Armored Cars & Trucks

The braking system is one of the most important components of a vehicle. Without reliable brakes, drivers cannot safely stop, increasing the chances of an accident. Proper vehicle maintenance includes checking the brake pads and shoes, and replacing them as necessary. When buying brake disc pads and shoes, buyers should have a basic understanding of how brakes work, as well as the important differences between disc and drum brakes. Understanding How Brakes Work When drivers press the brake pedal, they engage the hydraulic system. This system forces fluid through a series of tubes and hoses that run from the brake's master cylinder to the piston, which applies pressure to the wheels and stops the car. Some brakes use a system of discs and brake pads to accomplish this, while others use shoes and drums. Most passenger vehicles have a combination of disc and drum brakes, with disc brakes attached to the front wheels and drum brakes attached to the rear wheels. Disc Brake...