Braking System

You might not think twice about how your car’s brakes work—you press a pedal, the car slows, or stops completely. But the truth is, your vehicle’s braking system is a sophisticated combination of mechanical and hydraulic components, all working seamlessly to keep you in control.

Understanding how your braking system functions not only helps you stay informed as a driver, it also underscores just how essential it is for your safety, especially during emergency stops or tough driving conditions.

In this blog, Gents Garage in Sittingbourne walks you through the braking system, from the basic science behind it to what happens each time you hit the pedal. You’ll also learn why regular maintenance is key to staying safe on the road in Sittingbourne, Maidstone, and beyond.

A Quick Overview Of How Car Brakes Work

Your braking system is one of the most powerful safety mechanisms in your car. It takes a heavy, moving object and brings it safely to a halt, all with just a light touch from your foot. But do you know how?

The Simple Science Behind Stopping

As your car moves, it builds up kinetic energy. Your brakes are there to convert that energy into heat by using friction. That’s how braking slows the wheels and, in turn, the entire vehicle.

Different cars use different brake systems, but here’s what happens in most modern passenger cars:

• When you press the brake pedal, hydraulic pressure builds up.
  
• This pressure is transmitted through brake fluid and lines to each wheel.
  
• At the wheels, disc or drum brakes create friction. Disc brakes use calipers to clamp brake pads against a spinning disc. Drum brakes use shoes pressing outward inside a rotating drum.
  
• During sharp or emergency braking, your Anti-lock Braking System (ABS) kicks in to prevent the wheels from locking, helping you stay in control.
  

Friction is the key player here. Without it, your car wouldn’t slow down effectively, and your stopping distance would increase dramatically. That’s why it’s vital for the components generating this friction, your brake pads and shoes, to be kept in good condition.

But have you ever wondered what’s really going on beyond the pedal?

What Your Brake Pedal Really Sets in Motion

Each time you apply the brakes, you trigger a precise and powerful chain reaction that brings your car safely to a stop.

It begins the moment your foot presses the pedal. This mechanical action activates the brake servo (also known as the booster), which amplifies the force from your foot. Without the servo, you’d need to push down a lot harder to generate enough stopping power, especially at speed.

The boosted force then moves into the master cylinder, where it’s turned into hydraulic pressure in the brake fluid.

This pressure travels through the brake lines and hoses, reaching all four wheels simultaneously. Thanks to the sealed design, the force is transferred with minimal loss, allowing for smooth, consistent braking.

At the wheels:

• Disc Brakes (most common today): The hydraulic pressure pushes the brake pads against a spinning brake disc. This friction converts kinetic energy into heat, bringing the car to a controlled stop.
  
• Drum Brakes (often on rear wheels): Pressure moves the wheel cylinders, which push brake shoes outward against the inner surface of a brake drum, generating the same heat-producing friction.

When you lift your foot off the pedal, everything resets. The pressure drops, the brakes release, and your wheels are free to rotate again. 

This entire sequence happens almost instantly. It’s a coordinated mechanical and hydraulic process that allows you to modulate your speed with incredible precision. That’s how car brakes work, and why keeping this system properly maintained is non-negotiable.

At Gents Garage, we carry out thorough inspections to ensure every component is functioning correctly, from the brake pedal to the calipers and drums. Regular servicing not only prolongs the life of your braking system but ensures you’re much less likely to be caught off guard on the road.

Other Key Features of the Braking System

Anti-lock Braking System (ABS):
ABS prevents your wheels from locking up under hard braking. Sensors at each wheel monitor their speed, and if one starts to lock, the system modulates the brake pressure several times per second. This maintains traction and allows you to steer, even when braking sharply on slippery surfaces. ABS is especially effective on wet roads or when making emergency stops.

Parking Brake:
The parking brake (or handbrake) is a secondary system designed to hold your car stationary when parked. In traditional setups, pulling the lever applies mechanical force via cables to the rear brakes. Newer models often use electronic parking brakes, activated with a button rather than a lever. Regardless of the setup, the parking brake functions separately from the main braking system and is legally required to act on at least two wheels, making it a vital safety feature as well as a parking tool.

Get Ahead of Brake Problems with Gents Garage

Brakes are one of those systems that some people overlook until something feels off. Maybe it’s a squeal, a soft pedal, or just a longer stopping distance. These aren’t things to ignore.

At Gents Garage in Sittingbourne, we take brake maintenance seriously. Regular servicing is the best way to keep your braking system in top condition. But if anything seems unusual in between visits, don’t wait. Our technicians are always on hand to provide clear advice and prompt action.

We’ll inspect every key component of your braking system, from fluid condition and pad wear to ABS sensor feedback. And if anything needs attention, we’ll walk you through your options—no jargon, just facts.

We’re proud to support drivers from Sittingbourne, Maidstone, Faversham and the Isle of Sheppey with quality brake care you can rely on.

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Here’s what you can expect when you choose Gents Garage:

• Free courtesy car to keep you moving
• 12-month or 10,000-mile parts and labour guarantee
• Thorough brake checks carried out by skilled technicians
• High-quality OEM* or equivalent parts fitted as standard
• Clear, honest pricing with no unexpected extras
  

Whether it’s a routine inspection or something more urgent, give us a call today on 01795 425999. At Gents Garage in Sittingbourne, we’ll keep your braking system in peak condition. Keeping you safe, mile after mile.

Call Now 01795 425999Save on Brake Servicing

*OEM stands for Original Equipment Manufacturer. When it comes to vehicle parts, this means the parts are made by the same company that produced the original parts for the vehicle manufacturer