Brakes
7 Contaminated Brake Fluid Indicators
Brake fluid is essential to your vehicle’s brake performance. Here are five signs your brake fluid may be dirty and when it’s time to schedule a brake service.
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Schedule Service
Your Nearest Store:
7980 S Broadway
Littleton, CO
303.515.7308
Most stores are open nights and weekends
Store Hours:
| Day(s) | Hours |
|---|---|
| MON-FRI: | 7:00am-7:00pm |
| SAT: | 7:00am-6:00pm |
| SUN: | 9:00am-5:00pm |
| JULY 4TH: | Closed |
Disk Brakes vs. Drum Brakes
Firestone complete auto care performs nearly one million brake repairs every year.
Types of Brakes: Disc Brakes vs. Drum Brakes
Every vehicle comes equipped with brakes. But do you know whether your vehicle has disc brakes or drum brakes? And what’s the difference between disc and drum brakes? If you’re confused, give yourself a break. Firestone Complete Auto Care has the answers to all of your most pressing brake questions.
Every car comes with two front brakes and two rear brakes. Older vehicles typically have drum brakes in both the front and rear. In contrast, modern cars tend to have either disc brakes on all four wheels or disc brakes in the front and drum brakes in the back. Both brake types use a hydraulic braking system as well as a brake pad or brake shoe to create friction, causing a vehicle to stop when the driver applies pressure to the brake pedal.
WHAT ARE DISC BRAKES?
Disc brakes use calipers, brake rotors, and brake pads. Each disc brake has a brake pad on both sides that pushes against the brake rotor when the driver applies pressure to the brake pedal. Disc brakes can typically provide better stopping power than drum brakes.
How often do rotors need service? Brake rotors range in replacement from 15,000 to 70,000 miles. However, rotor replacement will depend on whether the rotor has been damaged and if it can be resurfaced to meet the manufacturer's required thickness.
One of the expert technicians at Firestone Complete Auto Care can determine whether it’s time to resurface or replace your disc brakes. During our free brake check*, our professionals will check the integrity of brake system components like calipers, brake lines, rotors, and pads, and check and test brake fluid level.
WHAT ARE DRUM BRAKES?
Drum brakes use brake shoes, drums, and wheel cylinders. Each drum brake has brake shoes that press against the drum when the driver depresses the brake pedal. Drum brakes have springs that retract the brake shoes when pressure is not applied, which can cause less drag and help improve fuel economy.
How often do car drum brakes need replacing? The drums themselves are made to last roughly 200,000 miles. However, all vehicles are different. It's best to schedule routine brake inspections at your nearest Firestone Complete Auto Care to ensure you're not driving on worn brakes.
If you're unsure about whether you should get your drums resurfaced or replaced, visit your local Firestone Complete Auto Care for a free brake check. *Brake service costs extra.
What Are The Advantages of Disc Brakes On Cars
All-wheel disc brakes — common on many vehicles — typically perform better in terms of stopping while steering than drum brakes. Disc brakes have fewer moving parts and better heat dissipation than drum brakes. Additionally, disc brakes are often less prone to performance issues due to rust, water, and dirt buildup since the pads and rotors are exposed.
How Often Should the Brakes Be Checked?
Your car’s brake system should be inspected at least once a year. If you’re overdue for a brake check, make an appointment today at your nearest Firestone Complete Auto Care for professional brake repair and maintenance.
Learn More About Brakes
Brake Fluid Exchange & Repair Services
Brake fluid service includes testing, flush, and exchange of your brake fluid at your nearby Firestone Auto. Schedule an appointment online or visit us today!
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Wagner Brake Pads
Firestone Complete Auto Care uses Wagner brakes when performing brake service. Wagner brake pads are the No. 1 brake pad in North America.
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Qualis Rotors & Brake Drums
At Firestone Complete Auto Care, we use only use the best brake parts. That's why we use Qualis rotors and drums when servicing your car brakes.
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Parking Brake Repair & Service
Need an e-brake check? If you have a loose handbrake or stuck emergency brake, get it repaired at Firestone Complete Auto Care. Make an appointment today!
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Auto Brake Parts from Firestone
From brake pads to brake rotors, brake calipers to the master cylinder, Firestone auto professionals install or replace brake parts using the best brands.
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Disk Brakes vs. Drum Brakes
Learn the difference between disk brakes vs. drum brakes. Find out what types of brakes your car has at Firestone Complete Auto Care.
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How Do Car Brakes Work
Learn how hydraulic car brakes work on cars and trucks. Find out how to care for disc brakes and drum brakes at Firestone Complete Auto Care.
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Brake Inspection & Services
Experiencing brake problems? Your nearby Firestone Complete Auto Care can check your brakes, do a brake fluid change, and more. Visit a nearby location today.
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Brake Rotors
Visit Firestone Complete Auto Care near you to find out more about brake pad and rotor replacement costs and get your professional brake inspection.
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Brake Repair
Your Firestone Complete Auto Care offers free brake checks 7 days a week. Have confidence your brakes are working right. Schedule an appointment or visit today!
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Brakes
Regenerative Braking Explained: Your Questions Answered
Regenerative braking offers electric and hybrid cars an innovative way to harness energy from brakes. Learn more with this in-depth guide.
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Brakes
Get to Know the Essential Parts of Your Braking System
Although braking is second-nature to most drivers, many don't understand how brakes function. Get to know the essential parts of your braking system here.
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