaced if: they are not as responsive as normal, your car pulls to one direction when braking, you hear a high pitched sound when you brake, or your brake pedal pulsates when coming to a stop.

If you suspect your brakes need to be replaced, stop into Garber Chevrolet Saginaw or contact one of our friendly service advisors for a complete brake inspection. During the inspection, we will test all components of your vehicle’s braking system; then walk you through our recommended course of action, whether a repair is needed now or possibly down the road.

The frequency at which your brakes need to be serviced or replaced is largely dependent on your vehicle and driving style. Having your brakes checked at least once annually is important to guarantee your safety and your vehicle’s stopping ability. However, if you drive more than average, are generally “rough” on your brakes, or travel through the city frequently- having your brakes checked more often may be necessary.

If a brake pedal is either harder or softer than normal, there’s a good chance that some element of the braking system is not fully functional. A leak in the system or incorrect brake adjustments are two possible causes.

If a brake pedal drops to the floor, there may be air in the brake hydraulics. It can also be caused by a malfunction in the braking system or a leak elsewhere.

Garber Chevrolet Saginaw takes pride in repairing all vehicle makes, models, and ages. Whether you purchased your car from us or another dealership, we are happy to help with your vehicle needs. If you have any questions or concerns about the service center at Garber Chevrolet Saginaw, feel free to call us at (989) 781-4590.

Just as numerous components within the human body work together so we can move around and perform different tasks, the braking system of a car follows a similar concept. The system is composed of several different parts, all of which perform a specific task; when each part does its job, the outcome is a collective system that brings your car to a stop.

Rotor – These are connected to each tire and in order for the vehicle to stop the rotor must also stop spinning. The rotor comes to a halt when friction created by the brake pad impedes its movement.

Brake Pads – These are responsible for connecting with the rotors to create friction which ceases vehicle movement.

Calipers – These are responsible for adding pressure to the brake pads to create a connection with the rotors. The caliper relies on brake fluid to function properly.

Brake Fluid – Just as motor oil and gasoline are necessary for your car to run, brake fluid is the vital element for the braking system to operate. Without the proper level of brake fluid, your car’s stopping distance could be lengthened. If there is very little or no brake fluid, then your car may not stop at all.

Hose – This hose transfers brake fluid from the brake pedal you engage with your foot to the calipers.

When you hit the brakes, you engage a cylinder of brake fluid that is delivered to the brake calipers. The calipers activate the brake pads which pressurize the rotors, creating the friction needed to bring the car to a stop.